SmokeLong Quarterly — one of the most respected names in flash fiction — just announced a special themed call for Dark Fantasy and Psychological Thriller submissions.

And they’re paying $300 per accepted story.

Here’s everything you need to know to get your story in front of them.

What is SmokeLong Quarterly?

SmokeLong Quarterly has been publishing the best flash fiction since 2003.
They specialize in literary flash — complete stories under 1,000 words that hit hard and stay with the reader.

Writers featured in SmokeLong have gone on to win major awards, land book deals, and gain international recognition.
In short: getting published here is a big deal.

About the New Dark Fantasy and Psychological Thriller Call

Theme:

• Stories that explore darkness, fear, and unease.
• Psychological thrillers, unsettling dark fantasy — but no gratuitous violence, cruelty, racism, or xenophobia.

Word Count:

• 1,000 words or fewer (excluding the title).

Deadline:

• August 15, 2025.

Payment:

• $300 per accepted story (professional rates).

Other Important Guidelines:

• Submissions must be anonymous (no name in the manuscript).
• Manuscripts should be double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font.
• Submissions accepted in English or any other language (with English translation).
• Simultaneous submissions allowed.
• Multiple submissions allowed through a special form (with a small fee).

How to Submit

1. Write a flash fiction story under 1,000 words that fits the dark fantasy or psychological thriller theme.
2. Format it cleanly (double-spaced, readable font, no light text).
3. Remove all identifying information from the document.
4. Submit it through SmokeLong’s Submittable page.

They tend to respond quickly — so you won’t be waiting around forever.

Why You Should Submit

• $300 for under 1,000 words is an outstanding payment rate in the literary world.
• Publishing in SmokeLong boosts your writing resume significantly.
• Challenge yourself creatively by writing tight, emotionally powerful stories.
• Connect with an audience that truly values flash fiction.

If you’re serious about breaking into professional flash fiction markets — this is your shot.

Final Thoughts

These opportunities don’t last forever.

Whether you’re already a master of unsettling stories or you’re ready to push your writing into darker waters, SmokeLong Quarterly’s Dark Fantasy and Psychological Thriller call is one of the best open doors you’ll find this year.

$300. Under 1,000 words.
The scariest thing would be letting it pass you by.