Carl, some publications accept self-published stories, as well as drafts, although the majority only take drafts. All but 2 of my stories were first self-published. The 2 that were in draft were quite a while ago. I was put off the next time I went to submit a draft. I went over the word limit and it was sent back. I immediately corrected it and the editor never got back. After that, I self-published but also published in publications. I know one publication even prefers self-published first. The problem there is the algorithm and the story has already been seen. Some say being published didn’t make a great difference. By the time mine were published, my stories were already read and I don’t think it made a great difference being in a publication. They would’ve got more exposure but not necessarily reads.

I think it is better to submit drafts than self-publish. What is your procedure for draft stories needing editing (mistakes etc)? Do you send back the story and ask the writer to resubmit or outright reject it? Also how long a turnaround does it normally take to get published in Word Garden (ie) 24 hrs or 48 hrs? I know, of course, that editors voluntarily do the editing and aren’t paid and have lives too. So fully appreciate that.