matchbook matchbook literary magazine

matchbook looks for works of short fiction, creative nonfiction, and indeterminate prose. Like our name suggests, we are interested in literary art that manages brevity without sacrificing fullness. We like narrative, but we also like work that uses form to express something about the time in which we live. Read through the archive to get a sense of what a matchbook piece might be.

We are most interested in works fewer than 1,000 words, but we will publish those with higher word counts if they are exceptional.

If we fancy your submission, you'll be asked to submit a companion piece to be included as an Author’s Note, postings of which appear below the published piece.

Send unpublished work. Simultaneous submissions are fine. Being a writer is hard. Please let us know asap if it is accepted elsewhere. No AI written or assisted submissions. Please limit submissions to three pieces if they are longish. Five if they are shortish.

Please format your submission file(s) so the filename is the title of your piece with no other information. If sending multiple pieces, you will be allowed to add each individually, but all will be attached to your submission.

At this time, matchbook is able to pay $20 per accepted website submission. Submissions are accepted through our Duosuma submission manager.