Way Downstream A Long-Form Prose Anthology A project of Fifth Wheel Press (see other related projects). Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (May 2026). We provide the following information as an archive. About As fiction and nonfiction writers, we’ve often experienced the thrill of finally finishing a piece and opening a new tab to start submitting . . . only to realize it’s too long for most literary magazines to accept, but it’s too short to publish as a standalone book. There are few markets for fiction and creative nonfiction that falls between 4,000-10,000 words, but we believe that some of the most bold, challenging, and intriguing new writing lives in this range.That’s why we created Way Downstream, an anthology for stories and essays that are too long for most literary magazines. We were inspired by the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, which spans six states; 64,000 square miles; and hundreds of thousands of rivers, creeks, and streams on a long journey to the Atlantic. We want to celebrate prose that embodies the spirit of the watershed: work that ebbs and flows, twists and turns, bubbles through rapids, sings over valleys—and, ultimately, finds its way home. Voluntary Fees: This project accepts voluntary fees for “tip jar” submissions. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2026 Publication Medium & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationOne-time publication AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Collapse section Fiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience, including: Nonbinary people, Transgender people, Bisexuals, Lesbians/Gays.Genres: GeneralLengths: Short Story: 4,000 - 7,500 words. Novelette: 7,500 - 10,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Experimental, Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:Token payment (under 1 US cent per word) Token payment. Details: USD $5.Submissions:Method: Duosuma submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience, including: Nonbinary people, Transgender people, Bisexuals, Lesbians/Gays.Lengths: Essay: 4,000 - 10,000 words. Narrative Nonfiction: 4,000 - 10,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Experimental, Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:Token payment (under 1 US cent per word) Token payment. Details: USD $5.Submissions:Method: Duosuma submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to project webpage Report: Correction/Update Support this Publisher: Make a Donation Shop their Store Way Downstream 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: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Group by submission Include related projects Accuracy We have received 36 reports from 36 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 24 min | 41.3 mean avg | 36.0 median | 74 max days (15.2 std dev) Responses 97.23 % Acceptances: 5.56 % of submissions accepted (48.5 avg. days per acceptance) | 5.56 % of submitters accepted Rejections are often underreported, which skews the statistics in favor of acceptances. Most publishers have a lower acceptance rate than indicated here. Rejections: 91.67 % (41.3 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 100.0 % form, 0.0 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 2.78 % (24.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Other Information The most common submission tip paid: USD $3.00. (22.2 % reported giving a tip.) Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 09 Jun 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 15 May 2026. Date compiled: 11 Sep 2026 03:33 UTC (less than a minute 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 Projectsbrainrot Anthology CLOSEDCome Sail Away Anthology CLOSEDFifth Wheel PressFifth Wheel Press BlogGarlandmotherboard Anthology CLOSEDPride Microchapbook SeriesSecrets in the Garden Anthology CLOSED 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: 22 May 2026 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