SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

American Short Fiction has published, and continues to seek short fiction by some of the finest writers working in contemporary literature, whether they are established, or new or lesser-known authors.

Send short fiction submissions to the attention of the Editor at:
American Short Fiction
P.O. Box 301209
Austin, TX 78703-0021


1. Unsolicited submissions are accepted year-round. There are no set guidelines as to content or length, but anyone wishing to send a story to American Short Fiction should first become familiar with the work previously published by the magazine. Our standards for acceptance are extremely high. Sample copies and subscriptions are available for sale.

2. Short fiction submitted to the magazine must be original and previously unpublished. All manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced, with the author's name, address, phone number, and approximate word count at the top of the first page, and numbered throughout.

3. Send only your best work. Submit only one story at a time.

4. All manuscripts must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE). The magazine is not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. We are unable to read or respond to manuscripts without an SASE.

5. We cannot accept, read, or respond to electronic submissions. Emailed manuscripts will be deleted unread.

6. All manuscripts must be written in English. Translations are acceptable, but must be accompanied by a copy of the original text.

7. We will read and consider simultaneous submissions, on the condition that the author notify us immediately, by telephone or e-mail, if the manuscript is accepted for publication elsewhere.

8. Payment is competitive and upon publication. American Short Fiction purchases only first serial rights. All rights revert to the author upon publication.

9. The editors aim to respond to manuscripts in a timely fashion, and ask that you wait a minimum of four months to send follow-up inquiries. Please send inquiries by email to editors@americanshortfiction.org and include the phrase "Submissions Inquiry" in your subject line.

10. As the name indicates, American Short Fiction does not publish poetry, plays, nonfiction, reviews, etc.

Need further information? Email us at editors@americanshortfiction.org.