GENERAL
Please read this.
Flatmancrooked publishes good stories, both fiction and non-fiction. We make it a regular practice to publish work electronically first. Then, as we near a deadline for an anthology, we choose pieces from that body of work (a “best of” kind of thing) for print publication.
Story aside, there are two things that will exponentially increase your chances of pleasing the editors:
1.) Read the submission guidelines carefully, paying close attention to word count and submission guidelines, and send one submission at a time. In other words: wait to hear back from us before you submit something else. And while we do accept simultaneous submissions, please make note of that in your submission form and let us know as soon as possible if we’ve missed out on your work.
2.) Know what we publish. To get an idea of what we’re in to, read our blog and writing section, or, better yet, buy a tangible copy of one of our books. If we publish reprints it is usually something we’ve sought permission to republish. And, while we occasionally publish art and poetry, we do not accept unsolicited submissions for either. Submissions that do not follow the guidelines will not be read.
In regards to both the print anthology and website, Flatmancrooked acquires, respectively, only single print/electronic publication rights. We will make every effort to keep everything we publish electronically available indefinitely in the archives, provided we receive permission from the author.
Work may only be submitted electronically. Paper submissions will be promptly recycled, so please save your paper and your postage. The submission form below is easy as pie.
Flatmancrooked considers all story titles working titles, most often puts stories through an editorial process, and reserves the right to copy edit.
PUBLICATION TRACK
Flatmancrooked gets regular inquiries about our unique imprints, prizes, and programs. Because of that, we’ve created this publication track map (click to see full-size):
SHORT FICTION (FLASH & SHORT STORIES) & NON-FICTION (ESSAY, JOURNALISM)
This category is for work in the 500-9,000 word range. Short stories or essays may be submitted year-round, and during our Flatmancrooked Fiction Prize submission period. All short stories are published first online, and some are selected for the print ANTHOLOGY. Please use the form below and paste your story into the box provided. Please include a short bio.
NOVELLAS
Our novellas fall within the 9,000 and 40,00 word range. Please use the form below and paste your novella into the box provided. Please include a short bio for use in populating the author’s page.
POETRY
Presently, we only accept poetry submissions through the Flatmancrooked Poetry Prize, spear-headed by Assistant Editor Joshua Neely. The prize is offered annually, during the winter. The content of the poetry anthology is populated by top contest entrants and previously published poems chosen by our editorial staff and Flatmancrooked’s Poets-In-Residence.
BOOK-LENGTH
At Flatmancrooked, we highly value the strong working relationship we have with our authors. This relationship is typically built over time, via a editorial and publication process of shorter work. It is for that reason that we do not accept unsolicited submissions of novels. If you would like us to consider a book-length manuscript we highly encourage you first send us shorter work. Without exception, every single author title we’ve published is from an author whose shorter work we first accepted.
ART
We regularly put out a calls for artwork, but do not accept unsolicited submissions in this area.
PRIZES
Flatmancrooked current administers two prizes annually: the Flatmancrooked Fiction Prize (submissions open in May, prize announced in October, published in the winter) & Flatmancrooked Poetry Prize (submissions open in December, prize announced in April, published in the summer). For more information go here.
RESPONSE TIMES
Response time for work submitted varies wildly; four months would be long, but please wait at least two months before inquiring after a submission.
PAYMENT
Online: Flatmancrooked does not currently pay for online publication but online publication is (A) the first step towards being included in the anthology, (B) entails roughly 3-4k reads a month, and (C) is very admirable.
Anthology: Beginning with Flatmancrooked’s Winter Anthology 2010/2011, payment of between $25-$100, depending on budget and length of the piece, will be issued to those contributors whose work is accepted from the straight-submission process.
Books: Flatmancrooked employs small advances, large percentage royalties, and tons of heart.
SUBMISSION FORM
Flatmancrooked proudly utilizes and supports the Submishmash Submission Manager. This system allows us to track, read, review, and respond to all of our submissions in a timely fashion. It also allows you to track your submission, our response, and easily manage your work. We know you will appreciate this. Submishmash requires you have a simply account. This will not be used to send you spam, advertisements, or any unwanted solicitations. This is just so we can more easily work with you. We do not accept submissions in any other form, unless specifically requested.
SUBMIT TO FLATMANCROOKED
