News Bits

Regular submissions are open now. Our short story contest opens September 15.  

We have recently switched to online submissions. To help defray the administrative costs of this new system, we ask that our submitters pay a submission fee of $2 per story. Submitters should visit our publisher's online store to pay the submission fee. When the transaction is complete, submitters will be directed to our Submission Manager, where they can upload their stories.

More Submission Details

American Short Fiction has published, and continues to seek, short fiction by some of the finest writers working in contemporary literature, whether they are established, or new or lesser-known authors.

1. Unsolicited submissions are accepted year-round. There are no set guidelines as to content or length--however, our Submission Manager requires that uploaded files be less than 500 KB. Anyone wishing to send a story to American Short Fiction should first become familiar with the work previously published by the magazine. Our standards for acceptance are extremely high. Sample copies and subscriptions are available for sale through our publisher's online store.
2. Short fiction submitted to the magazine must be original and previously unpublished. All manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced, with the author's name, address, phone number, and approximate word count at the top of the first page, and numbered throughout.
3. Send only your best work. Submit only one story at a time. Please first pay the $2 submission fee (click here to do so) before submitting your work.
4. We are not accepting paper submissions at this time. All paper submissions will be recycled upon receipt, unless an SASE with full postage for ms return is provided.
5. All manuscripts must be written in English. Translations are acceptable, but must be accompanied by a copy of the original text.
6. We will read and consider simultaneous submissions, on the condition that the author notify us immediately, by telephone or email, if the manuscript is accepted for publication elsewhere. Submitters may also opt to withdraw submissions through the Submission Manager.
7. Payment is competitive and upon publication. American Short Fiction purchases first serial rights. All rights revert to the author upon publication.
8. The editors aim to respond to manuscripts in a timely fashion, and ask that you wait a minimum of four months to send follow-up inquiries. Please send inquiries by email to editors[AT]americanshortfiction.org and include the phrase "Submissions Inquiry" in your subject line.
9. As the name indicates, American Short Fiction does not publish poetry, plays, nonfiction, reviews, etc.

Need further information? Email us at editors[AT]americanshortfiction.org.