How to write (and publish) flash fiction
Your story in 250 words
Brevity is everything in this week’s newsletter, as we focus on flash fiction tips and upcoming competitions to enter around the world. We also have some amazing events, one-to-one announcements and video courses that are getting rave reviews from members.
One-to-ones: More slots have been added! (10% discount for members)
Submit your work and speak directly to a literary agent of your choice. These latest slots include more from the ever-popular Hayley Steed, as well as new addition Liza DeBlock from superstar agency, Mushens Entertainment.
VIDEO COURSES: Have you seen your new video courses? (Member exclusive)
We’ve recently added two new interactive video courses that teach you the fundamentals of writing novels, and self-publishing, combining video tutorials with downloadable worksheets and peer feedback.
MEMBER EVENTS: Events this week (Member exclusive)
Coming up on 5 November, we have Demystifying the Editorial Process with Laurel Sills. We also have a rescheduled event from last month on Twitter for Authors with Julie Owen-Moylan on 8 November. And definitely make sure you pop the Simon & Schuster event in your diary for next week, as part of the tremendously exciting #JerichoWritersOneDay.
BLOG: Writing Flash Fiction: A Complete Guide
If this is your first time experimenting with this kind of writing, here is a great place to start. It’s a fantastic creative exercise and the perfect format for competitions (more below). We also have a guest post by author Julia Stone giving you some prompts to start off some microfiction of your own. Get cracking and then get submitting!
SUCCESS STORY: John David Mann
Sending a huge congratulations to John David Mann, whose novel ‘Steel Fear’ was named one of Publishers Weekly’s “Best Books of 2021” in the (hotly competitive) Mystery & Crime category. We had the pleasure of putting John in touch with editor Eve Seymour – find out more about the journey of ‘Steel Fear’ below.
5 Flash fiction competitions open right now
Flash or microfiction is a great way to start getting your writing in front of readers, either via social media (which is publishing!) or competitions. Here are some competitions and opportunities for ultra-short stories open now.
WOW (Women on Writing): You have until 30 November to submit stories between 250-750 words on any subject. There is a fee of $10 to enter, but 20 different prizes to be won, which all sound quite nice. There is a limit of 300 entries, so submit sooner rather than later if this one is for you.
101 stories: Flash fiction that’s exactly 101 words. Monthly rolling submissions with a $10 prize for stories chosen to be published in their anthology. No entry fee for this one, but do read the terms and conditions to stand the best possible chance of being chosen.
Fusilli Writing: Love the sound of this – for stories under 200 words with a twist (just like the pasta!). Monthly rolling submissions and no entry fee, although you can pay £3 on submission to get feedback on your work. Winners get promotion and admiration.
London Independent Story Prize: Late entries now accepted for fiction under 300 words on any subject. There is an entry fee for this one, which will go up the longer you leave it. Winners get published on the website with possible additional anthology inclusion.
Oxford Flash Fiction Prize: A huge £1,000 prize up for grabs here, with a slightly longer limit of 1,000 words. Entry fees start at £6. Submissions opened just this week, so you have until January 31st to perfect those stories (members – do pop along to the Flash Fiction event we have on 6 December to workshop your entry!)
Have you entered any flash fiction competitions before? Share your super-short story tips in the Community here.
Good luck!
Sarah J
Plus, don’t miss:
Know Your Rights course with Kate Nash Literary Agency (25% discount available)
As an author, you don’t just write books, you are a creator of intellectual property. This online course by Kate Nash Literary Agency covers everything you need to know and what you should look out for. They’ve kindly offered Jericho Writers members an exclusive 25% discount.
Are you looking for a community of romance writers with whom to share your work and get feedback on your latest WIP? Do you struggle writing sex scenes? Do you want to learn how to build tension between your romantic heroes? Join our new group and meet like-minded writers, for free.
Mentoring (10% discount available)
Get expert one-to-one help as you write and edit your manuscript with your choice of award-winning mentors.
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