If you have a chilling tale of crime or suspense that deserves the spotlight, then you’ve come to the right place.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine (AHMM) is one of the oldest and most respected short story magazines in the world of crime fiction.
With stories that range from classic whodunits to hard-boiled noir, AHMM pays up to $960 for high-quality, unpublished tales.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to have your masterpiece published in this storied magazine.
Let’s get started.
What is Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine?
Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine (AHMM) is one of the most iconic and enduring publications in crime and mystery fiction.
It was first published in 1956 by H.S.D. Publications.
At the time, it was launched to capitalize on the fame of film director Alfred Hitchcock. But over the decades, it evolved into much more.
Today, AHMM is a literary institution.
It champions well-crafted stories of suspense, crime, and psychological intrigue.
The magazine features a broad range of subgenres. You’ll find classic whodunits, hardboiled noir, courtroom dramas, police procedurals, and even ghost stories — as long as a crime or the fear of one drives the plot.
Authors like Martin Limón, Jane K. Cleland, Loren Estleman, Rhys Bowen, and Kristine Kathryn Rusch have all appeared in its pages. Many have won awards, including the Robert L. Fish Award for Best First Mystery Short Story.
Beyond its prestige, AHMM is known for discovering new voices. Editors read all submissions. Many debut writers have been published for the first time here.
AHMM is the sister magazine of the equally renowned Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. While they share an editorial office, each operates independently.
Together, these two magazines represent the gold standard for short-form crime fiction.
If you want your work to appear alongside the best in the genre, AHMM is a name to know.
What kind of content do they accept?
AHMM is open to almost every kind of mystery fiction, including:
- Classic detective stories
- Police procedurals
- Private eye tales
- Courtroom dramas
- Suspense and psychological thrillers
- Espionage stories
- Crime fiction with supernatural elements (as long as there is a crime)
All stories must involve a crime or the threat of one.
They should be entirely fictional — stories based on real-life events or actual crimes are not accepted.
What are their writing guidelines?
Here are the key submission guidelines to keep in mind:
- Length: Stories should not exceed 12,000 words; most accepted pieces are significantly shorter.
- Style: Submissions must be original, unpublished, and well-written. They accept simultaneous submissions, but ask that you inform them promptly if accepted elsewhere.
- Formatting: Submit in .DOC, .DOCX, or .RTF using standard manuscript format (see William Shunn’s guide).
- Cover Letter: Include a brief cover letter with your name, email, story title, and a short author bio or relevant publishing history.
- No reprints: Only submit original work. Revisions should only be submitted upon request.
Note: Stories submitted to AHMM are not automatically considered by Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, even though they are sister publications. Submit separately to each.
Who can write for them?
Anyone.
You don’t need to be an established writer or have a literary agent.
AHMM welcomes new voices and reads every submission. Many debut writers have launched their careers in its pages.
How much do they pay?
AHMM pays 5 to 8 cents per word, up to a maximum of 12,000 words.
That means you can earn up to $960 per accepted story.
They purchase first publication rights, which means you retain full ownership of your story after it’s published. You can then resell or republish your story elsewhere after it appears in the magazine.
Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.
Why should I write for them?
Writing for Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine is more than just a way to earn money.
It’s a chance to align yourself with one of the most respected literary publications in crime fiction.
With a legacy that spans over sixty years, AHMM gives serious writers a platform that values skill, originality, and strong storytelling.
Being published here means your work appears beside the genre’s best. It gets seen by a loyal, intelligent readership.
AHMM also supports its writers. They pay professional rates, return rights to authors, and welcome both new and seasoned voices.
Unlike many glossy publications that chase trends, AHMM cares about substance. It’s about storytelling that holds weight and writing that leaves a mark.
Many writers have launched their careers by first appearing in its pages. A byline here signals to editors and agents that your work has merit and style.
If you’re serious about mystery fiction — and about being read by an audience that appreciates the genre — submitting to AHMM is a smart, lasting, and rewarding move.
How do I get started?
- Read the magazine to get a sense of the tone, pacing, and style. You can subscribe digitally or purchase a sample copy with a check to:
Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine
Attn: Sandy Marlowe
6 Prowitt Street
Norwalk, CT 06855- Write your story and format it correctly using standard manuscript format.
- Submit online through their dedicated submission portal (preferred over paper submissions).
- Track your submission using the confirmation number you’ll receive via email.
Before you submit:
Paid writing opportunities like these are limited — and they exist because editors are still willing to accept unsolicited submissions from writers around the world. To help keep these opportunities open, don’t submit AI-generated content or low-effort work clearly intended as spam. It wastes the editors’ time and takes away chances from real writers who care about the craft. Respect the opportunity. Respect the process. And respect the people reading your work.
Ready to submit your story?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine isn’t just one of the most respected names in mystery fiction.
It’s a rare opportunity for writers to be seen, valued, and compensated.
Whether you’re a seasoned author or new to the genre, this is a platform that welcomes sharp storytelling. It appreciates fresh ideas and gripping plots.
Its long-standing history, professional pay, and legacy of launching new voices make it more than just a publication.
It’s a literary institution.
So if you’ve got a mystery tale that crackles with tension, atmosphere, and strong narrative drive, don’t hold back.
Submit it to AHMM.
Earn your place in the tradition of published crime fiction — where your work can entertain readers, build your writing resume, and get properly rewarded.
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