Flash Fiction Submissions

Step 1 : Read Submission Guidelines

We Want STORIES

What is a story, precisely? The essential core event in all stories ever told in the history of humanity can be expressed in just three words: Conflict changes life. Therefore, the prime definition becomes: a dynamic escalation of conflict-driven events that cause meaningful change in a character’s life.

—Robert McKee

We are not interested in lyrical musings, journal entries, poetry, vignettes, or slices-of-life with no discernible plot or STORY.

NEW: We get too many sad submissions. Try to ellicit another primary emotion e.g. fear, anger, joy, disgust, surprise, trust.

What do we accept?

• We accept fiction stories between 300–1000 words.
• Read Flash Fiction Magazine books to see what stories we have previously paid for.
• No previously published work. Google does not like duplicate content. Please don't publish your story anywhere else on the web, including your own website.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Let our editors know if your story is accepted elsewhere.
• Do not submit excerpts from your latest novel or short stories. Flash fiction should be a complete story.
• We do not accept poetry.
• We do not accept children’s fiction.
• We do not accept erotica. Adult themes including sex, violence, and even politics are fair game.
• We don't need any more stories about the writing process. We have a huge audience of readers who are not authors. Don't alienate them.
• We don’t want to get into rights issues, so no living public figures as characters, fan-fiction involving proprietary characters (Batman, etc.), and song lyrics. Passing references to all of these are fine.

Are there any submission fees?

No.

We do not like reading or contest fees. We want to give every writer a chance. But we do have to pay the bills so we have a few options for those that want in-depth feedback.

Our paid options do not entitle you to publication. We consider all submissions for publication equally. We are not a “pay to publish” publication.

Free Submissions

1 Per Calendar Month.

Priority Submissions

Priority Submissions are for those that desire in-depth feedback on their story. You can read more about this option during the submission process.

$30 - Per Story. No Monthly Limit.

Flash Fiction Masters

You can reduce the cost of Priority Submissions with a monthly subscription. This option includes access to the Flash Fiction Masters writing group on Facebook and a few extra bonuses.

Learn more about Flash Fiction Masters

What do you pay?

• We pay $40 (USD) for stories selected to be in Flash Fiction Magazine anthologies. We will contact you if you are selected.
• We do not pay for stories published on our website.

Do I retain my rights?

• You retain all rights to your work. However, we kindly ask that you not publish your story online—including your own website. This is not a “rights” issue, Google does not like duplicate content.
• If your story is selected for one of our anthologies, your rights will be slightly different. If that happens, you will be emailed a formal contract to review and sign. We will not publish without your consent.

What else?

• We edit spelling and punctuation to meet our style guidelines. Any substantial edits will be submitted to the author for approval.
• You are allowed one submission per calendar month. Priority Submissions are exempt from this rule. Submit as many as you want.
• Please submit one work at a time.
• Do not re-submit a declined story unless asked.
• If we publish one of your stories, please wait two months before submitting another. Priority Submissions are exempt from this rule.

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You can help shape the future of FFM by answering the question below.

Step 13 - Almost Done

Do you want feedback on your story?

Are you frustrated when you submit a story only to get a rejection without explanation?

As a publisher, we understand why this happens: The publisher does not have enough time or resources to provide feedback to hundreds or thousands of writers.

We understand your frustration, because we are writers just like you. We understand how valuable feedback is and how it can improve your writing.

You can not improve as a writer without feedback and instruction.

• Without instruction from experienced writers and editors, your progress will be slow and frustrating.
• You will make the same mistakes over and over again.
• You will be blind to your weaknesses and develop bad habits.
• Most frustrating of all: You will keep getting rejected without any insight on how you can improve.

Feedback from a trusted and experienced editor is the solution.

Becoming a great writer takes time, but you can speed up the process with skilled instruction. The best way to improve your writing quickly is to know your strengths and weaknesses. We have the experience to recognize them.

• Our editors have read and edited thousands of stories and are familiar with common mistakes.
• They will read your story with clarity and find the flaws.
• They will identify your weaknesses and offer suggestions about what you should be focusing on.

It worked for these writers, and it will work for you.

Here is what a few authors said about the feedback they received:

I was grateful for the helpful suggestions given by the editor, especially regarding tips on character growth in the piece. I liked that for major changes, the editor did not directly hand me the solution but only identified the area of improvement, giving me the chance to explore solutions. Throughout the process, I learned what goes into making a reader connect with the characters.

