Flash Novels

SUBMIT YOUR FLASH NOVEL HERE BETWEEN 1 FEBRUARY AND 30 APRIL. 

We love novellas. Love, love, love them–and we think there should be more of them in the world.

However, one of our least favorite words is novella. To us, the word signals that the work wanted to be something grander but couldn’t quite get there, like the story ran off the rails and the poor author had no choice but to cut the cord. However, writing comes in all sizes, and some books were meant to be short.

We opt for flash novel as the term for these works that hover somewhere between 35,000 and 50,000 words. We think the term fits. Do you have an exciting flash novel in you? We think you do.

We’re looking to find a wonderful SFF novella in 2012, a book that grabs hold from the first line, doesn’t waste a scene, and makes us want to turn back to page 1 when we finish; a flash novel that we want to gift to all of our friends (our reading friends, the ones who love the art and the story of a good story); a flash novel that is both gripping and literary from the pen (or keyboard) of a writer who loves story and story-craft, loves the grit and pace of contemporary fiction but admires the elegance and feel of the “classics.” We want a story, between 35k-50k words, that was meant to be told in 35k-50k words.

We’re looking for writers who know that their job isn’t done when they type in the final period. There’s a lot of noise in the publishing world, a lot of books out there (which is an awesome thing, in our view), and it takes a lot to get one’s name out there and get noticed. These days, there’s no room for sitting back and hoping the world takes notice. But there’s also a lot of potential because of social media and changing publishing paradigms. So, we’re looking for a writer who’s ready to work with us to market their flash novel because we’re ready to work our asses off for you.

Still reading? Still interested? There’s a little more.

What we don’t want for our flash novel competition:

• Work from agented writers. You have avenues to get your work published. We want to work give emerging writers a seat at the table.
• Pieces of your novel or collections of your short stories.
• Books that have already been published somewhere else (including self-published books, blog series, podcasts, etc.)
• Books that have not been completed. We don’t want a synopsis, either. We just want your flash novel.
•  Children’s books.
• Poetry.

What we do want:

• Your best writing. Send us your best file the first time. No do-overs.
• A flash novel between 35,000 and 50,000 words.
• A flash novel that falls into SFF. We’re partial to fantasy–castles and mead and trestle tables and sprawling realms–but we’re sick of all the tropes. Damsel in distress? No thanks. Orphan child discovers he is the uber-magician who can save all humanity? Absolutely not. We could go on. However, we are open to Science-Fictiony worlds, Steampunk, Alternate History, Dark Fantasy, Slipstream, Urban Fantasy, etc. Surprise us. (We don’t need HEE endings, by the way.)

SUBMIT YOUR FLASH NOVEL HERE BETWEEN 1 FEBRUARY AND 30 APRIL. 

Now the really fun part.

• 1st Place: If we fall in love with your story, if we believe in your work, and if we believe that you believe in it, we’ll give you a $250 advance. Then, we’ll be giving you 35% royalties on cover price. Cover price. Not net profits. Cover price.
• 2nd Place: $100 advance. 35% royalties on cover price.
• 3rd place: Sorry. There’s no third place.

We’ll be publishing and selling your flash novel in all English-speaking territories, so if you’re offering rights in only one territory, we’re not the market for you, amigo. Best of luck and all that.

Simultaneous & multiple submissions:

We don’t accept simultaneous or multiple submissions for original fiction.

Ready to submit?

If you win, we’re sinking or swimming in this venture together. And, you should know, we’re pretty damned good swimmers.

You’d better be too.

Cowboygirl the fuck up and all that.

Interested in submitting?

SUBMIT YOUR FLASH NOVEL HERE BETWEEN 1 FEBRUARY AND 30 APRIL. 

Cover Letter & Manuscript:

Please observe standard manuscript formatting for the story you send. However, DO NOT include your name on the manuscript or any other identifying markers. Leave that for the cover letter.

What do we want in the cover letter?

Your name, story title, address, and email. A brief bio (100 words, third person). Also, tell us who your favorite author is. Seriously. We’re curious.

Last questions: Submit before 1 Feb? Deleted. After 30 April? Deleted. Novel under 35k words? Deleted. Over 50k? Deleted. No mention of favorite author in cover letter? Deleted. [We need to make sure you're actually reading our guidelines.]