Literary Journal

After Dinner Conversation: Philosophy | Ethics Short Story Magazine

Open now

Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listed

About the magazine

After Dinner Conversation is a literary magazine that publishes short stories exploring philosophical and ethical themes. Founded on the belief that fiction can serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussion, the magazine curates narratives that grapple with moral dilemmas, existential questions, and the complexities of human values. Each issue is designed to spark conversation, often accompanied by discussion questions, making it a staple in book clubs, classrooms, and informal gatherings. The magazine's ethos is rooted in the idea that storytelling is a powerful medium for examining the ethical fabric of our lives, and it seeks work that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.

Editorial focus

After Dinner Conversation publishes short stories (1,500 to 7,000 words), of any genre, that ask interesting ethical and/or philosphical questions in a narrative format. You can learn more by watching a video from our editor: www.youtu.be/f02mUCJua1w

FictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31

Reading feeNo

PaymentCash

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should submit short stories that are explicitly philosophical or ethical in nature, with a clear dilemma or question at their core. The magazine favors narratives that are accessible yet thought-provoking, avoiding didacticism in favor of nuanced exploration. Stories should be well-crafted, with compelling characters and a strong narrative arc. It is advisable to read several back issues to understand the tone and scope. Submissions typically require a cover letter and adherence to specified word counts (often 1,500–7,000 words). Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify promptly if accepted elsewhere. Expect a response time of several weeks to a few months.

We are looking for The Trolley Problem written as a piece of compelling short story fiction. It is strongly suggested you read our submission guidelines first. Even though we accept any genre, there is a very specific niche we are looking for.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

1 listed

Open