8 Lesser-known Paying Flash Speculative Fiction Markets for Writers – by Fanslikefollower

If you're looking to submit your flash fiction, here are eight lesser-known speculative fiction markets that pay between $0.05 and $0.11 per word:

1. Small Wonders Small Wonders offers $0.10 per word for speculative fiction stories of 1000 words or less. They seek speculative fiction with otherworldly elements such as fantasy, science fiction, or horror. They prefer stories that don’t rely on a twist ending and are fond of those with strong emotional impact, even if they lack a traditional plot. They also pay $60 for speculative poetry.
2. Future of Sex Launched in 2024, Future of Sex pays $70 for science fiction stories of 800-1000 words. They focus on erotic, yet not overly explicit, science fiction that explores how technology is transforming human sexuality. They believe science fiction can help society understand evolving aspects of human experience.
3. Apex Magazine Monthly Flash Fiction Contest This contest is free to enter, with themes announced on the 7th of each month. They pay $0.08 per word or $10 (whichever is greater) for fantasy, science fiction, or horror flash fiction under 1000 words that fits the monthly theme.
4. Frozen Wavelets Frozen Wavelets is an e-zine paying $0.08 per word for speculative fiction stories of 750 words or less and $1 per line for poetry up to 10 lines. They welcome original speculative fiction and poetry, but will not consider stories about vampires. They encourage pushing boundaries in format and content.
5. If There’s Anyone Left This market pays $0.08 per word for speculative fiction stories under 1000 words, specifically from marginalized writers. They are interested in science fiction and speculative fiction and are open to additional elements as long as the core falls into these genres.
6. Tiny Tales Podcast Tiny Tales Podcast offers $0.05 per word for stories under 1200 words. They seek fantastic, bizarre, and enthralling fiction to adapt into podcast episodes.
7. Factor Four Magazine Factor Four Magazine pays $0.11 per word for stories under 1000 words. They are interested in flash fiction across speculative genres such as science fiction, fantasy, supernatural, and superhero. They look for engaging stories that captivate readers within a short word count.
8. Apparition Literary Magazine Apparition Literary Magazine offers $0.05 per word for literary speculative flash fiction stories under 1000 words. They accept submissions from the 1st through the 15th of each month and have monthly themes. They seek speculative fiction that blends elements of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and literary fiction, focusing on emotional depth and vivid prose.