Dead Ringer Press

Dead Ringer Press is an independent online publication that champions original short crime fiction from new voices. We publish short stories that put character before convention. We're interested in the choices people make under pressure, the motives behind them, and the consequences that follow. Our tastes range from classic mystery to contemporary noir, but whatever the style, we want distinctive writing that keeps readers turning the page.

New Crime Fiction Fee: gbp £3.99 Open

What we're looking for
Original crime fiction, 2,000–5,000 words. Noir, mystery, dark satire, crime/horror crossover, whatever the angle, we want character-led stories with a distinct voice and a real crime element. Straight fantasy or horror with no genuine crime element isn't for us, and neither is gore for shock value alone or fan fiction.

Guidelines

Previously unpublished work only. We don't consider reprints.
Simultaneous submissions are fine, just withdraw promptly here if your story is taken elsewhere.
One story per submission window. Please wait to hear back before sending another.
We aim to respond within 12 weeks.

Rights
We acquire exclusive first publication rights for six months from your story's publish date, after which they revert to you in full. We also ask for a non-exclusive right to include your story in a future anthology, should we ever publish one, that doesn't stop you publishing or licensing it elsewhere.

Payment
Publication is currently unpaid.

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