If you love writing short stories — the kind that stir emotion, linger in the reader’s mind, and leave a quiet impact — One Story could be the perfect place for your work.
This literary magazine is looking for short fiction stories to publish — one per issue — and they’ll pay $500 for every story they accept.
The kind of writing that makes someone pause and think,
“I didn’t know a short story could hit like that.”
In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know: what One Story is looking for exactly, and how you can submit your own work.
Let’s get started.
What is One Story?
One Story is a New York–based nonprofit literary magazine that does things a little differently:
They publish one great short story at a time.
Each issue features just a single story — one that gets their full attention.
It’s printed in a small 5×7 chapbook and mailed to subscribers — like receiving a letter from a friend.
Founded in 2002 by Hannah Tinti and Maribeth Batcha, the magazine began as a response to the shrinking space for short fiction in mainstream publications.
Their mission?
- Spotlight one writer per issue
- Never publish the same author twice
- Keep short fiction alive, personal, and powerful
Since launching, they’ve published over 300 writers, expanded into teen publishing, and built a thriving literary education community.
They’re now a respected name in the literary world —
supported by donors, grants, and thousands of readers who still believe in the power of a good story.
What kind of content do they accept?
One Story focuses on just one genre:
Literary fiction.
But within that, they’re wide open to different voices, styles, and subjects — as long as the story:
- Feels complete and satisfying on its own
- Is emotionally resonant and well-crafted
- Leaves the reader thinking after the last line
That could be:
- A quiet, introspective piece
- A surreal, genre-blending narrative
- A bold, experimental structure
What matters most is quality — not trendiness.
If your story reads like a true artistic experience, it could be a fit.
What are their writing guidelines?
Keep it between 3,000 and 8,000 words.
This length helps them ensure that every story fits their signature one-story-per-issue format.
A few other things to know:
- Stories must be previously unpublished in North America
- If it’s been published in print overseas, that’s okay
- No blog posts, online forums, or web publications
- Translations are welcome — just credit the original author and translator on the first page
They’re looking for stories that are emotionally rich and thoughtfully written — pieces that stand on their own and feel complete.
Give them your best version — not a draft in progress, but a story you’ve taken the time to refine and make meaningful.
Who can write for them?
Anyone.
You don’t need to be from the U.S., have a writing degree, or be published elsewhere.
As long as your story is written in English and follows their guidelines, you’re welcome to submit.
Whether you’re a first-time writer or someone who’s been at it for years, One Story wants to hear your voice.
How much do they pay?
They offer $500 per accepted story, along with:
- 25 contributor copies of your printed issue
- A formal agreement granting them First Serial North American rights
- All rights reverting back to you after publication
That means you can republish your story elsewhere, include it in a future collection, or adapt it however you’d like — after it runs in One Story.
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?
Because One Story doesn’t just publish your work — they champion it.
Every accepted piece is treated with care and intention.
You’ll receive dedicated editorial support to help shape your story into its strongest, most compelling form. They take the time to understand your voice and vision — and they help it shine.
Unlike most literary magazines, where your story is one of many tucked into a crowded issue, One Story gives you the entire stage.
Your story is the issue.
It’s presented front and center, with nothing else to compete for attention. That kind of spotlight is rare.
You’ll also become part of a literary community that values emotional truth, originality, and bold new voices.
Many emerging writers have launched their careers through One Story, and the magazine continues to be a space where talent is nurtured, noticed, and celebrated.
This isn’t just a byline.
It’s a chance to be read, remembered, and taken seriously — to stand alone as a story worth telling.
How do I get started?
Before you submit, it helps to read a few of their past issues to get a feel for the kind of stories they publish and the tone they’re drawn to.
Here’s how to submit:
- Head to their Submittable page
- Upload your story as a PDF
- Make sure the first page includes your name and contact info
- In your cover letter, add:
- The story’s word count
- A short bio (a sentence or two is fine)
Note:
- Email submissions aren’t accepted
- The only exception is for incarcerated individuals, who may send printed submissions by mail
If that applies to you, here’s the mailing address:
One Story
232 Third St., A108
Brooklyn, NY 11215
USAAdditional tips:
- They aim to respond within 3 months
- If submissions are temporarily closed, it just means they’ve hit their cap — check back soon
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 own story?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
If you’ve got a story you believe in — something finished, sincere, and worth sharing — One Story could be the perfect home for it.
They give short fiction the care and space it deserves.
They pay fairly.
They treat writers with respect.
And they focus on just one piece at a time — so yours will never get lost in the mix.
You don’t need a resume, credentials, or a list of past publications.
If your story is honest, well-crafted, and emotionally true —
that’s what they’re really looking for.
Write something that means something to you.
Because if it connects with them,
they’ll make sure it connects with others too.
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SEE THE FULL LIST ➤
