This sounds pretentious but I started writing a novel tonight. I don't know what spurred me...
Anyway, SSz, if you want minimal leg work I'd suggest that you start a website or blog devoted to your stories. That way it might get noticed by people like
Magazine Man. He's found people through their blogs that he ended up contracting to write articles.
Polish up your stories and send them to publishers the worst they can do is say they don't want it.
Here is a list of some publishers, what they're looking for an links to their submission guidelines.