Have you written a super short story—something under 300 words or even just 100—and wondered where it belongs? Microfiction is becoming more popular than ever, and the good news is that there are many great places in the U.S. where you can submit your tiny tales. Whether you’re a teen, a new writer, or a seasoned author trying flash fiction for the first time, this guide will walk you through the best and easiest options.
What Is Microfiction and Why People Love It
Microfiction is a very short piece of fiction, usually fewer than 300 words. Some stories are even just six words long! It’s like telling a complete story using only the essentials. Microfiction forces you to cut the fluff and focus on strong characters, quick action, and emotional punch. That’s why readers—and editors—love it.
One big reason microfiction is so loved today is because of how fast the world moves. People want to be entertained quickly, and microfiction offers that in just a few lines. A great microfiction piece can surprise you, make you laugh, cry, or think—all in a minute or less. And for writers, it’s the perfect format to practice storytelling in a short space. Many people use microfiction to build writing discipline, develop ideas, or experiment with voice and tone.
Best Free Places to Send Microfiction
You don’t need to pay to get your microfiction published. Many respected U.S. literary magazines, websites, and online platforms accept microfiction submissions for free. These places are perfect for beginners who want to build their portfolio and get their name out there. Some publications respond quickly, others even offer feedback. Best of all, if you’re using keywords like “places to send microfiction,” “free places to submit flash fiction,” or “submit micro stories USA,” these markets should be at the top of your list.
Many of these magazines prefer stories with strong character arcs, unique points of view, or clever twists. While each site has its own guidelines, one thing remains true—everyone is looking for original, emotionally compelling work.
Smokelong Quarterly
Smokelong Quarterly is one of the top literary magazines dedicated entirely to flash fiction and microfiction. The name “SmokeLong” refers to a story that can be read in the time it takes to smoke a cigarette. Most stories they publish are under 1,000 words, and many are much shorter.
What makes Smokelong Quarterly so appealing to writers is the quality of the work they showcase. If your story is accepted here, you’re placing your work alongside some of the best flash fiction writers today. They publish four quarterly issues each year and also offer weekly features. While they are highly competitive, they are a must-try for any serious microfiction writer.
They’re especially open to experimental formats and emotional storytelling. If your piece packs a punch and leaves a lasting impression, Smokelong might just be the right fit.
Flash Fiction Online
Flash Fiction Online publishes stories between 500 and 1,000 words, but they sometimes accept shorter microfiction pieces if the story is powerful. They are known for accepting emotionally rich stories and have published works from both new and well-known authors.
They pay authors for accepted work and have a reputation for high-quality editing and reader engagement. It’s a great place to send your best stories if you want recognition and professional feedback. And yes—it’s 100% free to submit.
Microfiction Monday Magazine
As the name suggests, Microfiction Monday Magazine publishes super-short fiction. Every Monday, they post microfiction stories under 100 words. That’s right—just 100 words or fewer! It’s perfect for writers who love to write ultra-short fiction and want a weekly opportunity to publish their work.
They look for stories that have a strong idea and a big emotional impact. Don’t be fooled by the word count; the competition is stiff. But they are friendly to new writers and often accept first-time submissions.
Magazines That Love Tiny Stories
Several other magazines in the U.S. are known for publishing microfiction regularly. These include:
- 100 Word Story – They publish stories exactly 100 words long. It’s challenging but fun.
- Hobart Pulp – A quirky literary magazine with a love for short, punchy fiction.
- Bending Genres – Focuses on hybrid and boundary-pushing fiction.
- Wigleaf – Features very short fiction with literary quality.
- Pidgeonholes – Accepts microfiction, flash fiction, and visual narratives.
These magazines appreciate creative structure, poetic prose, and originality. You’ll find everything from sci-fi microfiction to contemporary literary flash in these spaces.
Where Young Writers Can Send Microfiction
Are you a teen or young writer wondering where to send your microfiction? Don’t worry—there are plenty of amazing places that focus specifically on writers under the age of 18 or those still in school. These platforms don’t just accept youth writing; they celebrate it.
