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The Cosmic Background Magazine Is Accepting Short Stories/ How To Submit (Pay: $0.08/ word)

The Cosmic Background Magazine is a flash fiction magazine that thrives on the unconventional and embraces slipstream storytelling.

They offer a platform for slipstream storytellers, encouraging writers to explore the unconventional and embrace unique narrative styles. With transparent submission processes and a commitment to diverse voices, this flash fiction magazine invites you to submit your extraordinary tales.

So, if you have a piece that defies norms and speaks to the essence of slipstream, Cosmic Background awaits your submission.


Submission Guidelines For The Cosmic Background Magazine

  • The Cosmic Background Magazine is open to submissions, inviting writers to delve into the realms of slipstream fiction.
  • They value stories that defy logic, featuring elements like “giant talking frogs and characters with unexplained eyes in their fingertips.”
  • Authors are encouraged to focus on character-driven narratives with a strong emphasis on voice.
  • Submissions will be accepted starting from January 4, 2024.
  • The magazine is open to both original pieces and reprints.
  • The magazine appreciates unique voices and is open to diverse styles within the slipstream genre.
  • Submissions are currently open, and the editorial team promises to respond within 15 days of receipt.
  • Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but multiple submissions are discouraged.
  • The magazine occasionally closes for submissions during administrative periods, during which any received submissions are deleted unread.
  • To submit your work click here.


What They Want

  • They are seeking the best pieces of short stories, typically under 1000 words.
  • While they prefer shorter stories, exceptional longer pieces (up to 1500 words) are also considered.
  • The magazine pays $0.08 per word, aiming to support authors in the speculative fiction landscape.


What They Don’t Want

  • The editorial team explicitly states their preferences and restrictions. They are not interested in conservative-themed works or stories that revolve around violence against women.
  • Transphobic, racist, anti-immigrant, and homophobic content is unwelcome. The magazine aims to create a space free from such narratives.


Author Rights At The Cosmic Background Magazine


Accepted pieces will require first electronic rights for three months and non-exclusive anthology rights for a maximum of 24 months, depending on the publication cycle.

Author photos are welcomed, but alternatives representative of the writer are also appreciated.


Pay Rates


Authors will be compensated at a rate of $0.08 per word for original fiction and $0.03 per word for reprints.



Chioma Iwunze-Ibiam

Chioma Iwunze-Ibiam writes prose fiction and creative non-fiction. She is the founder of creativewritingnews.com. Her first novella, Finding Love Again was published by Ankara Press. Her second novella, The Heiress' Bodyguard was shortlisted for the Saraba Manuscript Awards. She currently works as content marketer for various online businesses. You can follow her at @cwritingnws.

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