Five on the Fifth publishes 5 short stories online on the fifth of each month. We accept flash fiction, general fiction, non-fiction, horror, and science fiction/fantasy. The maximum word count for submissions is 5,000 words. 

Please ensure that your story is free of typos and grammatical errors. All submissions must be in standard manuscript format (Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced), with no page numbering or identifying information (name, address, phone number, etc.) anywhere on the manuscript itself - that’s what the cover letter is for. 

Cover letters should be concise, professional, and in third-person. Biographical statements should be a few sentences at most.; highlight your recent accomplishments. Also, make sure you only include identifying information in the cover letter that you’re comfortable sharing, meaning you don’t have to include your home address or phone number if you don't wish to. As long as we can reach you by email or a social media account, we should be set. 

All submissions must be previously unpublished. 

Multiple submissions are permitted. However, for longer pieces such as general fiction, horror, fantasy/science-fiction, or nonfiction, please only send two (2) pieces at once. For shorter pieces such as flash fiction, please only send three (3) pieces at once. You may also send one longer piece (general fiction, horror, fantasy/science-fiction, or nonfiction) and one flash fiction piece at once, so two (2) pieces total. 

If accepted for publication, you will be required to send us a confirmation email, which will authorize Five on the Fifth to publish your short story in the month of publication, as well as authorize Five on the Fifth to retain the short story in its archives. 

As stated on the Five on the Fifth website, publication is online only and there is no monetary compensation at this time. 

Please let us know in the cover letter if your submission is a simultaneous submission and please let us know if it is accepted elsewhere. You can do this by using the "Withdraw" feature on Submittable. 

A note on what we don't want: We do not publish novels. We do not publish fan fiction. We do not publish experimental pieces. We do not publish articles or research papers. We do not publish erotica, though there can be erotic and/or graphic elements in your fiction, as long as they are tasteful and for the purpose of telling a great story. 

Lastly, Five on the Fifth is listed on Duotrope. Please report and track your submission on Duotrope: https://duotrope.com/listing/17664