Some non-paying flash fiction markets

Yeah, yeah, I know... we all want to get paid for our writing. But sometimes you see a magazine that you think would be cool to write for, or sometimes you just recognize it as a good chance for exposure. Either way, here are a few non-paying markets for flash fiction:

- Eclectic Flash: Wants submissions of just about anything, "regardless of style or genre," under 1000 words. Prefers unpublished submissions but will consider reprints. Only accepts submissions by email.

- Flashes in the Dark: Wants horror fiction under 1000 words. Is nonpaying now, but hopes to be able to pay in the future. Accepts simultaneous submissions and reprints.

- MicroHorror: Aims to be "the Web's premier free repository for horror microfiction." Accepts simultaneous submissions and reprints under 666 words. Will provide a bio and link to contributors' sites.

- Twisted Dreams Magazine: Wants horror and dark fiction under 1500 words. Pays one PDF copy. Currently closed to submissions, but reopens October 2nd.

For those looking for paying markets, NewMyths.com has just raised their pay rates. They now pay $15-40 for fiction, $15 for poetry, and $40 for nonfiction and artwork. On acceptance.

Non-paying markets

A lot of writers overlook the value of publishing in magazines or journals (online or in print) that don't pay contributors. Many great magazines have started off as non-paying, simply because they could not afford it. But as a writer, having your work appear in magazines can be reward enough -- either as the almighty ego boost, or just exposure to get your name out there. Also, many online venues will post a link to your blog or website and let you promote your books or other merchandise.

Here are a few non-paying speculative markets that I have found to be reputable and easy to work with:

- Black Petals
- Cemetery Moon - pays 1 copy
- Sinister Tales - pays leading story $125 and leading poem $25
- The Ashen Eye
- Twisted Dreams Magazine
- Twisted Tongue Magazine - pays for Editor's Choice award, all others free PDF and link
- Visionary Tongue - pays 1 copy

If you're looking for a great online repository of short horror stories, check out MicroHorror.com. The site is loaded with stories short enough to read in one sitting. Editor Nathan Rosen just added my story, "Shelter," to the site this month.

And if you're in the mood for a good poem, read "A Tan Dog Standing" by Julie Jordan Hanson, found online at the Michigan Quarterly Review archives. This is one of the finest poems I've read in a long time, and although it's not speculative, I think you'll enjoy it.

MicroHorror.com

If you've never heard of MicroHorror, it's worth checking out. The site is full of short-short horror stories, and founder/editor Nathan Rosen is always open to looking at stories by new submitters.

For a sample story, read "In the Woods" -- then plan a camping trip.