General Guidelines

We accept simultaneous submissions, but please inform us if your story is accepted elsewhere by emailing editor@inspiringfiction.com . And congratulations if it is!

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Multiple submissions to the contest are allowed and an entry fee must be paid for each story. For free general submissions, please only submit one story at a time.

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Format: Submissions should be double spaced and in Times New Roman 12pt.

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Please do not include any identifying information in the document, but you should save it as STORY TITLE .

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Payment: We cannot pay general submissions, but the winner of each contest is awarded £100.

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Bios and Headshots: Don't worry about a cover letter, we just need a third-person bio up to 100 words.

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If you would like your photo printed beside your story, then please include a headshot with your submission.

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Response times: We respond to all submissions within one month following the deadline for the next relevant issue. We may respond faster if you have just missed a deadline for the relevant magazine.

Contract: We ask for exclusive first publication rights and archival rights. On publication, rights revert to you. That means you can publish your story elsewhere immediately. All we ask is you credit the relevant magazine (Tangled Web Magazine or Mirk) as the first home for your story.

This also means you can ask us to remove your story from our website at any point if it helps you sell it elsewhere.

The submission process at Inspiring Fiction is designed to be as straightforward and welcoming as possible for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you are a seasoned author or someone submitting work for the very first time, the guidelines are clear and the expectations are reasonable. The team understands how much courage it takes to share your writing with the world, and they approach every submission with respect and genuine enthusiasm for the craft. Reading through the magazine issues reveals a consistent commitment to high-quality storytelling across speculative fiction, Tartan Noir, and fantasy, and each submission is given careful consideration in that spirit.

Simultaneous submissions are welcome, which reflects a practical understanding of how the modern publishing world operates. Writers are encouraged to pursue multiple opportunities, and the only request is that you notify the editors if your work is accepted elsewhere. This transparency benefits everyone involved and keeps the process running smoothly. For general submissions, sending one story at a time allows both writer and editor to focus their attention fully on each piece. Contest entries, on the other hand, may be submitted more than once, giving writers the freedom to put forward multiple stories for consideration within a single themed competition.

Formatting guidelines exist not to burden writers but to ensure every story is read in a consistent and comfortable manner. Double-spaced text in a standard font, with the document saved simply by story title, keeps the focus squarely on the words themselves rather than on any identifying details. This anonymized approach means every piece is judged purely on its own merits, creating a fair and impartial reading experience. Writers can feel confident that their work will be evaluated on the strength of the storytelling, the originality of the ideas, and the quality of the prose rather than on anything unrelated to the fiction itself.

The magazines are built around distinct thematic identities, with each issue inviting writers to explore a particular corner of the imaginative landscape. From diving into the intricate workings of a criminal underworld to uncovering secrets hidden within a magical realm, the prompts are crafted to spark creativity and push writers in exciting new directions. The regular contest adds an element of friendly competition, with winners announced alongside runners-up and shortlisted entries, generating a sense of community among contributors. Every issue and contest cycle is an opportunity to discover fresh voices and celebrate the enduring power of short fiction.

Subscribers to the mailing list receive updates delivered directly to their inbox, keeping them informed about upcoming themes, deadlines, and future contest opportunities. Following the magazines on social media offers another window into the publishing calendar and the vibrant community of readers and writers who gather around these publications. Because everything at Inspiring Fiction remains free to read, the only investment required is your time and attention. Whether you are here to submit your latest story or simply to enjoy the work of others, the invitation stands to explore new genres, embrace your creativity, and become part of a publishing venture dedicated to imaginative storytelling.