The critique was of great help in improving the story and also imparted valuable lessons that I'll carry with me in my future writing.

—Deepti Nalavade Mahule

I am exceedingly pleased with the prompt and helpful suggestions from Dina Paulson-McEwen. It is impressive that Flash Fiction Magazine offers this wonderful opportunity for a writer like me to improve and enhance my writing skills. Whatever the outcome, whether my story is accepted or not, I am so glad I have become a submitter to FFM and can learn and grow through your editorial services.

—Carol W. Blatter, LCSW, DCSW
Diplomate in Clinical Social Work

My Priority Submission experience at Flash Fiction Magazine was fabulous. I have been exuberant with the whole experience, and I take every opportunity to promote your service to other writers who need that extra guidance in fine tuning their writing skills. The cost is extremely reasonable, and for that price, I got a lot more back than what I had anticipated.

—Loucas Raptis

Trasie did more than make grammar suggestions. She inspired me to look more deeply at what I was trying to say and convey that more convincingly through the characters in my story. She also made a terrific suggestion for the ending, which I incorporated into my re-write of this section.

I have always believed that writers need the help of a good editor. Trasie proved that for me.

—Joe Cappello

I write this still unaware of the final disposition of my submission but certain that, accepted or not, my experience through the Priority Submission process has made my writing better. C.T. has been insightful, kind, and helpful along the way. Her gentle suggestions helped turn a character study into a story. It’s been a truly revelatory experience! It’s remarkable that a couple of thoughtful editorial questions can alter what one expects of one’s work going forward. I’m grateful for the experience.

—Chris Ingram

I found the Priority Submission experience very much worth the cost. I have used it previously and found (both this time and the previous time) that the editors assigned my story were not only genuinely helpful, but also very kind. I even got a suggestion for a title, which was unexpected and one of those things that you might only see as handy in retrospect. You guys do very good work, send out positive vibes, which makes for a very chill, yet insightful experience. I would recommend the editing service to anyone who wants tips on a new style they want to try out (which was the case for me this time), anyone who feels stuck with a story, or anyone who writes really.

—Tamara Panici

I received thoughtful, thus helpful feedback—not boilerplate 'junk'. I used it to re-work my pieces; more importantly, I used the feedback to think about my work and apply the feedback to works since. I will use the service again in the future.

—l.woods

I have been very impressed with the priority submission process. Within a day I received very detailed and helpful editing recommendations that have definitely improved my submission. I’m still working on responding to the full list of possible improvements.

—Kaia Gallagher

I was very pleased with the feedback. So pleased in fact, I hired Mark to edit a number of my flash pieces. The process was quick, painless, and very helpful.

—Richard Raubolt

I thought the process was great! I was very impressed with the quick turnaround and the quality of the feedback. It was a good learning experience.

—Anonymous

The feedback and suggestions were on point and very helpful in reworking and defining my story's message. Thank you for the opportunity to receive feedback.

—David Lozar

Are you ready to improve your writing?

Get access to our Priority Submission benefits:

• Personalized feedback from editors who have read and edited thousands of stories.
• Avoid the frustration of having to wait weeks or months for a response. Our editors will provide feedback in 3-5 days and speed up your learning curve.
• Learn what your weaknesses are and how to improve them.

We are willing to take the risk for you.

We are confident you will have a positive learning experience, and we are willing to take the financial loss if you do not.

If you are not delighted with the feedback you receive, let us know, and we will refund all your money .

This is a significant risk on our part. The editor will be paid for their time either way, and since this is not a physical product, we can not put it back on the shelf and resell it.

The only one who stands to lose anything is us. All we ask is that you be honest. You could easily rip us off, but we still believe in a “hand shake” deal and hope you do to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I get with a Priority Submission?

• Editors will give you direction on what your strengths and weaknesses are.
• Comprehensive and personalized feedback on your story.
• Priority Status moves you to the front of the line.
• 3-5 day turnaround time.

Will my story be published?

Priority Submissions do not entitle you to publication. If authors could simply pay a fee to be published, then the quality and credibility of our publication would be at risk. Our goal is to help you become a better writer, so your odds of being published—here or anywhere else—will improve.

The choice is yours.

You have a choice to make: Take control of your writing journey and actively focus on what needs improvement or continue writing in the dark.