We don't care about your MFA. We care if your story makes us feel something.
Genres
Gritty fiction, poetry, essays, and memoirs. No fantasy, no sci-fi, no Hallmark endings.
What We Love
Stories of the down-and-out, the hustlers, the insomniacs, the fighters.
What We Hate
Clichés, moralizing, and anything that feels safe.
Response Time
As fast as a drunk dialing an ex, as slow as a three-day hangover.
Submission types:
MicroFiction
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Word Count: Less than 300 words.
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Content: Punchy, impactful storytelling that leaves a lasting impression in a small space. Focus on a single, sharp idea or moment. We love work that takes risks and captures the raw essence of human emotion or experience.
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Format: Double-spaced, 12pt nothing fancy.
Flash Fiction
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Word Count: Less than 1000 words.
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Content: Flash fiction should offer a compact narrative that still feels complete. It can be character-driven, concept-driven, or experimental. Think of it as a snapshot of a larger story, distilled into its most powerful form.
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Format: Double-spaced, 12pt nothing fancy.
Short Story
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Word Count: Up to 5000 words.
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Content: For short stories, we seek well-developed characters, compelling plots, and a strong emotional or thematic core. We like stories that feel lived-in, raw, and deeply human.
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Double-spaced, 12pt, nothing fancy. Include a title and your name at the top of the first page.
Poetry
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Submission Limit: 3-5 poems per submission.
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Word Count: 1 poem per page.
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Content: Poetry that captures the unvarnished truths of life—whether through lyrical beauty, sharp imagery, or blunt honesty. We're interested in poems that don't shy away from complexity or discomfort.
General Submission Guidelines:
Deadline
​Rolling submissions. There are no official deadlines, but we encourage you to submit regularly.
Multiple Submissions
​Allowed. Please notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.
Payment
​Unfortunately, we are not currently able to offer payment, but contributors will receive exposure through our publication and social media.
Rights
​We ask for first publication rights. Upon acceptance, we request exclusive rights to your work for 6 months, after which you are free to republish elsewhere with credit to Lowlife Lit Press.