How to submit your story

(for now, let’s see where this goes)

I promise to respond to every submission. I’m not a trained editor, so I’ll probably be brief and straightforward, likely “thanks yes excellent” or “not for me thanks”. If you’re looking for feedback about a certain aspect of the story, please ask! I’ll do my best to provide thoughtful comments.

I’m certain to be biased. If I’ve shared your stories before I will be excited about it and read it quickly, if you’re Canadian and I know it (because you tell me), I’ll give your story some preference. I will do my best to give each story a fair shake, but I’m also human and a victim of my own preferences.

How to Submit

Fill out this form and upload the .doc file of your story. Include your bio as well, that way if it’s something I’d like to run it speeds up the process.

My approach here is the same as with the music I write about: simply to share the type of things I’d like to discover elsewhere. If that means one story a month by someone who I know personally? Excellent. If it means four short stories a week or more? Awesome, I better find some help.

What does get posted gets promoted on Bluesky and Instagram and linked in the Welcome Distractions newsletter. My reach exceeds my grasp, but I’m working on it.

To be clear: I don’t pay anything, and in return I do not ask for any rights or exclusivity or special treatment. If you can run your story somewhere else and get paid? Awesome. You might have been on a Shortlist post anyway. If you need me to take your story down because you’ve sold it with exclusivity? Brilliant. No problem.

This website is a labour of love. It costs me money to run (not a lot, like a few dinners out per year). I hate ads. Maybe there’s a subscription plan coming someday, but don’t hold your breath. If I ever make a few bucks at it I will be sure to share.

What I seem to like:
  • fiction or creative nonfiction both welcome
  • any genre (though I’m super picky about science fiction and fantasy)
  • any length, but if it’s over 1500 words or so then it better have a strong hook
What’s probably not for me but you never know:
  • overly vulgar or explicit stories (but I loved this one)
  • experimental or unorthodox writing (but, but)
  • poetry (but I did a whole month on it)
  • political stuff (but)

If you’re sending something that has been published somewhere else, please let me know where and when and be sure it’s not under exclusivity somewhere else.

If you’re unsure, reach out. I’m approachable!