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Halfway Down the Stairs 285

About

Halfway Down the Stairs publishes poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and book reviews. We publish primarily literary and mainstream work, but accept work in most genres, with children's literature and erotica as the exceptions.

Country of Publication & Year Established

United States Established in 2005

Publication Medium & Frequency

Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationPublished 4 x per year.

Fiction Open

We accept fiction related to the theme of the issue. The fiction editors are looking mostly for short stories, but we are happy to consider well-crafted flash fiction. We don't want to be too strict with the guidelines, because we appreciate originality, creativity, and stories that are off the beaten path. We like stories that grab us from the beginning, make us think, and keep us enthralled. Stories should be written confidently and fluidly, avoiding too many adjectives or too much dialogue. We will be negatively distracted by poor grammar, clichés, and a lack of editing.

Dates:
Open to fiction submissions through 01 May 2024* (approx. 43 days from now). 1
Audience:
Open to a broad Audience. Excluding: Children.
Genres:
GenreSubgenres
General General
Open to all/most Genres Open to all/most Genres Excluding: Erotica.
Styles:
Open to all/most Styles, including: Humorous, Literary, Mainstream, Realist.
Topics:
Open to all/most Topics, including: Other (May vary).
Theme(s):
ThemeDeadlineTrack
Before & After01 May 2024*6
On the Road01 Aug 2024*2
Types/Lengths:
TypeLength Details
Flash Fiction Flash FictionUp to 1,000 words.
Short Story Short Story1,000 - 5,000 words.
Payscale:
We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
No monetary payment No monetary payment.
Submissions:
ElectronicPostalReprintsSimultaneousMedia
OK No No OKText format submissions
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.

Nonfiction Open

We accept creative nonfiction related to the theme of the issue. Halfway Down the Stairs is specifically looking for essays and memoir with a strong voice and a unique point of view. We publish well-written, honest writing that inspires emotion. Humor is also appreciated.

Dates:
Open to nonfiction submissions through 01 May 2024* (approx. 43 days from now). 0
Audience:
Open to a broad Audience. Excluding: Children.
Styles:
Open to all/most Styles, including: Humorous, Literary, Mainstream, Personal.
Topics:
Open to all/most Topics, including: Other (May vary).
Theme(s):
ThemeDeadlineTrack
Before & After01 May 2024*6
On the Road01 Aug 2024*1
Types/Lengths:
TypeLength Details
Essay EssayUp to 3,000 words.
Narrative Nonfiction Narrative NonfictionUp to 3,000 words.
Payscale:
We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
No monetary payment No monetary payment.
Submissions:
ElectronicPostalReprintsSimultaneousMedia
OK No No OKText format submissions
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.

Poetry Open

We are rarely willing to be lenient with the theme when it comes to poetry, and will do so only if the submission is very good.

Dates:
Open to poetry submissions through 01 May 2024* (approx. 43 days from now). 1
Audience:
Open to a broad Audience. Excluding: Children.
Genres:
GenreSubgenres
General General
Open to all/most Genres Open to all/most Genres Excluding: Erotica.
Poetry Forms:
Open to all/most Forms.
Styles:
Open to all/most Styles, including: Humorous, Literary, Mainstream, Realist.
Topics:
Open to all/most Topics, including: Other (May vary).
Theme(s):
ThemeDeadlineTrack
Before & After01 May 2024*7
On the Road01 Aug 2024*4
Types/Lengths:
TypeLength Details
Poem PoemNo line limits known; Up to 3 pieces.
Payscale:
We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
No monetary payment No monetary payment.
Submissions:
ElectronicPostalReprintsSimultaneousMedia
OK No No OKText format submissions
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.

Visual Art Closed

This project has permanently closed to submissions in this category.

Halfway Down the Stairs Submission Statistics

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Dates

Last Updated: 01 Mar 2024
Last Audited: 07 Dec 2023 We audit each active listing twice a year.
Date Added: 24 Oct 2005

Before Submitting

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  • 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.