One Story Submission Guidelines:

Submission Periods: January 15th - May 31st | September 8th - November 14th

What kinds of stories is One Story looking for?

One Story is seeking literary fiction. Because of our format, we can only accept stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words. They can be any style and on any subject as long as they are good. We are looking for stories that leave readers feeling satisfied and are strong enough to stand alone.

Does One Story pay?

Yes. One Story pays $500 and 25 contributors copies for First Serial North American rights. All rights will revert to the author following publication.

Does One Story accept previously published material?

No. One Story is looking for previously unpublished material. However, if a story has been published in print outside of North America, it will be considered. Stories previously published online—on blogs, personal websites, online literary magazines, or forums—will not be accepted.

Does One Story accept simultaneous submissions?

Yes, but please notify us immediately if your submission is accepted for publication elsewhere.

What file types can I submit?

We accept PDF, RTF, and TXT files that are less than 500KB. Please include the story title and all writer contact info on the first page of the submitted file.

Will you send me comments on my story?

No. One Story receives close to 100 submissions each week. Please understand that we do not have time to comment on individual stories.

Can I change the story I submitted with an updated draft?

No.

Do you consider translations?

Yes. Please include the name of the original author and language, as well as the name of the translator on the first page of your submission.

How do I submit to One Story?

One Story account.



If you have subscribed to One Story or One Teen Story, joined our mailing list, given One Story or One Teen Story as a gift, or submitted a story to either magazine, you already have an account. If not, the first time you submit a story your account will be automatically created.



Using this account will enable you to check the status of your submission at any time by going to our login page.



When you are ready to submit, please visit our We have an automated system for you to send us your work. It will securely send our editors your story and email you a confirmation that it has been received. To use the automated system, you need to have aaccount.If you have subscribed toor, joined our mailing list, givenoras a gift, or submitted a story to either magazine, you already have an account. If not, the first time you submit a story your account will be automatically created.Using this account will enable you to check the status of your submission at any time by going to our login page.When you are ready to submit, please visit our Submission Manager

When can I submit to One Story?

We accept submissions from January 15th to May 31st and from September 8th to November 14th.

How soon can I expect to hear about my submission?

We do our very best to respond to submissions within 3 months after they are received. If you don’t hear back from us within that time, please be patient! It is our goal to make sure that each submission gets a good read.

Can I check the status of my submission?

“Received” means that we have your story and are considering it. You can check the status of your submissions at any time by logging into your account means that we have your story and are considering it.

Can I submit the same story to One Story and One Teen Story?