ORCHARD PRESS MYSTERIES, SHORT FICTION & POETRY  

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 
FOR SHORT STORIES and POETRY

Read This First - Query first before you submit a short story by using the Query Form (click on link below); otherwise your submission will be deleted unread.  Poetry may be submitted by pasting it in a completed Query Form (click on link below).  Also, please read the entire Submission Guidelines before you send a query form. The term "Work" as used below shall refer to your short story or poem.   

Seeking Short Fiction Writers and Poets - We are looking for quality writing and encourage new writers, including those not previously published. All short story queries and poetry submitted will be given consideration. We are seeking writers from anywhere in the world, but stories and poetry must be in the English language.

Publication Guidelines - Poetry and Fiction only - Short Stories (500 to 5000 words) - We have expanded our site beyond Mysteries (detective, crime, suspense, etc.) and will now publish most types of general short fiction, in addition to poetry. 

WE ARE NOT INTERESTED in fantasy, dark fantasy, erotica, horror, or romance stories. No pornography or explicit sex; no excessive violence, gore or obscenity; no subject matter which we consider to be offensive. Strong language is okay, but avoid vulgar extremes. 

Previously Published Stories and Poems - Previously published material will be considered if the year of prior publication is given.  

How to Submit Short Stories - QUERY FIRST, using the Query Form (click on link below), including a synopsis of the story. Do not send your story until we request it. 

If we request your short story, it should be typed in "Word" or "Word Perfect" for Windows only (no MS Works) and sent as an e-mail attachment (with the name of the story as the "subject" of the e-mail). Stories must be typed single-spaced (double-spaced between paragraphs), left justification, Courier New font size 12 preferred, with no headers or footers or page numbers, and contain the name, mailing address, and e-mail address of the author at the top of the first page, followed by the name of the story. If you are using a pseudonym please clearly indicate both your actual name and pseudonym.  NOTE: We will not accept short stories that are pasted into the body of an email as formatting is usually lost. "THE END" should be typed at the end of your story. You are responsible for maintaining backup copies of the Work.

HOW TO SUBMIT POETRY - Poetry may be submitted by completing the QUERY Form (click on link below) and pasting or typing your poem in the box provided on the form.

Editing - We reserve the right to edit the Work for publication. We shall also have the option of including a short BIO and/or photo (head shot), if furnished by you, or to remove either of them at any time. Your BIO should relate primarily to your writing career and interests. Do not send photos until asked. PLEASE, check your Work for grammar, punctuation and spelling-the Editor will appreciate this. 

Feedback From Readers - We will give you the option of including your e-mail address with publication of your story or poem, but reserve the right to discontinue this option at any time. 

Copyright and Authorship Credit - Copyright notice and authorship credit in your name (or in your pseudonym if you so indicate) shall accompany our publication of the Work. 

Rights Granted - You hereby grant us the rights for the full term of copyright (including all extensions thereof), in the English language throughout the world: (1) to display, publish, distribute and transmit the Work via the internet on or from our website presently known as "Orchard Press Mysteries, Short Fiction & Poetry" (www.orchardpressmysteries.com) and/or any successor online site, and (2) to permit our readers to download, copy and print copies of the Work for personal use. Our rights in the Work shall be non-exclusive, and all rights not expressly granted to us are reserved exclusively to you.   

Publication of Work - We shall have no obligation to publish the Work, and if we publish the Work we shall have the right to discontinue its publication at any time. We will generally remove your Work from our site at your request, but shall have no obligation to do so.  

Warranty of Authorship - You warrant the originality and your authorship and ownership of the Work, that its publication will not infringe on any copyright, proprietary right, or other right, and that it does not defame or invade the privacy of any person.    

No Payment for Work - We are no longer able to pay for publication of your Work.

Response Time - Queries: We try to respond to all short story Queries and poetry submissions within two or three weeks. Please note - while we respond to all short story Queries, the volume of queries received does not permit us to request and read all stories. We try to make a decision on whether or not to publish a story or poem within two or three weeks from the date received.  

Publication Date - If your story or poem is selected for publication, please DO NOT ask when it will be published as we have a small staff and often make decisions at the last minute.

Terms and Conditions - By submitting the Query Form for Short Stories and Poems,  you agree to all of the terms and conditions contained on this page.  

© 1999-2008 Orchard Press Mysteries LLC. All rights reserved.
NOTE: Stories and poems are subject to the copyright of the owners thereof.