20+ Markets for Short Fiction

I’ve recently come to love writing short stories as a way to hone my fiction.

Short stories force you to chose your words carefully and deliberately, and to cut out all the unnecessary padding that can sneak its way into novels. (All of these are things I need to work on!)

But it can be difficult for writers to find places to publish short fiction, and even more difficult to find places that will pay you for it. So, I spend a little time putting together a reference list. It’s by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good starting point if you have a story you want to find a home for.

Please note: I have not written for, or even submitted to, all of these publications. If you have specific information or personal experiences with any of them, please feel free to share in the comments! Just be sure to keep it real and useful.

Markets for Literary Short Fiction

Glimmer Train – Quarterly print publication, around since 1990. In addition to standard submission, they also have four contest categories throughout the year. Check their submission guidelines to know when and how to submit in each category. Pay $700 standard, contests vary.

The First Line – Actually open to all genres of fiction, with a bit of a catch. Four times a year, the website provides the first line a story must start with, and the writers take it from there. See the guidelines for more information and each year’s first lines. Pay $25-$50.

Literary Laundry – A journal dedicated to the literature that conveys a sense of wonder to underly the story. Reading period for submissions are subject to change, so be sure to read the guidelines before sending in your work. Accepted submissions eligible for an award of $250-$500.

Agni –  A very literary journal with both print and online components, it is supported by a creative writing grant from Boston University. Read about Agni’s history to see the many authors whose work have appeared in its pages, including Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winners. No specific info on payment.

Conjunctions– Publishes contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Especially seeks work that challenges literary traditions and experiments with language and thought. Most issues are themes, so be sure to read the guidelines first. No specific info on payment

Carve Magazine – Combination web and print journal dedicated to promoting the work of their contributors (yay!) Accepts standard submissions, but also holds two contests. Publishes quarterly, includes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Pay $100 per story.

Colorado Review – Literary magazine that accepts non-genre fiction, non-fiction, and poetry focusing on contemporary themes. Check the guidelines for open reading periods; open to both mail and online submissions. Pay $25 or $5 per printed page, whichever is greater.

Georgia Review – Accepts short stories, poems, and essays for writers at all stages in their careers. Looking for memorable, literary works. Read the guidelines carefully; rules include no simultaneous submissions or previously published work. Pay $50 per printed page.

Markets for Genre Short Fiction

Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine – Journal of every kind of mystery short story, but they are not interested in explicit sex or violence. Submissions must be made through their online portal. Pay $.05-$.08 per word.

Shimmer – Publishes speculative fiction and contemporary fantasy, often with a dark or melancholy bent. Read their fiction guidelines to know when to submit. Pay $.05 per word.

Strange Horizons – Magazine of speculative fiction and related non-fiction. See fiction guidelines for details on what topics/themes do and do not interest the editors. Pay $.08 per word, minimum $50.

Beneath Ceaseless Skies – Publishes “literary fantasy adventure”; stories set in a secondary world but with a literary approach to storytelling. Not interested in stories with real world setting. See fiction guidelines for more detail. Pay $.05 per word.

Apex Magazine – Monthly online and print magazine. Publishes sci-fi, fantasy, speculative fiction, and horror, as well as genre mashups. Guidelines are for submitting fiction only; does not accept unsolicited poetry/non-fiction. Pay $.05 per word.

Clarksworld – Monthly science fiction and fastasy magazine, also published anthologies and ebooks. Both the magazine and its writers have been nominated for Hugo, Nebula, and other awards. Submissions guidelines contain a helpful list of themes they do not want. Pay $.10 per word for first 4000 words, $.05 per word after that.

Ideomancer – Speculative fiction journal interested in “the geography of the imagination.” Prefer non-traditional narratives and tone. Not open to submissions year-round, so be sure to check before you email. Pay $.03 per word up to $40.

Lightspeed Magazine – Accepts all forms of sci-fi and fantasy, and has featured stories that went on to wine both Hugo and Nebula awards. Each month includes for originals and four reprints.  Submissions are not open year-round. Pay $.08 per word for originals; $.02 for reprints.

Crossed Genres – Speculative fiction magazine. Each month, a new genre is chosen, and writers must combine that genre with sci-fi/fantasy. Submissions page includes genres by month and full guidelines. Pay $.05 per word.

Kaleidotrope – Online journal that primarily published speculative fiction (including fantasy, sci-fi, and horror) but is not always limited to those genres. Guidelines suggest reading a few issues first. Pay $.01 per word.

Futurismic – An online journal of “near-future” science fiction and non-fiction. Interested in pieces that use science fiction to take a look at the contemporary world. See submission guidelines for details on what they are and are not looking for. Pay $200 flat rate.

Market’s For Children’s/MG/YA Short Fiction

(I actually don’t know a whole lot of markets for short fiction directed at a younger audience. If you know of others, please share in the comments!)

Highlights – General interest magazine for children up to 12, so stories should be readable by a young audience but appeal to older children as well. Submissions are open year-round. Pay various, $150 an up for short fiction.

Cricket – Open to any genre, but stories should be aimed at young readers. Submission guidelines include information on what they look for in various genres. Pay up to $.25 per word for stories and articles.

Cicada – Published by the Cricket Magazine Group. Print publication directed at young adult readers with a literary bent, though accepts all genres of work. Submissions vary depending on time of year. Pay up to $.25 per word.