Electric Spec About Electric Spec is a not-for-profit speculative fiction magazine published four times per year. Our primary goal is getting great speculative fiction into the hands (or screens) of readers. Since 2005, we've been publishing short stories from authors all over the world. We've worked with all kinds of authors, from published professionals to new writers. We also believe in the value of the editorial process, and we edit every story we publish. Want more insight into the editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2005 Publication Medium & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationPublished 4 x per year Collapse section Fiction Open We prefer science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre, but we're willing to push the limits of traditional forms of these genres.Rolling Submissions:Next cutoff date is 15 July 2025* (approx. 27 days from now).2Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Fantasy Open to all/most Subgenres. Horror Open to all/most Subgenres. Science Fiction Open to all/most Subgenres.Lengths: Flash Fiction: 250 - 1,000 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 7,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:Token payment (under 1 US cent per word) to Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Pay ranges from Token payment to Semi-pro payment. Details: USD $20.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Visual Art Open We prefer energetic pieces that narrow the boundary between realism and fantastical, both in genre and style.Rolling Submissions:Next cutoff date is 15 July 2025* (approx. 27 days from now).Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Artwork: Art Media: Open to all/most Art Media.Excluding: Cartoon/Comic strip.Art Styles:Open to all/most Art Styles, including: Fantastical, Science fiction art.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:Token payment (under US$10 per piece) to Semi-pro payment (US$10-49 per piece) Pay ranges from Token payment to Semi-pro payment. Details: USD $20.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Image. 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 Platforms:None known For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Electric Spec Submission Statistics Free Preview! 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. Accuracy: We have received 198 reports from 152 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported: 0 min | 54.4 mean avg | 44.0 median | 441 max days (452.8 std dev) Responses 88.89 % Acceptances: 2.02 % of submissions accepted (36.0 avg. days per acceptance) | 2.63 % of submitters accepted Rejections are often underreported, which skews the statistics in favor of acceptances. Most publishers have a lower acceptance rate than indicated here. Rejections: 86.87 % (40.8 avg. days per rejection) | 11.1 % personal, 69.8 % form, 19.2 % unspecified | 1.5 % shortlisted Non-Responses 11.12 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: 3.54 % (239.6 avg. days before reporting submissions as never responded) Withdrawals: 7.58 % (35.5 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 46 responses are pending (1 min | 45.7 mean avg | 36.0 median | 137 max days waiting | 428.8 std dev) from 45 different members This only includes pending reports from users who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The editors request that you don't query on the status of your submission. Submissions are acknowledged within 14 days on average. Most recent response reported was received on 13 Jun 2025. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 17 Apr 2025. 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! 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: 15 May 2025Last Audited: 19 Mar 2025 Date Added: 15 Nov 2005We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year.