Update 2/1/2026: We are OPEN to general submissions
Our first call for general submissions has opened, and will remain open until we reach 1,000 submissions.
Our first themed call is for speculative fiction written on the theme "Tiny Gods." This will open March 1st. You can find the write-up for this call on our Patreon page >> HERE <<
Our reading schedule for the first half of 2026 is available on our Patreon page >> HERE <<
Guidelines
We are looking for complete 500- to 1000-word stories with crisp prose, well-developed characters, compelling plots, and satisfying resolutions. We want stories that engage our minds and emotions.
We publish across many genres, including speculative (science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, and horror) and literary fiction. For more information on the type of stories we enjoy, please read a few issues and check out our "What We're Looking For" page.
SUBMISSION CAP: We are limited to 1,000 free submissions. We do expect to reach that number before the end of the month.
FORMATTING: Please format your submission in a double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman or similar font (we prefer not to read in Courier), with standard 1" margins and black font on an unadorned, white background. No PDF submissions. No Images and no graphics.
ANONYMOUS SUBMISSIONS: Do not include your name, address, email, or other identifying information on your manuscript (header, byline, file name, etc).
SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: Yes, we accept simultaneous submissions, but please notify us and withdraw the story as soon as you learn that it has been accepted somewhere else.
MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS: No. One story per author per call.
RESUBMISSIONS: If you have a story that has been rejected by Flash Fiction Online, please do not resubmit unless an edited version has been requested by the editorial team.
REPRINTS: Not for this call. We will be open for reprints in May 2026.
AI-GENERATED SUBMISSIONS: We are committed to publishing stories written and edited by humans. We reserve the right to reject any submission that we suspect to be primarily generated or created by language modeling software, Chat GPT, chat bots, or any other AI apps, bots, or software. We reserve the right to ban submissions from accounts, emails, or users who we believe or suspect have submitted AI-generated content.
QUERIES: You can check on the status of your submission at any time via your Submittable account. If, after 10 weeks, your submission is still marked as "in-progress," you may email editor@flashfictiononline.com with QUERY in the subject line for an update on its status. (Submissions sent to this address will be deleted unread.)
COMPENSATION: Our 2026 rate is $100 for each original story. Our current contract language: MOU for original stories
We are unable to provide personal feedback or critiques.
We will NOT consider stories that promote or affirm hatred, prejudice, or violence toward any group of people based on age, race, nationality, religion, sex, gender, political affiliation, disability, neurodiversity, or other social identity.
We are looking for complete 500- to 1000-word stories with crisp prose, well-developed characters, compelling plots, and satisfying resolutions. We want stories that engage our minds and emotions.
We publish across many genres, including speculative (science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, and horror) and literary fiction. For more information on the type of stories we enjoy, please read a few issues and check out our "What We're Looking For" page.
SUBMISSION CAP: We are limited to 1,000 free submissions. We do expect to reach that number before the end of the month.
FORMATTING: Please format your submission in a double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman or similar font (we prefer not to read in Courier), with standard 1" margins and black font on an unadorned, white background. No PDF submissions. No Images and no graphics.
ANONYMOUS SUBMISSIONS: Do not include your name, address, email, or other identifying information on your manuscript (header, byline, file name, etc).
SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: Yes, we accept simultaneous submissions, but please notify us and withdraw the story as soon as you learn that it has been accepted somewhere else.
MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS: No. One story per author per call.
RESUBMISSIONS: If you have a story that has been rejected by Flash Fiction Online, please do not resubmit unless an edited version has been requested by the editorial team.
REPRINTS: Not for this call. We will be open for reprint in May 2026.
AI-GENERATED SUBMISSIONS: We are committed to publishing stories written and edited by humans. We reserve the right to reject any submission that we suspect to be primarily generated or created by language modeling software, Chat GPT, chat bots, or any other AI apps, bots, or software. We reserve the right to ban submissions from accounts, emails, or users who we believe or suspect have submitted AI-generated content.
QUERIES: You can check on the status of your submission at any time via your Submittable account. If, after 10 weeks, your submission is still marked as "in-progress," you may email editor@flashfictiononline.com with QUERY in the subject line for an update on its status. (Submissions sent to this address will be deleted unread.)
COMPENSATION: Our 2026 rate is $100 for each original story.
We are unable to provide personal feedback or critiques.
We will NOT consider stories that promote or affirm hatred, prejudice, or violence toward any group of people based on age, race, nationality, religion, sex, gender, political affiliation, disability, neurodiversity, or other social identity.