Submission Guidelines & Upcoming Themes
Please Read Before Submitting!
The Genre and Word Count
Creative nonfiction of 500 words or less. No exceptions; we’re serious about this one.
The Theme (Updated January 2026)
Please submit according to each month’s theme. Submissions must be previously unpublished. Only one submission per author for each theme.
Upcoming themes:
February 2026: MEMORIES
—No submissions in March 2026—
April 2026: HEART
May 2026: GOODBYES
June 2026: RECIPES
As a subscriber to In a Flash, you will receive an updated list of submission calls in every issue.
The Timeline
Submissions will be open from the first to the fifteenth of every month for which a theme has been publicized. Submissions close on the fifteenth of the month at midnight EST; any submissions received after this time will not be read.
The Submission
Direct all submissions to InAFlashLitMag@gmail.com with the subject line: SUBMISSION, THEME, TITLE OF PIECE. Include a bio of 50 words or less, and your submission pasted into the body of the email. No attachments. Simultaneous submissions are fine, but please inform us if the piece is accepted elsewhere.
Submissions will be read blind by our lead editor.
If your piece is accepted, you will also be asked for the following:
Answers to a few questions for our Q&A
A high-quality headshot
Social media handles/links
We’re eager to give you the spotlight!
The author of the accepted piece will also receive a $25 honorarium for their work.
Oh, And One More Thing…
Hey, it’s only 500 words. Don’t use A.I. You’re better than that.
The Editorial Board
Our five co-editors will take turns serving as Editor-in-Chief throughout the year. Please click our links to follow us individually.
Ready? Set? GO!
We can’t wait to read your work!
I love writing flash and can't wait to submit! THANK YOU to the editors for creating this space!
Kudos! Wonderful project! Congrats to all for launching. I already have a piece in mind - waiting for the corresponding theme.