If you write short fiction and want to get published, build your writing portfolio, and get paid for it, Flash Fiction Online (FFO) is one of the best places to start.
They specialize in bite-sized stories that carry emotional weight and narrative depth — and they pay professional rates.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Flash Fiction Online publishes, what kind of stories they’re looking for, and how to submit your own work.
Let’s get started.
What is Flash Fiction Online?
Flash Fiction Online is a digital literary magazine that specializes in short, impactful storytelling.
They publish flash fiction —
short stories between 500 and 1,000 words that offer a full narrative arc.
That means every accepted story must have:
- A character
- A conflict or problem
- A satisfying resolution — with real change or insight
It’s not just a scene or a moment —
FFO wants a whole story in a tight space.
Their tagline captures their mission:
bold, brief, and beautiful storytelling told in fewer words.
Founded in 2007, FFO has built a reputation for championing sharp, emotionally resonant stories from writers around the world.
They’re especially known for publishing stories that experiment with genre, voice, or form — as long as they still deliver a complete and compelling narrative.
Stories published here have appeared in:
- Best Small Fictions
- The Best of the Net
- And other acclaimed anthologies
What kind of content do they accept?
FFO publishes original flash fiction that tells a complete and emotionally engaging story.
They’re open to many genres and styles, but they especially appreciate stories that:
- Have immersive settings and developed characters
- Deliver a satisfying resolution that leaves the character changed
- Feature crisp prose and a strong emotional core
- End with hope, wonder, or bittersweet poignancy
- Use a distinctive narrative voice
Genres accepted include:
- Literary fiction
- Science fiction
- Fantasy
- Horror
- Slipstream and cross-genre work
They do not publish:
- Nonfiction or memoir
- Poetry
- Fan fiction
- Erotica
They welcome translated stories —
as long as you hold the rights.
What are their writing guidelines?
Here’s what you need to follow:
Required:
- Word count: 500–1,000 words (firm)
- Language: English
- Format: .doc, .docx, or .rtf (no PDFs or images)
- Font: 12pt Times New Roman (or similar serif), double-spaced, 1-inch margins
- No identifying info in the file (blind review — meaning your name and personal information must not appear anywhere in the document, so editors can evaluate your story solely on its content without bias)
Things that hurt your chances:
- Second-person POV
- Unusual formats (lists, mock articles, encyclopedia entries)
- Vignettes or sketches with no plot
- Non-human or inanimate narrators
- Stories about writers, cats, bars, or memes
- Trendy topics that may age poorly
- Preachy or heavy-handed messaging
What will get your story rejected instantly:
- Excessive profanity
- Graphic violence
- Explicit sexual content
- Endings involving murder, suicide, or abuse
- Any content promoting hate, prejudice, or discrimination
No AI content allowed.
Stories created or assisted by AI tools will be rejected, and accounts may be banned.
Who can write for them?
Anyone.
FFO accepts stories from:
- First-time writers
- Emerging voices
- Established authors
They welcome submissions from anywhere in the world, and actively encourage underrepresented writers to submit.
How much do they pay?
FFO pays $100 per accepted story.
- This meets the professional rate defined by SFWA
- Payment is made via PayPal upon acceptance
- They purchase First English Language Rights — meaning they have the right to be the first to publish your story in English — but you retain the copyright and can republish it elsewhere after it’s been published with them. They also keep non-exclusive archival rights, which means they can keep your story available on their website and in their archives.
Reprints may be considered occasionally (typically for $20), but original work gets priority.
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?
Getting published in Flash Fiction Online means more than just earning a paycheck.
It’s a chance to build your credibility, reach new readers, and sharpen your craft in a respected, high-standard market.
A byline here strengthens your writing portfolio and connects your work to a global audience. Many of their accepted stories go on to appear in award anthologies — a reflection of the caliber of writing they publish.
And while it’s only 1,000 words or less, flash fiction at this level isn’t easy. It takes real skill to tell a full, emotionally meaningful story in such a tight space.
That challenge is part of what makes it so rewarding.
Writers who submit here aren’t chasing low-effort exposure or fanfic vibes — they’re aiming for a serious, professional platform that values storytelling done right.
How do I get started?
1. Read the magazine
- Explore their published stories to get a feel for their tone and style — many of them are available to read for free on their website, so you can see exactly what kind of work they love to publish.
2. Write your story
- Stick to the 500–1,000 word count
- Make it emotionally resonant and complete
3. Format properly
- Double-space your manuscript
- Use a legible serif font (like Times New Roman)
- Remove all personal identifiers
4. Submit online
- Use the submission portal on FFO’s official website
5. Track your submission
- Log into your Submittable account to check status
- If it’s been more than 8 weeks with no update, you can email them with “QUERY” in the subject line
Note: They do not provide personal feedback on rejections.
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
Flash Fiction Online is one of the best-paying, most respected markets for flash fiction out there.
If you can craft a complete, powerful story in under 1,000 words, it’s a platform worth aiming for — whether you’re hoping to get paid, build your writing credentials, or simply share a story that matters.
- Their guidelines are clear
- Their editorial team is fair
- And their reputation speaks for itself
Many writers who land a spot here go on to appear in award anthologies or build further opportunities off the back of their acceptance.
Take the time to study their published work, polish your draft, and submit your best.
You don’t need a big name to be accepted —
just a great story and a strong voice.
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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.
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