One Story Submission Guidelines
One Story’s Spring 2024 submission period will open on May 6th and close when we reach our submissions cap. Submitters are only permitted to submit one story per submission period.

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No. One Story is looking for previously unpublished material.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 other forums—will not be accepted.

Does One Story accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes, but please withdraw your submission immediately if your submission is accepted for publication elsewhere.
 

What file types can I submit?
We accept PDF, RTF, DOC, and DOCX files. 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 over 5000 submissions a year. Unfortunately,  we do not have time to comment on individual stories.

Can I change the story I submitted with an updated draft?
We strongly prefer that you only send us final drafts, but if you must upload a new version, please withdraw your submission through Submittable and resubmit.

Can I send a revision of a story that was previously rejected?
No. Please send us new work. Revisions of previously rejected stories will not be considered and will be automatically declined.

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 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 submit the same story to One Story and One Teen Story?
  No. One Story and One Teen Story are looking for different kinds of stories. For more information on submitting to One Teen Story, go here.

Can I still access submissions sent in through your old system, Submission Manager?
  Yes. You can access your Submission Manager submissions at any time by logging into your One Story account.


 

PLEASE NOTE: THIS FORM IS FOR APPLICATIONS TO MATTHEW LANSBURGH'S FICTION WORKSHOP ONLY. ALL MAGAZINE SUBMISSIONS TO THIS FORM WILL BE DECLINED UNREAD.

Mondays, 7-9:30pm ET, July 22nd-August 26th, 2024, Zoom
Application Deadline: Monday, June 3rd

Price: $450

Patron Price: $425

Application Fee: $10

This advanced fiction workshop will include two components: (i) a craft component in which we will study several published stories to glean craft lessons you can apply to your own work, and (ii) a workshop component in which we will read one story from each student and analyze the craft decisions at play in that submission. Our goal in the workshop portion of the course will be to give each student specific suggestions for how to improve their submission in revision. During our six weeks together, we will talk about what makes a great opening; how to use voice, mystery, and details to keep your readers engaged; how to make sure the way you reveal information builds momentum, rather than slowing down the pace of your story; and how to create complex, three-dimensional characters. Specific craft topics to be examined will include: point of view, narrative distance, use of time, narrative arc, character development, use of compelling details, world building, voice, and dialogue.

This class is designed for writers with workshop experience. Tuition includes a 30-minute meeting with the instructor.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Matthew Lansburgh’s collection of linked stories, Outside Is the Ocean, won the Iowa Short Fiction Award and was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award and the Ferro-Grumley Award for LGBTQ Fiction. His fiction has appeared (or is forthcoming) in journals such as One Story, Virginia Quarterly Review, New England Review, and Alaska Quarterly Review, and has been shortlisted in the Best American Short Stories series. He has received fellowships from the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, the Sewanee Writers’ Conference, Yaddo, and MacDowell. Matthew has served on the admissions committee of the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference since 2019.

 This workshop is open to fiction writers 21 years of age and older. Applications will open on Monday, April 15th, 2024. The deadline to apply for the workshop is Monday, June 3rd at 11:59pm ET. Please send in your application, which should consist of a personal statement and a manuscript (either a short story or novel excerpt of 5000 words or less) of what you would like to workshop, via Submittable. If selected, what you submit as part of this application will be what the class workshops. 

We are seeking writers who are looking to hone their craft and are excited to learn from each other and the instructor in an intimate and supportive environment. Workshop participants will be selected based on the strength of their writing sample and personal statement.

Complete application guidelines are available on the application. Please note that you will need to create a Submittable account to apply. 

There is a non-refundable $10 application fee. Fee waivers are available by emailing edu.support@one-story.com

Please note that to be eligible for the Patron rate, applicants must be an active Patron of One Story as of June 3rd. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in the organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patrons, you can do so here.

Applicants will be notified of their status in late June.

Detailed application guidelines follow in this application.

   For more information on the workshop policies, please visit our website.