Mainstream Fiction

3Elements began as a simple strategy to combat writer’s block. As an exercise, Marlon would select three words (elements), and Mikaela would write a story that used them. The writing that resulted was creative, often surprising, and very satisfying. The two decided they wanted to share their elegant technique to generate ideas with other writers and artists…
Genres:   Open to all/most genres, including: General.
Lengths:   Flash Fiction, Short Story.
Payment: No monetary payment.
Avg. Response: Faster than average responder. 5.0 days.
Acceptances: Approachable. 23.5% of fiction submissions accepted.

Cetera is a multi-genre magazine that believes fiction can be one of the best forms of surprise. Every Thursday, we deliver original short stories that challenge, comfort, and hopefully astonish. Tales that explore the unexpected corners of human experience and the worlds that shift without warning.
Genres:     General, Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction.
Lengths: Short Story.
Payment: No monetary payment.
Avg. Response: Faster than average responder. 35.6 days.
Acceptances: Average. 8.1% of fiction submissions accepted.

a nerdy, uncool, earnest magazine that wouldn’t wait three days to call you if it got your number.
Genres:   Open to all/most genres, including: General.
Lengths:   Flash Fiction, Short Story.
Payment: No monetary payment.
Avg. Response: Faster than average responder. 3.9 days.
Acceptances: Average. 7.9% of fiction submissions accepted.

We believe in good writing. We believe in living life intentionally and enjoying as much of it as possible. We believe in not feeding the corporate outrage algorithms. We believe in being informed, in being kind, and in doing what we can to make life a little more livable for everyone. The Lit Nerds publishes work with a focus on the bright side of humanity. Work that prioritizes hope and joy, even amidst suffering. Work that promotes empathy and gallantry and human connection…
Genres:         General, Action-Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery/Crime, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Western.
Lengths:   Flash Fiction, Short Story.
Payment: No monetary payment.
Avg. Response: Average responder. 51.6 days.
Acceptances: Average. 9.8% of fiction submissions accepted.

The mission of the Loch Raven Review is to showcase the poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, essays and translations of both well-known and emerging writers who demonstrate excellence in their work. With respect to fiction, we are most open to very short fiction, but are glad to consider longer short stories of exceptional quality. Erotic works would have to be of exceptional quality to be accepted; we do not publish smut.
Genres: General.
Lengths:   Flash Fiction, Short Story.
Payment: No monetary payment.
Avg. Response: Average responder. 80.2 days.
Acceptances: Challenging. 5.0% of fiction submissions accepted.

The Meadow is the literary and arts journal of Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada. The Meadow publishes work from beginning and experienced writers and artists each spring. We accept poetry, fiction, nonfiction, artwork, photography, comics, graphic design work and other literary and artistic forms.
Genres: General.
Lengths: Short Story.
Payment: No monetary payment.
Avg. Response: Faster than average responder. 29.7 days.
Acceptances: Challenging. 6.3% of fiction submissions accepted.

Our purpose: To share stories! I’ve been writing since I was a small child in the 80s (not to be shared) into teenager years during the 90s (doubly not to be shared) all the way to today!
Genres:       General, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery/Crime, Science Fiction, Suspense/Thriller.
Lengths:    Flash Fiction, Short Story, Novelette.
Payment: No monetary payment.
Avg. Response: Faster than average responder. 30.6 days.
Acceptances: Challenging. 6.9% of fiction submissions accepted.