Maudlin House is a bridge between new form fiction and experimental lit that takes on mainstream pop culture through the lens of 21st-century indie art

Maudlin House is a bridge between new form fiction and experimental lit that takes on mainstream pop culture through the lens of 21st-century indie art.

Over the past 6 years, the Chicago-based small press has gained a devoted readership from all over the world for its weird lit, passion, and personality with regards to its publication of groundbreaking novels, short story collections, and online publications. It’s a voice for known and upcoming writers alike to boost lit in every way possible.

Prestigious publications that strengthen your literary credentials, signaling serious accomplishment and catching attention from editors and agents.

Impressive Bylines for Your Literary Bio

Publications with stories in this respected annual flash fiction showcase. Perhaps the most prestigious flash-specific recognition.

Lit Mags in Wigleaf's Top 50

We asked, you guys answered. Here are the community's spring 2026 favorites for you cool kids, weird kids, very serious adults, etc. 

Want to check out Parts 1 & 2? We've un-paywalled them for you guys, so get them before they're gone.
Part 1: https://www.chillsubs.com/lists/cool_kids_3
Part 2: https://www.chillsubs.com/lists/Cool_kids_2

Where The Cool Kids Are Submitting Their Writing: Part 3

If we were new writers, here is where we would submit our work for publication. This list also includes the first places we *did* actually submit to. We've been there, and we'd do it again.

Where We'd Submit as New Writers

The ultimate ranking of the world's liveliest indie literary magazines, curated by author and editor Charlie Fish. These are the passion projects; the kaleidoscopic cutting edge.

FISH List of Lively Indie Literary Magazines 2025

FISH List of Lively Indie Literary Magazines 2026

Publications with ultra-short stories under 400 words selected for this anthology series. The definitive collection for the microfiction form.

Lit Mags Featured in Best Microfiction Anthologies

Publications with narratives under 1,000 words selected for this anthology series. These journals consistently identify short-short fiction, exemplifying the artistry possible in compact narratives.

Lit Mags Featured in Best Small Fictions Anthologies

These magazines have the fastest response times, so you won't be left hanging for months. No more endless waiting. Just, you know, regular waiting.

Literary Magazines with the Fastest Response Times

All-time most competitive literary magazines. Getting published in these is a significant achievement for any writer.

Most Competitive Literary Magazines of All Time

Uncover the most competitive literary magazines this year. These are the publications where getting published is a significant achievement for any writer.

Most Competitive Literary Magazines This Year

Explore the most popular literary magazines of all time. These long-established publications are a staple in the literary world for writers of all genres.

Most Popular Literary Magazines of All Time

Maudlin House

Self-Contained stories up to 3,500 words. Please place the word count in the header of the submission.




In the meantime, why not kick back and explore some reads on our site: https://maudlinhouse.net/ 
Or, join the conversation and interact with us on Twitter: https://x.com/maudlinhouse

Flash Fiction

Send three-five poems at a time. Please include all poems in a single document.

 
In the meantime, why not kick back and explore some reads on our site: https://maudlinhouse.net/ 
Or, join the conversation and interact with us on Twitter: https://x.com/maudlinhouse

Poetry

Excited to hear back from us? Can't wait for a decision? You don't have to! We will respond to you within 24hrs with our decision about your flash, poetry, or fiction. 


 
As an added bonus this also helps support the hosting fees to keep Maudlin House running and we greatly appreciate it! 


 
Since we have decided to create only one "24hr response" submission field instead of one for each specific category, we kindly ask that you state which category you are applying to within the document. Please see submission guidelines for specific information.


 
In the meantime, why not kick back and explore some reads on our site: https://maudlinhouse.net/ 
Or, join the conversation and interact with us on Twitter: https://x.com/maudlinhouse


 
We appreciate your support and are looking forward to seeing your work!
Good Luck and Happy Writing!


Editorial Feedback is a separate service and does not apply to 24hr Response submissions.

24hr Response

Self-Contained stories up to 3,500 words. Please place the word count in the header of the submission.
In the meantime, why not kick back and explore some reads on our site: https://maudlinhouse.net/
Or, join the conversation and interact with us on Twitter: https://x.com/maudlinhouse

Fiction

Sometimes you just want to know whether a piece actually works without the workshop layer, the craft lecture, or the pressure to revise on the spot.
This option is for writers seeking a direct editorial read and feedback for a single piece of poetry, flash, or fiction from the Maudlin House editorial perspective, provided by Mallory Smart, Editor in Chief of Maudlin House.
This is not a submission for publication and does not provide any advantage in future Maudlin House submissions.

Maudlin House

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Flash Fiction

Appears in collections