If you’re a mystery lover, whodunit writer, or crime fiction fan — this one’s for you.

Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine (EQMM) is one of the oldest and most prestigious publications in the genre — and it pays up to $960 or more for original mystery short stories.

Founded in 1941, EQMM helped shape the modern crime short story and continues to publish both emerging and iconic voices.

If you’ve got a story that’s gripping, suspenseful, and polished —
this is one of the best places to submit your work.

In this guide, we’ll go through how you can get your own piece published in this storied magazine.

Let’s get started.

What is Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine?

Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine is the most celebrated crime and mystery fiction publication in the world — a literary institution that has defined the standard for the genre since its inception.

Founded in 1941 by Frederic Dannay and Manfred B. Lee (writing together as Ellery Queen), the magazine was created to elevate mystery writing into a respected literary form.

Its debut issue sold over 90,000 copies and launched what would become the leading voice in mystery fiction.

EQMM has published legendary authors like:

• Agatha Christie
• William Faulkner
• Joyce Carol Oates
• Stephen King

It has received over 100 major awards, including 22 Edgars from the Mystery Writers of America.

Alongside big names, EQMM has always championed new talent through its Department of First Stories, helping launch the careers of over 800 writers.

Today, under editor Janet Hutchings, the magazine continues its global vision with Passport to Crime, showcasing translated works from around the world.

EQMM is the sister magazine of the equally renowned Alfred Hitchcock’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.

What kind of content do they accept?

EQMM accepts a wide range of crime and mystery fiction, including:

• Classical whodunits
• Detective and private eye stories
• Psychological suspense
• Police procedurals
• Hard-boiled and noir fiction
• Locked-room and impossible crimes
• Cozy mysteries
• Humorous mystery hybrids

They’ve even incorporated the legacy of Black Mask magazine as a recurring department.

However, they do not accept:

• True crime or true detective stories
• Explicit sex or graphic violence
• Previously published stories in the U.S.

First-time authors are strongly encouraged to submit.
Mention in your cover letter if your story qualifies for the Department of First Stories.

What are their writing guidelines?

EQMM looks for:

• Strong, compelling writing
• Original and exciting plots
• Professional-level craftsmanship

They recommend reading a few issues to get a feel for the tone and editorial style.

Word count guidelines:

• Preferred: 2,500 to 8,000 words
• Occasionally accepted: Up to 12,000 words
• Rare: Short novels up to 20,000 words (usually for established authors)
• Also considered: Very short stories (250 words+), sometimes referred to as “minute mysteries”

Who can write for them?

Anyone —
regardless of background, experience, or location.

EQMM is open to:

• First-time and unpublished writers
• Experienced and professional authors
• Writers from around the world

There’s no need to query first.
Just submit your piece.

If your story is not in English, you must submit a translated version.
EQMM does not provide translation services.

How much do they pay?

EQMM pays 5 to 8 cents per word, sometimes more for established writers.

Here’s a breakdown:

Word Count	Estimated Pay Range
2,500 words	$125 – $200
8,000 words	$400 – $640
12,000 words	$600 – $960
20,000 words	$1,000 – $1,600+ (for short novels)

All payments are made upon acceptance — though the exact amount can vary depending on the length, quality, and reputation of the writer.

EQMM only buys first publication rights, so you retain full ownership and can 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 Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine isn’t just about money — it’s a real opportunity to grow as a mystery writer and gain lasting recognition.

EQMM is widely respected in the industry.

Being published here tells editors, agents, and readers that your work meets a high literary and genre standard. It’s a mark of credibility that sticks with you.

There’s also the benefit of meaningful exposure.

EQMM has a loyal and far-reaching readership —
ranging from casual mystery fans to seasoned publishing professionals.

Your story won’t just be printed, it’ll be read and remembered.

Then there’s the legacy.

EQMM has published some of the biggest names in the genre, but they also take pride in launching new voices.

Their Department of First Stories has given hundreds of writers their first break — and you could be next.

What’s more, EQMM embraces a wide spectrum of crime fiction.

Whether your style leans hard-boiled, psychological, cozy, or something entirely different — there’s room here for originality and voice.

As Stephen King put it: “the best mystery magazine in the world — bar none.”

How do I get started?

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Read the magazine. Familiarize yourself with EQMM’s tone and range.
You can subscribe online or purchase a sample copy by mailing a check to:

Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine
Attn: Sandy Marlowe
6 Prowitt Street
Norwalk, CT 06855

2. Prepare your submission.

• Submit only unpublished stories
• Use standard manuscript format
• Save your file as .DOC, .DOCX, or .RTF

3. Go to their submission portal.

• Fill out the online form with your name, email, title, word count
• Write a brief cover letter (mention prior credits or if it’s your first story)
• Indicate eligibility for Department of First Stories, if applicable

4. Wait for a response.

• Normal turnaround time is up to 3 months
• Don’t follow up unless more than 90 days have passed

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.

WRITE FOR EQMM ➤

Final thoughts

Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine is more than a historic publication — it’s a bridge between the golden age of mystery fiction and today’s vibrant, diverse voices.

It’s a space where tradition and innovation come together — where legacy meets new blood. EQMM has published many of the greats, but it continues to open doors for fresh talent with compelling, original voices.

Whether you’re polishing your first whodunit or have a drawer full of gritty noir tales, this is a market that pays fairly, reads widely, and genuinely values the art of storytelling.

If your story is ready — and you believe it can hold its own beside the best — take the leap.

You just might be the next name added to their storied legacy.

Looking for more sites that pay you to write?

Here’s a curated list of sites that pay writers.

You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.

Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.

SEE THE FULL LIST ➤