Submission Guidelines
This is where we’re supposed to say something like, Third Reader is looking for stories and poems that “blur the lines” or “traverse the bounds of contemporary fiction” or perhaps, “challenge our literary sensibilities.” We like all that, but frankly, there’s no substitute for just damn good writing, whether it’s edgy or traditional. So send us that.
Want something more specific? We are partial to literary fiction, but we do accept genre fiction, as long as it meets our standards of writing excellence. All we can add is to keep in mind what Henry James said in the 19th century – that the only obligation of a writer is to make the work interesting. Beyond that, anything a writer attempts, and gets away with, is good writing. So whether your style is like James’s or Hemingway’s or Miranda July’s, or better yet is your own, we want to see it. We have no categorical restrictions on the types of stories and poems that may be submitted, as long as they are thought-provoking and written for an audience of well-educated adults. However, we will not seriously consider stories and poems that focus primarily on pornography or senseless violence.
All submissions must be previously unpublished. Publishing includes appearance on blogs, websites, or in any distributed print media. If your work is accepted, we obtain first-time publishing rights. After the issue appears the publishing rights go back to you. We do not pay to publish the work we choose, however, the stories and poems in our online issues are included in an annual print anthology, and authors will receive a free copy.
For information on how to submit and track your work, please go to the Submissions page.
Submission Format
Third Reader accepts submissions of flash fiction (100 to 1,000 words, two stories maximum), short stories (1,000 to 5,000 words, one story maximum) and poetry (up to three poems on separate pages). Please submit in only ONE of these categories at a time. Wait until you have heard from us before you submit again.
Submissions must be in .DOC or .RTF format and must be uploaded using our online submission system (see instructions on the Submissions page). We do not accept mail or e-mail submissions.
Please wait to hear back from us before you submit again. Our anticipated response time is one month. If you do not hear back by that time, please e-mail us at info@thirdreader.com and inquire.
Word documents should be in Times New Roman or a similar serif font, 12 points and double spaced, with one-inch margins. The author’s name, address, and e-mail should appear on the first page only, along with the word count. Begin the story about half way down the first page. All pages should be numbered. You may include a brief cover letter at the beginning of your document or in the comments box on the submission system.
Simultaneous submissions are fine with us, but please let us know immediately if your story or poem is accepted elsewhere.