Short story / flash fiction markets

I have nothing informative or even interesting to say on this topic, but "Thuglit" is my favorite new word.

http://www.shortmystery.net/markets.html

I'm the markets coordinator for the short mystery fiction society. The website is not always 100% up to date, but if you join the group, you'll get more updates.

http://www.shortmystery.net/joining.html

Come and play.

I, like heyjude, have nothing to add. Except to say that I've just started writing short stories and it's an awesome way to take a break from whatever beast of a novel I'm working on at that time.

I started working on short stories in a serious way about five years ago. I'd finished two novels, had two agents (who couldn't sell the books) and was really frustrated. Mystery author Brendan DuBois came to our library to give a talk and only about four people showed up. I asked him what he would recommend for a struggling author and he said he broke in with short stories. I wrote a post for rec.arts.mystery about how nice he was and it turns out he was lurking, and sent me an email. He offered to read one of my short stories. I sent him "Blackbird," he looked it over and offered some suggestions. I sent it to Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen and it was rejected, but then I sent it to Shred of Evidence, at the time a paying ezine with a good reputation, and Megan bought it. I had also sent it to Thriller UK, a print magazine. They didn't get back to me soon enough, but ended up taking it as a reprint. "Blackbird" started popping up all over the internet, with folks posting links to the story from their blogs, people I didn't even know. It ended up tied for twentieth place in the Preditors and Editors readers poll.

In the past five years I've sold fifteen stories. I say sold, even though most of them didn't earn any money. I still haven't attracted the attention of any agents. However, I think writing short stories is a way to hone the craft. You learn to write short (this has taken me a long time to learn) and that's an important skill.

Forgive my rambling. I'm still a frustrated beginner who can't get an agent. But I do have a few short story credits.

jeseymour, congrats on your short story credits and efforts. Wow! I'm impressed. And really, in terms of what you are doing, no effort is wasted. You obviously have writing talent and skill. Don't give up. I'm looking forward to reading your work sometime. (hint)

jessy isn't being truthful at all. She's not a "frustrated beginner". She's a tremendous writer. Go read her stories if you want a great read. I don't let me friends talk like that.

The Al Blanchard award contest is now open. No entry fee. Up to 5,000 words, by a New England author or with a New England setting. Last year's winner was from New York, but set her story in Meredith, NH.

http://www.crimebake.org/Al.htm

The Rejectionist links to new short story venue. And it pays! It's called Electric Literature.


Um, just a note. The Rejectionist's link appears to wander far afield... you can find Electric Literature's website at www.electricliterature.com. It's not MTS-specific, but this could be a great venue.

Oh, jeseymour, I just realised it's *you*!!
Wavin' wildly at fellow SMFSer!

Hi Kate! My yahoo groups are set to my real name.

Here's another potential market I just heard about over in Crimespace:

http://pdbrazill.blogspot.com/2009/11/guest-blogger-cameron-ashley-back-in.html