We’re interested in many types of fiction at Lit, up to and including work that can be called "experimental." But what we are most excited to publish are simply stories we haven’t read before. 

This may seem obvious. However, our tastes in fiction tend toward the unconventional for a reason: we read hundreds of fiction submissions a year, and unfortunately we end up reading the same types of stories many different times. We often receives stories that fall into several common archetypes: the invincible-protagonist-with-a-heart-of-gold story, the bad break-up story, the university campus story, the middle-aged divorce story, and others. Therefore, the best submissions in this category will tell an uncommon story, or tell a common story in a different way, or in a different prose style. We believe that archetypal ground is best tread deliberately.   

Short stories or independently coherent novel excerpts are considered. Flash fiction is also considered, but should ideally be submitted in multiples. We do not accept hard genre (fantasy, sci-fi etc), but do appreciate other forms of non-realist work. We do not accept young adult fiction. 

• Only submit previously unpublished work. 
• Submit all written work as a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file. 
• Submissions should be no longer than 15 pages.
• We do not require cover letters, but if you insist, please keep it brief. 
• We accept simultaneous submissions, but let us know as soon as it’s accepted elsewhere. Please wait until you receive a response for your submission before submitting again.  
• Use standard formatting: put your page number somewhere on each page. If the submission is prose heavy, please double-space. Use a standard font.
• Submissions filed by professional coordinating services will not be considered, nor will submissions we’ve already rejected in the past.
• We are unable to provide monetary compensation for accepted submissions at this time. We are a team of volunteers, and all funds that we raise go towards administrative costs of running the magazine. However, contributors selected for upcoming print editions will receive physical copies of their work.  
• All submissions will be read.