As you may remember, I am putting the finishing touches to Infinite Waters; my upcoming second collection of short stories (the first one being The Power of Six, of course). Most of them have a touch of science fiction; all of them have a lovely twist.
However, I have also kept a couple of stories out of it, as I have submitted them or am about to submit them to magazines specializing in short stories. I thought I’d let you know which ones those are, in case you, too, are interested in submitting to those.
Non Local Magazine
You may remember my ongoing collaboration with Dan Dombrowsky of the 33rd Street Press. Dan has kindly already included one of my short stories, Shoot the Devil, in his excellent Non Local Magazine. As he’s now preparing the next issues, he’s always on the lookout for sci-fi shorts.
You keep all rights, although you will need to wait for a year before publishing elsewhere. The great bit is that you get paid for every issue sold. This means that, even a couple of years down the line, you will still receive royalties for that one story you had published there. Since Dan is a very keen and capable promoter, I’m sure that back issues will sell for years to come.
Daily Science Fiction
The Daily Science Fiction accepts speculative fiction stories from 100 to 1,500 words in length. They pay 8 cents per word for first worldwide rights and for nonexclusive reprint rights. Additionally, they may pay your an extra 5 cents per word for additional reprinting in themed Daily Science Fiction anthologies.
The Daily Fiction does not accept reprints. Unfortunately, if you have placed a story on your website, where it is open and available to the multiple billion people who have access to the internet, that constitutes publication. Also, they ask you not to submit the same story to them and other venues at the same time.
Flash Fiction Online
Unlike the rest, Flash Fiction Online accepts reprint, paying $.02 (two cents) per word. They publish stories from 500 to 1,000 words in length. Each exclusive story (not reprint) receives $60.
Another perk is that publication in Flash Fiction Online counts toward the requirements for membership in the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA). Although the SFWA recognizes this magazine as a professional market, they frequently publish literary fiction and other genres.
Vestal Review
If you like your fiction short, then Vestal Review is your place. It only accepts stories up to 500 words. Stories have to be original (ie. not published elsewhere) and may be R-rated. Most genres, other than children’s, syrupy romance or hard science fiction, are accepted, and they love humor.
As for payment:
- Stories up to 100 words (excluding the title)–10 cents a word.
- Stories between 101 and 200 words–5 cents a word.
- Stories between 201 and 500 words–3 cents a word.
- Stories of great merit receive up to $25 flat fee; 3 cents a word is a minimum pay in any case.
Fine Linen Magazine
Fine Linen Magazine accepts stories between 200 and 700 words. Again, they require exclusivity, but are flexible about it: if your story has already been published elsewhere, you can either withdraw the piece or give them a good reason – and permission from the previous publisher – why they should publish it.
As for Internet publication, you’d best remove the story from the web before submitting.
Short Story and Flash Fiction Society
Any post about short stories would be incomplete without a mention of the Short Story and Flash Fiction Society. This is not really a magazine, but a group of very passionate people and talented who love short stories and do their best to promote it. They regularly feature the works of authors who love short stories and flash fiction. They also run competitions, offer classes, publish anthologies and are open to guest posts and author interviews. As such, it’s a great resource for fans of flash fiction and short stories!
On top of all that, however, they now accept submissions, allowing writers to publish through them. They accept Flash Fiction (500-800 words), which is posted for $0.50 USD. Your share of royalties is 50% minus any PayPal transaction fees.
They also accept short stories (900-3500 words), which will be posted for $0.75 USD. Your share of royalties is 50% minus any PayPal transaction fees.
While your story is for sale at the Short Story and Flash Fiction Society website, you may not have it posted nor published elsewhere. If you had the story/stories up on your blog or site for free, you must remove them before submitting them for consideration. Also, you may not submit a story that has already been published (including in anthologies), nor any story that has been accepted elsewhere and is still awaiting publication.
Further Resources
If you’re not interested in genre fiction, then you should also check out this post from The Write Life, titled, “Where to Submit Short Stories: 25 Magazines and Websites That Want Your Work.”
