Still Life Fiction welcomes original, unpublished genre fiction that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. We’re excited to read short and flash fiction based on quarterly themes that explore imaginative, emotional, and genre‑blending narratives. At a later date, we want visual artists to create artwork for each quarterly theme and we’ll open up to poetry and visual art when we have guest staff to curate the submissions.
At the end of the year, we will publish an annual publication of the selected stories for sale. We want authors and artists to be able to have print copies so that they can promote their work at book signings, etc.
General Submission Guidelines
Please read these guidelines carefully before submitting.
Original and Unpublished
We are looking for fresh, bold voices for this publication. Your work must be original and not previously published in any format (print or digital).
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please withdraw your piece promptly if accepted elsewhere. Check your contracts to ensure that you’re abiding by the other publications’ rules.
- Multiple submissions per submission window are allowed.
- Revised versions of previously rejected stories are allowed.
- International submissions are welcome.
- If your work is not selected, you may resubmit it for a future theme, but you will need to resubmit your work via email following submission guidelines.
Submission Theme & Formats
We currently accept the following, depending on the submission theme:
Current submission theme: Freedom. Write stories with character(s) who inhabit the energy of freedom. For example, heroes and warriors who fight for the freedom of their planet (sci-fi), a main character planning their escape from an oppressive relationship (romance) or nefarious organization, a heroine or hero in a fantasy tale, etc. All genres are welcome, including literary and cross-genre fiction.
We do not accept fan fiction or stories featuring copyrighted characters, settings, or intellectual property (including film, television, books, games, or comics). Retellings of myths, folklore, fairy tales, and public-domain works are permitted, provided the submission is an original interpretation.
Submission window: April 17 – May 15, 2026 (deadline at 3 am Eastern). Publication: June.
Submission Guidelines: We open one submission window per quarter. From time to time, we may also open special themed submission calls (for example, seasonal or holiday themes like Halloween). Please check our website regularly to stay up to date. These guidelines may evolve over the life of the publication, so be sure you’re always referencing the most current version.
Short Fiction
- Word count: 1,000 – 5,000 words
- Formatting: Standard manuscript format (12 pt font, 1-inch margins, page numbers)
- File types: .DOCX (no PDFs)
Flash Fiction
- Word count: up to 1,000 words
- Formatting: Same as above
Rights
By submitting, you grant Still Life Fiction first publication rights. After publication, all digital and print rights revert to you. We may request your permission for future reprints or anthologies.
AI‑Generated Content
We do not accept AI-generated pieces. Your submission should be your own creative work. Creativity requires authenticity and using AI tools in this way strips away a writer’s ability to connect with the reader in a meaningful way.
Response Time
We do our best to respond within 4 weeks. If your work is selected for publication, we’ll contact you with next steps.
Submission Details (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
How to Submit
All submissions must be sent via email: still.life.fiction@gmail.com with DOCX attachments.
Email Subject Line: SUBMISSION: Short Story – Title – Author Name
Cover Letter: Please include a brief cover letter in the body of the submission email. Cover letters and author credits do not add any weight to the submission acceptance.
- Your name (Pen names are acceptable)
- Contact email
- The piece’s title and word count
- A short author bio (1–3 sentences)
- Any relevant publishing credits (optional)
Attachment Rules
- One story per email
- DOCX
- File Naming Format: StoryTitle_AuthorName.docx
Recognition
- At this time, we are not funded to pay writers, but we will explore doing so in the future.
- We celebrate diversity and strongly encourage submissions from writers of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Plagiarism
Any writer submitting pieces that partially or wholesale plagiarizes someone else’s work will be banned from submitting work in the future.
Have Questions?
If you have questions about the submission process, please contact: still.life.fiction@gmail.com .
Submission Feedback (Optional)
For those looking for feedback on their writing, Still Life Fiction offers feedback for a reading fee. Paid feedback is optional and has no bearing on editorial decisions. This is simply an opportunity to develop your writing.
Paid feedback does not influence acceptance or affect read priority.
What’s Included:
- The feedback letters may cover the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, genre advice, and revision advice.
- Feedback will not include line edits, however there may be notes regarding grammar or spelling errors.
- Up to 2 pages of editorial notes on submissions up to 5,000 words.
- Delivered within 4 weeks after editorial decisions are made. All submissions are read and evaluated for publication first.
- Feedback letters, if requested, are written only after acceptance decisions have been finalized and have no bearing on editorial outcomes.
There is a non-refundable $50 USD fee paid separately via the Ko-Fi platform (not open until .April17). Make sure you include the title and the writer’s name with payment.
Still Life Fiction 