Writer Advice

Did you know that Writer Advice  has been running Flash Fiction Contests since before the genre was popular? We’re getting really good at recognizing what works and why. We’d like to read your story.

What is Flash Fiction? For Writer Advice, it is a story of 750-words or less that has a protagonist, a conflict, a setting, excellent use of language, and an ending that surprises or intrigues us. We enjoy stories with a discovery, complex characters, lovely language, and a tone that rings true. Usually it was one scene, though there are exceptions.  

There is no formula for success, but a protagonist we care about, a distinctive voice, and a clear impact on the reader all matter. Setting helps. So do conflict and resolution. If the story feels squeezed at 750-words, please don’t force it. There are plenty of journals where you can send your longer pieces.

JUDGES will be selected from previous prizewinners. You can read their pieces by clicking on Prior Winners (top right hand box on the home page). 

PRIZE money will be split among the 4-7 winners. We want to give more people an opportunity.


FOR BEST RESULTS:

Read the information at https://writeradvice.com/latest-contest-information/.

1. Include your name, e-mail address, and title on the Submittable form, but include only your title in the submission so it remains anonymous. Pleaseleave the header and footer blank.
2. Since we judge these anonymously, you don’t need a cover letter. If you are a finalist, we’ll ask for a bio.
3. Pleasedouble-space your submission. We recommend that you use a 14-point font that is easy to read. Cambria, Ariel, and Verdana are all good. If you forget, we may fix it for you.
4. You own the copyright. If we publish your work, the rights still belong to you, though we ask you not to resubmit until 90 days after it appears on Writer Advice and give us credit if it is published elsewhere.
5. Simultaneous submissions accepted. 
6. If your work is accepted elsewhere, please notify us immediately.
7. We prefer unpublished work, though we do accept stand-aloneexcerpts from work seeking a publisher or agent.
8. Please hit the contact button and ask questions if anything is unclear or missing. Thank you! 

We want to share your stories about your publishing journey and your writing life here. Write to entertain, to enlighten, and to advise (but not preach). Write to share your gratitude, amazement, and disbelief.

Share the good, the bad, and the silly, but don’t share them all in one submission. Think of a blog post or a short-short story. No epics.

No fiction here. These are real-life stories ranging from 250 to 750 words. Less is more. Make your point clearly and move on. 

Who knows what your experience might inspire?

New submissions will be added quarterly. Send through Submittable,  <!-- Link to the Writer Advice submission manager. --->

<a target = _blank href="https://writeradvice.submittable.com/submit"><img src="//manager.submittable.com/Public/Images/submittable-submit-button.png" alt="submit" border="0" /></a>

$6 submission fee covers our time, possible editing, and the decision-making process.

You get a credit for your resume plus a brief bio and the satisfaction of sharing your experience Sorry that we do not have the income to pay you at this time.