Editor Interview: Flash Fiction Online

Flash - 500-1000 words

Flash Fiction Online publishes only stories in the 500-1000 range, and we are unique in that we accept work across both speculative and literary genres. We pay our authors professional rates for short-short fiction that includes all elements of story -- plot, characters, setting.

Read the guidelines! Our word count is firm. Also, don't self-reject based on what you've seen us put out before. Our tastes change, our needs change, the world changes.

The ideal submission would be one that is dynamic -- that grabs us from the first line and compels us to keep reading. We are looking for complete stories with crisp prose, well-developed characters, compelling plots, and satisfying resolutions. We want stories that engage our minds and emotions.

For original story submissions (i.e., not reprints), please remember to omit all identifying author information!

Our first readers do not get access to cover letters, however, the editorial team would like to know any relevant social media links, and where we can read more of their work if the author has been previously published (definitely not a requirement, we love to find new authors). If the submission explores the perspective of a character from a marginalized group, we appreciate knowing if the story reflects the author's experience as someone who is also part of that group (#ownvoices).

Often, what makes it to the EIC's queue are stories that have already been read by our readers and editors, so I read the whole story. If I'm wandering through the slush pile, however, I'll usually read the first paragraph or two to get an idea of the tone, style, and plot, then if it seems interesting I'll skim to the end to see if it has a resolution. Then, I'll mark it as one I want to go back to.

Our submission system involves a few steps:
1) The editorial team will do a first scrub of stories for guidelines.
2) A small group of our First Readers read, vote, and comment on each story.
3) Our Senior Editors pull stories from those the First Readers championed to be included in a winnowing round.
4) In winnowing, the entire staff reads and discusses these "top-tier" stories.
5) The Editor-in-Chief makes the final selections.
We try to be as thorough as possible. The whole process can take up to three months for the best stories, especially if there are revisions or editing requested.

Yes! As much as we can. Flash fiction is often overlooked in awards--a mindset we'd like to change!