SKUMMEL SKUMMEL welcomes unsolicited flash fiction, poetry, and short fiction from both emerging and established authors. We’re drawn to all forms of dark, unsettling, absurdist, and experimental literature.To get a sense of our tastes, browse the works we’ve previously published.We respond to every submission. Our average response time is about two weeks, often sooner.Rights: We acquire first publication rights, but you, the author, retain full ownership of your work. This means SKUMMEL holds publication rights for 30 days after the release of your storyAfter that 30-day period, you’re free to publish or submit your piece elsewhere. We simply ask that you acknowledge SKUMMEL in any subsequent reprints.Payment: For now: our gratitude, admiration, and a digital copy of the issue your work appears in :)General Guidelines: We accept both original work and reprints. If your piece has been previously published, whether in print or online (including blogs, personal websites, or social media), please let us know where and when it first appeared. By submitting a reprint, you confirm that you hold the rights to republish it. Simultaneous submissions are encouraged. Just notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. Multiple submissions are welcome. Send as many pieces as you like, provided they are polished and ready for consideration.Format: We have no strict formatting rules, just make sure your work is readable. Please avoid colored text or backgrounds.Quick Links to Open Calls:24 Hour Response (Fiction/Poetry) Fee: usd $10.00Flash Fiction (1 - 1000 Words) FreePoetry FreeShort Fiction (1000 – 3000 words) FreeShort Fiction (3000 – 5000 words) Fee: usd $3.00SKUMMEL Scaries Free 24 Hour Response (Fiction/Poetry) Fee: usd $10.00 OpenFor those who can’t wait, our editors will read, review, and reply within 24 hours of your submission. This expedited option does require a fee, and we’re truly grateful for the support. Please note: choosing this option will never influence our editorial decision about your work. It only speeds up the response time.SubmitFlash Fiction (1 - 1000 Words) Free Tip Jar Option OpenWe accept both original work and reprints. If your piece has been previously published, whether in print or online (including blogs, personal websites, or social media), please let us know where and when it first appeared. By submitting a reprint, you confirm that you hold the rights to republish it. Simultaneous submissions are encouraged. Just notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. Multiple submissions are welcome. Send as many pieces as you like, provided they are polished and ready for consideration. WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY WORK WRITTEN/ASSISTED BY AI. We have no strict formatting rules, just make sure your work is readable. Please avoid colored text or backgrounds.Word count must be below 1000.SubmitPoetry Free Tip Jar Option OpenSKUMMEL welcomes unsolicited flash fiction, poetry, and short fiction from both emerging and established authors. We’re drawn to all forms of dark, unsettling, absurdist, and experimental literature. To get a sense of our tastes, browse the works we’ve previously published. We respond to every submission. Our average response time is about two weeks, often sooner.SubmitShort Fiction (1000 – 3000 words) Free Tip Jar Option OpenSKUMMEL welcomes unsolicited flash fiction, poetry, and short fiction from both emerging and established authors. We’re drawn to all forms of dark, unsettling, absurdist, and experimental literature. To get a sense of our tastes, browse the works we’ve previously published. We respond to every submission. Our average response time is about three weeks, often sooner.SubmitShort Fiction (3000 – 5000 words) Fee: usd $3.00 OpenFor stories in the 3,000–5,000 word range, we charge a small submission fee. Longer pieces take more time to read and review, and the fee helps us fairly compensate our editors for that additional work.SubmitSKUMMEL Scaries Free Tip Jar Option OpenSKUMMEL Scaries is live!SKUMMEL Scaries is a paid newsletter from SKUMMEL that will publish exclusive short stories each month. Subscribers to the newsletter will receive special access to these stories, as well as other perks. We request that stories be no longer than 3000 words. Submit 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