The Fiction Desk

What this publication wants

This is BRYME's summary of the publication's focus — not a copy of their website. Type of writing: Fiction. Official guideline: The Fiction Desk guidelines.

Topics, themes and styles they look for

• Short stories on any of the themes and genres featured in Fiction Desk anthologies.
• Stories between 1,000 and 15,000 words — most published stories run 2,000–7,000 words.
• Submissions through their online form; stories are considered for both The Fiction Desk and partner publisher Uncertain Stories.

Subjects they avoid

• Novel excerpts, non-fiction, poetry, or anything with illustrations or photographs.
• Any writing generated using AI tools. Their submission form and publishing contract both require authors to confirm no AI was used — including tools that standardise or 'correct' grammar and punctuation.
• Postal submissions — these will not reach the right people.
• PDF or Microsoft Works documents.

Key requirements

• Online submission form
• £5 submission fee per story
• 1,000–15,000 words
• English only

Who can submit

Official: they are based in the UK and are happy to consider short story submissions from authors all over the world. All submissions must be in English; if submitting a translation, note who is submitting and who owns the rights.

Rights

They ask for first serial rights, a brief period of exclusivity (usually six months), and the right to keep the story in print as part of the anthology. They place no limits on what you do with the story after the exclusivity period.

AI policy

Prohibited

How to write for them

Official requirement: always follow the publication's own guideline exactly.

BRYME's practical advice: write for the publication's audience, use a clear structure, keep paragraphs short, lead with a specific angle, and confirm the word count before submitting. These are practical suggestions — they are not the publication's official rules.

How to pitch

Where a pitch is required, this is the general pattern BRYME recommends — always adapt it to the publication's guideline.

1. Research the publication and read several recent pieces.
2. Choose a specific idea that fits their beat and audience.
3. Write a concise subject line naming your idea.
4. Introduce yourself in one or two lines (who you are, where you publish).
5. Explain the proposed piece in a short paragraph — angle, structure, length.
6. Say why it fits this publication.
7. Include 2–3 relevant clips or links.
8. Close professionally and thank them for their time.
9. Send through the official channel only.

Not accepting submissions at the last check.

Track this pitch

How to submit

Online submission form

Apply through the official channel below. BRYME only records submission destinations it has verified.

• Official guideline: opens the publication guideline (new tab)
• Submission: Online submission form

What the guideline asks you to prepare

• Read the guidelines at https://www.thefictiondesk.com/submissions/short-story-submission-guidelines.php.
• Look at one of their anthologies to check the fit.
• Submit through the online form before midnight UK time on 30 September 2026, paying the £5 fee by card or PayPal.

What happens after submission

Expected response: Within six weeks, often much less

If the publication does not state a response time, BRYME records that it is unknown. A follow-up is generally reasonable after a couple of weeks; if there is still no response, treat that as a likely non-acceptance rather than a rejection. Acceptance is normally communicated by the publication. If they accept, they will tell you exactly how to submit the final piece and, for most, how and when payment is made.