Big Fiction publishes long-form fiction with substance, texture, and urgency. We especially love to read prose that matters, in language crafted to sing off the page. We welcome both experimental and traditional narratives.
Our open reading period for unsolicited work is March 15 – June 30, 2013. We consider only long-form literary fiction: novelettes (7,500 – 15,000 words) and novellas (15,000 – 30,000 words). For slightly shorter or longer works, please query us first. Only previously unpublished work will be considered. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable as long as you notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. No genre (sci-fi, horror, fantasy, romance) or children’s fiction, please.
Guidelines
We accept online submissions via Submittable. Fill out a short form—including title, a brief cover letter, and your e-mail—and upload your work here:
Submit to Big Fiction Magazine
Please submit only one piece per form, and no more than two pieces per reading period. We try to respond as quickly as we can; in the past our response times have ranged between 3-6 months. If you have not heard from us in three months, feel free to query info@bigfictionmagazine.com.
Payment
Big Fiction pays a flat rate of $100 and two author copies for each published piece.
Submissions are now CLOSED for the 2013 Knickerbocker Prize
Submissions for our first novella contest closed on February 28, 2013. We hope to make this the first of many contests, so look for the second annual Knickerbocker Prize this coming winter.
ABOUT THE CONTEST:
All entries are considered for publication, and all participants will receive a copy of the contest issue. The first- and second-place entries will receive $500 / $250 and publication in our contest issue. Finalists will be given priority consideration, but because of space, we can’t guarantee publication.
We welcome simultaneous submissions, but please notify us immediately at if your work is accepted elsewhere. Only previously unpublished work can be considered. All entries must be single, self-contained works of fiction, between 7,500 and 30,000 words. No genre fiction or children’s, please. The $20 contest fee includes a copy of the contest issue for all entrants. International submissions are eligible for an additional $5 to help us cover postage. Volunteers and staff of Big Fiction are not eligible.
ABOUT THIS YEAR'S JUDGE:
Lauren Groff is the author of the novels Arcadia and The Monsters of Templeton, and the story collection Delicate Edible Birds. Her fiction has won Pushcart and O. Henry prizes, and has appeared in journals including the New Yorker, the Atlantic, Ploughshares, One Story, and Glimmer Train, and in two editions of the Best American Short Stories anthology. www.laurengroff.com
Questions about these guidelines? E-mail us at info@bigfictionmagazine.com.