Logo

For an unpublished short story writer, what magazines or online publications offer the best chance of being recognized?

08.06.2025 05:25

For an unpublished short story writer, what magazines or online publications offer the best chance of being recognized?

Writer’s Digest (are they even around anymore?) used to have good contests; in 1998 or so, I came in 61st place(!) in the “Literary Short Story” category. I thought that was pretty good; 61st out of hundreds or maybe thousands who entered in that category. Basically my first effort ever in a national competition.

If mystery is your thing, I think Ellery Queen magazine is still around and I assume still takes submissions for contests, etc.

If you’re not shy about that sort of thing, Literotica is a publication specializing in-you guessed it-erotic fiction.

Does eating bread before bed make you fat? If so, why?

Go to a bookstore (a large chain bookstore) and go to the magazine section. Find a magazine of the type of story you’re interested in writing, whether mystery, fantasy/sci-fi, horror, etc. Happy writing!