Literary Journal

In Short: A Journal of Flash Nonfiction

Open now

Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listed

About the magazine

In Short: A Journal of Flash Nonfiction was founded in 2018 with the conviction that brevity, in the right hands, is not a limitation but a lens. The journal emerged from a small editorial collective of essayists and poets who wanted a dedicated space for the flash form—pieces under 750 words that prioritize precision, resonance, and the unspoken. Its mission is to publish work that trusts the reader, that understands how much can be carried in a single gesture or a well-placed silence. Over the years, In Short has become a reliable home for writers who work at the intersection of poetry and prose, where the line between the two is often deliberately blurred.

Editorial focus

In Short: A Journal of Flash Nonfiction is an independent literary magazine for short-form creative nonfiction . We publish flash nonfiction of 1,000 words or fewer, micros of 400 words or fewer, and short-shorts of 100 words or fewer. By publishing short-form work, In Short aims to provide a platform for writers who lack the time and resources typically needed for publication. Our goal is to become a leading outlet for flash nonfiction, known for our commitment to quality, diversity, and access.

Creative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 15 to Mar 15

Reading feeNo

PaymentNo payment

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Before submitting, read at least three recent issues in full. The editors value work that demonstrates an understanding of the form's constraints—not as a gimmick, but as a generative pressure. Avoid framing pieces as excerpts from larger works; standalone integrity is essential. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please withdraw promptly if accepted elsewhere. Response times average 4–6 weeks; if you haven't heard back after 8 weeks, a polite query is welcome. Most importantly, trust the white space: the journal's aesthetic favors what is left unsaid as much as what is on the page.

In Short caps submissions at 300 entries per category. We typically receive many flash submissions, but fewer micros and short-shorts. Try one of these shorter forms and up your chances for acceptance!

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

1 listed

OpenDeadline · 2027-01-15