What matters most for young writers is finding a space that welcomes fresh voices and supports growth. Whether you’re writing stories in school or on your phone, these platforms give you the chance to be seen and published.
Stone Soup
Stone Soup is one of the oldest and most respected magazines for young writers. It publishes work from kids aged 13 and under and accepts poetry, fiction, and art. Stone Soup has been around since 1973 and is well-known in classrooms across the U.S.
They love creative stories with imagination and heart. Microfiction is welcome, especially if it has a complete narrative and feels polished. If you’re a young writer looking for your first publication, Stone Soup is a wonderful place to start.
Teen Ink
Teen Ink is another excellent option. It accepts stories, poems, essays, and reviews from writers aged 13 to 19. Microfiction is welcome here, especially in their short fiction section.
What makes Teen Ink special is that it’s written entirely by teens and read by teens. You’ll be in great company. They publish work online and also in a print magazine. It’s free to submit, and they respond to work fairly quickly. It’s a supportive space that encourages creative expression.
Top Literary Journals Accepting Microfiction
If you’re aiming high, some of the best literary journals in the U.S. regularly publish microfiction. These include:
- The Cincinnati Review – They have a “miCRo” series specifically for tiny fiction.
- NANO Fiction – Specializes in flash and microfiction.
- The Kenyon Review – A top-tier literary magazine that occasionally features very short pieces.
- Narrative Magazine – Known for its high standards and large readership, they sometimes include microfiction.
Submitting to these journals can take more time, but the exposure is well worth the wait if your story is accepted. They often have detailed submission guidelines, so be sure to follow them carefully.
Easy Online Websites for Microfiction Submission
Sometimes, you just want a fast, easy way to submit your story without complicated guidelines. These websites are perfect for quick submissions and have large audiences:
- Medium (Fiction tags) – Self-publish your microfiction with tags like “flash fiction,” “100-word story,” and “microfiction.”
- Vocal.Media – Offers writing challenges and accepts short fiction, including microfiction.
- Commaful – A visual storytelling platform where you can upload very short stories paired with images.
- StoryMirror – A platform for sharing short fiction in multiple languages.
- Penpee – Earn small amounts by publishing your fiction and gaining readers.
These platforms are more casual than traditional magazines but still give your story a chance to be seen.
Tips Before You Submit Your Microfiction
Before you hit “submit,” here are a few important tips to help your story stand out:
- Read submission guidelines carefully – Every magazine has different rules.
- Edit ruthlessly – With so few words, every sentence must matter.
- Start with a hook – Grab attention in the first line.
- Avoid clichés – Try to write something unique or unexpected.
- Follow up professionally – If the magazine responds, thank them—even if they reject your story.
Also, track your submissions in a spreadsheet or notebook. This helps you stay organized and avoid sending the same story to the same place twice.
Things to Avoid When Sending Your Microfiction
Microfiction may be short, but mistakes can still cost you a good opportunity. Avoid sending stories with grammar issues or unclear plots. Don’t ignore word count guidelines or submission deadlines. If a magazine says “no simultaneous submissions,” don’t send your story to others at the same time.
Avoid overused topics unless you can bring something fresh to them. And never plagiarize—not even a sentence. Editors know how to spot copied content. Be honest, original, and respectful to the places where you submit.
The Bottom Line
Microfiction is one of the most exciting forms of writing today. It’s quick to write, fun to read, and there are many places in the U.S. where you can submit your work—whether you’re a beginner or a young writer. From top literary journals like Smokelong Quarterly and Flash Fiction Online to teen-friendly sites like Stone Soup and Teen Ink, there’s a home for every tiny story.
Always read the guidelines, polish your work, and send it with confidence. Publishing microfiction is possible if you know where to look—and now, you do. So go ahead, choose a story, and submit it today. You never know who might read it and love it.
