Flash Fiction Markets

A Collection of Websites and Magazines That Publish Micro-Fiction

Jan 30, 2008

Micro-fiction, postcard fiction, flash fiction: whatever you call it, it's a distinct genre and it has its own markets. These places publish stories under 1,000 words.

Flash fiction is enjoying an increase in popularity, and there are a number of high-quality websites dedicated exclusively to the genre. Whether you're ready to submit, or simply looking for some good places to read micro-fiction, these resources will give you an idea of what's out there. Notice that different markets define the genre differently in terms of word count, narrative style, and subject matter, so be sure to check out each publication carefully before you submit.

Vestal Review

Vestal Review is devoted entirely to flash fiction, which they refer to as an “underrepresented form of fiction.” It's an eclectic quarterly online journal and semi-annual print journal. They define flash fiction as a story under 500 words, with plot. The stories they publish are fairly literary, as opposed to genre fiction. Each online issue features four stories, and they pay 3-10 cents a word, depending on the length of the piece, plus a contributor's copy.

SmokeLong Quarterly

The name 'SmokeLong' comes from the idea that you can read a piece of flash fiction in the time it takes to smoke a cigarette. This journal is devoted exclusively to micro fiction, and accepts stories up to 1,000 words, with a preference for stories in the 400-700 range. SmokeLong publishes online four times a year, and release an annual flash fiction anthology. Unfortunately this is a non-paying market, but it's a good place to start getting your writing out there. They encourage unpublished writers to submit.

Flashquake

This sedate, literary online quarterly is 'dedicated to publishing the best flash literature.' The quality of the writing is high and the well-designed site makes reading a pleasure. Every year, Flashquake editors nominate some of their writers for the Pushcart Prize, a substantial American literary award. Flashquake accepts fiction and nonfiction submissions under 1,000 words, and prefers even shorter pieces. They also publish poetry under 35 lines. They pay a stipend to every contributor. Make sure to check the submission guidelines carefully, as the editors have specific reading periods and deadlines for each issue.

Brevity

If you are working on a mini-memoir or nonfiction piece, consider submitting to Brevity, the online journal affiliated with the Creative Nonfiction website. They publish true, narrative stories that are 750 words or less. Many of their stories are written by accomplished and well-known writers, but they will publish new writers if the quality is there. For more information on what creative nonfiction is, look here.

Flash fiction contests

First prize $250. Entry fee $20, includes a one year subscription to Geist. Storis, maximum 500 words, must relate to the image on an actual postcard you choose and include with your submission.

The copyright of the article Flash Fiction Markets in Writer's Markets is owned by Sarah Turner. Permission to republish Flash Fiction Markets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sep 17, 2008 4:14 PM

Guest :

FlashFictionOnline.com is a new (Jan. 2008) flash fiction magazine that pays professional rates. They publish genre and literary stories from 500-1000 words.

Oct 5, 2008 12:31 PM

Guest :

Nice sites found here. Thanks for the tips.

Oct 15, 2008 6:28 AM

Guest :

Flash: The International Short-Short Story Magazine is a new (Oct. 2008) magazine that publishes quality stories (and occassional articles and reviews) of up to 360 words. For submission and subscription details, visit www.chester.ac.uk/flash.magazine/

Jan 9, 2009 9:38 AM

Guest :

Dog Oil Press (dogoilpress.com) is a new (low) paying market for short works of dark humor.

Mar 8, 2009 7:37 PM

Guest :

I thought people looking here might be interested in this. This journal is interested in flash fiction submissions:

Anything Anymore Anywhere [www.anything-anymore-anywhere.com], a new print journal based in Edinburgh, Scotland, is now reading for its second issue, due out Summer 2009.

We welcome submissions of poetry, fiction and essays. Submissions are accepted year-round, but the deadline for inclusion in the next issue is May 1st 2009. Please send submissions to submissions@anything-anymore-anywhere.com .

As the name suggests, we do not wish to be prescriptive about the sort of work we receive, but it might be helpful to read this short introduction [www.anything-anymore-anywhere.com/about/about.htm] to get a sense of what we aim to achieve with the journal.

Mar 9, 2009 1:19 PM

Sarah Turner :

Thanks for your suggestions everyone! Keep 'em coming.

Mar 28, 2009 11:04 PM

Guest :

Ink Monkey Magazine is a new magazine that will accept flash fiction.
There's a twice yearly print mag, and there's a 8 page zine that's printed whenevre submissions allow.

http://inkmonkeymag.synthasite.com

Jun 10, 2009 2:52 PM

Guest :

Hypersonic Tales is a new flash fiction webzine taking submission for its second issue. it has audio. Check out hypersonictales.com.

Sep 15, 2009 11:44 AM

Guest :

www.eclecticflash.com is a new online literary journal dedicated to flash literature and poetry. They accept submissions of anything under 1K word count--poetry, prose, fiction, nonfiction, literary, horror, sci-fi, etc. The site is still under construction, but it looks great.