The First Line A project of Blue Cubicle Press (see other related projects). About The purpose of The First Line is to jump start the imagination-to help writers break through the block that is the blank page. Each issue contains short stories that stem from a common first line; it also provides a forum for discussing favorite first lines in literature. The First Line is an exercise in creativity for writers and a chance for readers to see how many different directions we can take when we start from the same place. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 1999 Publication Medium & Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationPublished 4 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed The First Line's overall average response time is within a normal range for magazines. More ChallengingThe First Line's overall acceptance rate is lower than most magazines. More ResponsiveThe First Line's overall rate of non-response is lower than most magazines. Collapse section Fiction Open All stories must be written with the first line provided. The line cannot be altered in any way, unless otherwise noted by the editors.Dates: Rolling Deadlines: Check cutoff dates.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Open to all/most Genres, including: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: 300 - 1,000 words; Unknown number of pieces. Short Story: 1,000 - 5,000 words; Unknown number of pieces.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: May vary, See guidelines.Theme:First line: "Lawrence was the last to arrive." (01 Nov 2026*)4Payment:Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Semi-pro payment. Details: USD $25-$50.Submissions:Methods: Email. Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Open Critical essays about your favorite first line from a literary work.Dates: Rolling Deadlines: Check cutoff dates.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: 500 - 800 words; Unknown number of pieces.Styles:Critical.Topics: Literature/Books: Theory/Analysis/Criticism, See guidelines.Theme:First line: "Lawrence was the last to arrive." (01 Nov 2026*)Payment:Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Semi-pro payment. Details: USD $25.Submissions:Methods: Email. Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Open Dates: Rolling Deadlines: Check cutoff dates.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Open to all/most Genres, including: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Unknown number of pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: May vary, See guidelines.Theme:First line: "Lawrence was the last to arrive." (01 Nov 2026*)2Payment:Semi-pro payment (US$5-49 per poem) Semi-pro payment. Details: USD $10.Submissions:Methods: Email. Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions 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 publication's website Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook Facebook Support this Publisher: Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The First Line 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: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Poetry Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 16 reports from 14 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 19 min | 51.4 mean avg | 50.0 median | 124 max days (31.2 std dev) Responses 100.00 % Acceptances: 0.00 % No publication has a 0% acceptance rate. This data is based on submission reports sent to Duotrope, and we have not received reports of any acceptances yet. Rejections: 100.00 % (51.4 avg. days per rejection) | 31.3 % personal, 62.5 % form, 6.3 % unspecified | 6.3 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals - Pending 11 responses are pending (26 min | 83.8 mean avg | 51.0 median | 342 max days waiting | 192.5 std dev) from 9 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information Most recent response reported was received on 19 May 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 30 Apr 2026. Date compiled: 06 Sep 2026 18:04 UTC (4 hours, 33 minutes ago). 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! Related ProjectsThe Last Line Literary JournalOvertimeWorkers Write! Literary Journal Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. 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: 17 Aug 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