We have successfully demonstrated a single-frequency distributed-feedback Yb-doped silica fiber laser. The laser cavity is 10 cm long and is formed by a simple method called the shielded method. The phase shift in the fiber Bragg grating is introduced by shielding a small region of the fiber during fabrication by ultraviolet (UV) light from a 193-nm excimer. Without complex pump configuration, the fiber laser gives a maximum output of more than 20 mW when pumped by laser diode at 978 nm with 100 mW. The laser shows a single frequency and single polarization operation.