The Best American Short Stories A project of Mariner Books (see other related projects). About The Best American Short Stories is the premier showcase for the country’s finest short fiction, featuring unforgettable stories by both renowned writers and exciting newcomers. Important: Reprints only of work published in nationally-distributed American or Canadian publications in the previous calendar year. Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to Americans and Canadians. The editors may not respond to all submissions. After waiting a reasonable amount of time, assume your submission will not be accepted. Country of Publication United States Publication Media & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationPublished 1 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationPublished 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Fiction Open Rolling Submissions:Next cutoff date is 31 December 2026* (approx. 110 days from now).1Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Short Story: No specific word count limits known (our definition: 1000 to 7500 words).Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:Unknown payment Unknown payment.Submissions:Methods: Email. Postal. Reprints: Reprints are allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to project webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @marinerbooksX (Twitter) @MarinerBooks For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The Best American Short Stories Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 2 reports from 2 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Pending 1 response is pending (98 days waiting). This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The editors may not respond to all submissions. After waiting a reasonable amount of time, assume your submission will not be accepted. Date compiled: 12 Sep 2026 09:00 UTC (3 hours, 11 minutes ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsThe Best American EssaysThe Best American Food & Travel WritingThe Best American Mystery StoriesThe Best American Nonrequired Reading DNQThe Best American Science & Nature WritingThe Best American Science Fiction and FantasyBest American Travel Writing Series DNQJohn Joseph Adams Books CLOSEDMariner Books DNQ Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 12 Jul 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only