You can also check out:
- The Review Review’s Magazine Search
- Every Writer’s Resource’s Top 50 Literary Magazines
- Let’s Write a Short Story’s 44 Literary Magazines To Submit To
Not interested in short stories,you say? How about reading my award-winning children’s book, Runaway Smile, for free then?
Hi Nicholas, I am honored to have you follow me. Thanks for all the wonderful information. Being the late bloomer that I am I need all the help that I can get. Everyone is so helpful, I feel lucky. Looking forward to reading some of your work.
Thank you so much, I’m glad you found my info helpful 🙂
The pleasure of following you is all mine 🙂
Very hand information Nicholas, thank you for sharing. 😀
Thanks for reading! 🙂
I’m taking note. Thanks Nicholas and good luck!
Thanks! 🙂
Reblogged this on BOOK CHAT and commented:
Do you write short stories or flash fiction? If you do, Nicholas Rossis’ post is a must read.
This is great, Nicholas. Thank you! I love short stories and always looking for new places to send my work. One strategy that is working for me at the moment is after my short stories are published in ezines or journals and I get copyright back (often after 90 days or six months), I publish them as Kindle singles on Amazon for 99 cents. Of course you have to state the name of the magazine that originally published it to be fair. Earnings are low but the exposure in reaching readers in your genre is a plus and stimulates book sales.
That’s a great idea, thank you so much for sharing! I think Amazon only allows stories of a certain length, though; right?
I don’t know. I haven’t had any problems with word count on Amazon. Most of my stories are over 3000 words. I suppose flash fiction at 1000 words might be an issue but maybe authors can combine two stories in one ebook. I actually did that with my story Hildie at the Ghost Shore which is 2100 words and I was worried it was too short. So I added on my flash fiction at 1000 words and it went through fine.
Another great idea! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Reblogged this on TJ's New Book Blog and commented:
Great info Nicholas. I reblogged it as much to keep track of it for myself as for others who might be interested. Thanks.
Thanks so much, Nicholas, for these terrific links for writing opportunities.
🙂
Hope you find them useful! 🙂
Fingers crossed. Now to stop blogging completely and work in peace… 😮
And miss talking to you lovely people? Nah… 😀
Hey, you were spontaneously named in a thread by the moderator of one of my Goodreads groups – seems to be a big fan of your work. Also left you a very nice review on his blog:
https://rileyamoswestbrook.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/rileyamosreviews-an-amazing-epic-fantasy-adventure/
Thank you so much for mentioning this to me, Lori! I had no idea about the GR chat 😀
You should be pleased! You’re like a famous author that people are talking about 🙂
Lol – hard as I find it to believe, yes, it does feel that way 😀
Excellent information for short story submissions, Nicholas! Good luck with Infinite Waters!
Thank you! Let me know if you’re interested in an ARC 🙂
You are a very special resource.Thanks. ☺ Van
Thanks, Van! I’m glad you found it useful 🙂
Thanks for sharing these. Good luck with your submissions. And I’m looking forward to your next collection of short stories.
Aw, thank you! I’d be happy to send you an ARC, if you wish 🙂
I’ll buy it:)
I won’t let you 🙂
🙁 Okay, I won’t argue…this time.
Super information Nicholas. Thanks
So glad you found it useful 🙂
I am a short story writer and I am always looking for additional spots to publish especially in the flash fiction area.
In that case, I’m glad to have helped 🙂
Great resources – thanks!
I’m glad you found them useful 🙂
Reblogged this on Books and More.
Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere and commented:
Very useful information for short story writers.
Nicholas, thanks so much for these precious resources! I made sure to bookmark it for future reference. Also, I can’t wait to read your next short story collection – I think it’s your strongest point, writing tantalizing short stories, and I admire your amazing imagination and untold talent in those. Good luck with the launch – remember to send an ARC for a review anytime, I shall be waiting impatiently for it 🙂
Aw, thank you – it’s much appreciated! One ARC coming your way 🙂
As always, useful and generous information for fellow writers.
Good luck with all your forthcoming stories Nicholas.
Best wishes from England. Pete.
So glad you found it useful! Thanks, Pete 🙂
That’s great information Nicholas, very helpful. Thanks.
Hugs
So glad you found it useful! A big hug to you, too 🙂