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Fiction
There are currently seven ways to submit fiction to Mslexia, from a 100-word flash in response to an alphabetical prompt, to 2,200-word short story on our latest theme.
Mslexia Showcase
Twice a year we invite leading authors to select from submissions of short fiction and poetry on a particular theme for the Showcase section of Mslexia magazine. Our curator-judges have included Hilary Mantel, Carol Ann Duffy, Val McDermid, Kate Mosse, Jackie Kay, Pascale Petit, Linda Grant and many more.
Stories must be no longer than 2,200 words and poems up to 40 lines and we pay for every piece we publish. There is no lower word or line limit. You may send up to four poems and/or up to two stories on any one theme. Please ensure your name does not appear on the work itself.
Themes for 2026 will be annouced in December 2025
Salon Showcase (Salon Subscribers only)
A new quarterly feature on the Mslexia blog exclusively for Salon members. Please send micro fictions (up to 100 words) and short stories (up to 1,000 words) inspired by an alphabet prompt. Theme: E
Deadline: 6 October 2025
Mslexia Issue 108
The World’s Wife
A 500-word fictional prose monologue in the voice of the wife, mistress, sister, daughter, mother of a famous real or fictional person. We’re inviting strong voice pieces suitable for both page or performance. Please give your piece a title that explains the relationship, e.g. ‘Ophelia, fiancée of Hamlet’; ‘Melania, wife of Donald Trump’.
Flash Challenge (Subscriber Only)
Judged by award-winning author Meg Pokrass. Please send stories up to 250 words that tell a complete story. You must be a print, or digital, subscriber to Mslexia in order to submit. Theme for 108: fake pearls
You must be a print, or digital, subscribe to Mslexia in order to submit.
First Page Surgery
Submit the first 300 words of your (as yet) unpublished fiction or nonfiction manuscript for feedback by a leading literary agent.
Deadline for inclusion in Issue 108 of Mslexia: 6 October 2025
Unsure about eligibility, formatting, or what happens to your work after you submit? Visit our Submissions Policy page.
How to Submit
Submitting online
To submit, complete the form below this section and upload your submission document.
Submitting by post
Alternatively, send your entry by post to:
Mslexia
PO Box 656
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 1PZ
Please include your address, phone number and email on a separate cover sheet, along with the title of the work you are submitting. All submissions are judged anonymously, so please ensure your name does not appear on the submitted work itself.
Submit your work
