Get in Touch
General Submissions
Original fiction and nonfiction between 500 and 8,000 words. Open year-round through our online portal.
Editor-in-Chief
For pitch decks, commissions, or sensitive editorial matters, reach Maren at [email protected].
Reader Letters
Send your reactions, response essays, or follow-up notes to [email protected].
Workshop Inquiries
Aspiring writers can apply to our seasonal mentorship cohort. Limited seats, no fee.
What we look for
46Short publishes stories that earn their brevity. We want characters who feel lived-in, scenes that breathe, and endings that stay with the reader long after the tab closes. Surprise us with restraint, with precision, with the detail that does heavy lifting.
Our editorial calendar runs on quarterly themes announced in advance, though unsolicited work is always welcome. Response times average four to six weeks. Simultaneous submissions are fine, just let us know if it lands elsewhere first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you pay contributors?
Yes. We pay $200 to $800 upon publication, depending on length and licensing. We also promote every story across our newsletter and social channels. Rates are listed publicly in our contributor agreement.
Can I submit previously published work?
Generally no. We consider reprints only if the piece appeared in a small, non-commercial venue and you retain full rights. Disclose prior publication in your cover note and we will decide case by case.
What format should my manuscript follow?
Submit as a double-spaced .docx or PDF, 12-point serif font. Include a 100-word bio and a brief cover letter. No need for synopses or query letters, this is short fiction, not a novel deal.
Will I retain the rights to my work?
You retain all rights. We request a 90-day exclusive window beginning on publication date. After that, you are free to republish, collect, or adapt the piece however you wish.
Ready to send us something?
Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. The next reading window closes on the last Friday of the month.
Open Submission Portal →