Submission Guidelines
We publish thoughtfully-crafted fiction that incorporates traditional elements of setting, characters, conflict, and a satisfying resolution. If your ending can surprise us, even better! Please include material in the body of your e-mail with "Submission" as the subject line, and send no more than three submissions at a time to: Boston Literary Magazine.
We are looking for the following genres:
Flash Fiction: (under 1000 words) and Quick Fiction (under 500 words): Tells a complete story with interesting characters reacting to conflict, and has a resolution that surprises or affects the reader.
The Drabble: (100 words) A real challenge! We're looking for very short works that express interesting and meaningful concepts using the most tightly concise language.
The Dribble: (50 words) Half the length, twice the challenge.
Poetry: We like powerful, evocative language that tells a story we keep thinking about after the poem ends.
Haikus: Follow the traditional format and send us your best.
Advice: Don't send anything that you haven't read outloud to someone whose opinion you respect. Don't send anything that isn't the very best work you are capable of. Don't send anything that doesn't correspond with what we are looking for.
Simultaneous submissions will be considered, but only if you tell us in your initial email, and if you agree to let us know immediately if your material is accepted elsewhere. We will not accept work that has been previously published, except in your own website or blog.
We do not offer compensation beyond publication, but we promise to promote you to the best of our ability.
We are looking for the following genres:
Flash Fiction: (under 1000 words) and Quick Fiction (under 500 words): Tells a complete story with interesting characters reacting to conflict, and has a resolution that surprises or affects the reader.
The Drabble: (100 words) A real challenge! We're looking for very short works that express interesting and meaningful concepts using the most tightly concise language.
The Dribble: (50 words) Half the length, twice the challenge.
Poetry: We like powerful, evocative language that tells a story we keep thinking about after the poem ends.
Haikus: Follow the traditional format and send us your best.
Advice: Don't send anything that you haven't read outloud to someone whose opinion you respect. Don't send anything that isn't the very best work you are capable of. Don't send anything that doesn't correspond with what we are looking for.
Simultaneous submissions will be considered, but only if you tell us in your initial email, and if you agree to let us know immediately if your material is accepted elsewhere. We will not accept work that has been previously published, except in your own website or blog.
We do not offer compensation beyond publication, but we promise to promote you to the best of our ability.