American Short Fiction has published and continues to seek short fiction by some of the finest writers working in contemporary literature, whether they are established or new or lesser-known authors. In addition to its triannual print magazine, American Short Fiction publishes stories online and holds two yearly contests, the Halifax Ranch Prize for Fiction and the American Short(er) Fiction Prize for stories fewer than 1,000 words.
Our submission guidelines can be found here.
Information about our MFA for All program can be found here.
American Short Fiction's Halifax Ranch Prize for Fiction is now open for submissions. We are honored to have Eric Puchner as our guest judge.
- Submit your entry online between April 15, 2025, and June 1, 2025.
- The winner will receive a $2,500 prize and publication in an upcoming issue of American Short Fiction. In addition, the winner will receive a week-long all-expenses-paid writing retreat (optional—dates TBD) at the Tasajillo Residency, which neighbors the Halifax Ranch just outside of Austin in Kyle, Texas. The residency must be scheduled within a year after the winner is announced. All US-based submitters will receive a complimentary copy of the prize issue.
- Please submit your $20 entry fee and your work through Submittable. We no longer accept submissions by post. International submissions in English are eligible. The entry fee covers one 6,500-word fiction submission.
- All entries must be single, self-contained works of fiction, between 2,000-6,500 words. Please DO NOT include any identifying information on the manuscript itself.
- You may submit multiple entries. We accept only previously unpublished work. We do allow simultaneous submissions, but we ask that you notify us promptly of publication elsewhere. Winners will be announced in September.
Conflicts of Interest
Staff and volunteers currently affiliated with American Short Fiction are ineligible for consideration or publication. Additionally, students, former students, and colleagues of the judge are not eligible to enter. We ask that previous winners wait three years after their winning entry is published before entering again.
American Short Fiction adheres to the CLMP Contest Code of Ethics. You can find the CLMP Code of Ethics and our Contest Procedures here, and do email any questions to editors@americanshortfiction.org.