Apex Magazine Flash Fiction Contest A project of Apex Magazine (see other related projects). About Apex Magazine’s Flash Fiction Contest is themed. If your story does not meet our monthly theme, it will be rejected. The new theme for each month can be found on our Patreon. We continue to keep our focus on literary genre fiction: horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee range is USD $1 to $5 (below average for contests). Want more insight into the editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2022 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 12 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis FasterApex Magazine Flash Fiction Contest's overall average response time is faster than most contests. Normal AcceptanceApex Magazine Flash Fiction Contest's overall acceptance rate is within a normal range for contests. More ResponsiveApex Magazine Flash Fiction Contest's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Fiction Open Fee-based Dates:Open to fiction submissions through 30 September 2026* (approx. 25 days from now).Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Fantasy Open to all/most Subgenres Horror Open to all/most Subgenres Science Fiction Open to all/most SubgenresLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: May vary.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $0.08/word or $10, whichever is more.Submissions:Method: Moksha submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT 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.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @apexmag.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @apexbookcompany Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) Subscribe Support on Patreon For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Apex Magazine Flash Fiction Contest 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 82 reports from 52 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 7 min | 20.0 mean avg | 18.0 median | 72 max days (13.5 std dev) Responses 98.78 % Acceptances: 2.44 % of submissions accepted (15.0 avg. days per acceptance) | 3.85 % 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: 96.34 % (20.4 avg. days per rejection) | 22.8 % personal, 59.5 % form, 17.7 % unspecified | 7.3 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 1.22 % (12.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 11 responses are pending (1 min | 14.6 mean avg | 12.0 median | 35 max days waiting | 11.5 std dev) from 10 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 15 Aug 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 28 Jul 2026. Date compiled: 05 Sep 2026 12:35 UTC (1 hour, 25 minutes ago). View report of recent responses from this project 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! 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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: 04 Sep 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