Halfway Down the Stairs publishes poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and book reviews. We publish primarily literary and mainstream work, but accept work in most genres, with children’s literature and erotica as the exceptions.
Halfway Down the Stairs accepts simultaneous submissions but are not interested in reprints. All work should be thoroughly proofread before it is submitted. They are not interested in cliche stories or anything with a trite punchline.
Halfway Down the Stairs are open to submissions of three poems at a time, or one piece of prose. Work in every genre should try to relate to the theme, although they occasionally publish poetry that is unrelated to the theme if they feel that it is particularly good. They expect to receive all submissions via email and they have rather strict submission guidelines, so make sure to review them before submitting.
Fiction OPEN
We accept fiction related to the theme of the issue. The fiction editors are looking mostly for short stories, but we are happy to consider well-crafted flash fiction. We don’t want to be too strict with the guidelines, because we appreciate originality, creativity, and stories that are off the beaten path. We like stories that grab us from the beginning, make us think, and keep us enthralled. Stories should be written confidently and fluidly, avoiding too many adjectives or too much dialogue. We will be negatively distracted by poor grammar, clichés, and a lack of editing.
- Dates:
-
Open to fiction submissions through 01 May 2022*
- Audience:
- Open to a broad Audience. Excluding: Children.
- Genres:
-
| GENRE |
SUBGENRES |
| General General |
|
| Open to all/most Genres Open to all/most Genres |
Excluding: Erotica. |
- Styles:
- Open to all/most Styles, including: Humorous, Literary, Mainstream, Realist.
- Topics:
- Open to all/most Topics, including: Other (May vary).
- Theme: Open and Shut
- Types/Lengths:
-
| TYPE |
LENGTH DETAILS |
| Flash Fiction Flash Fiction |
Up to 1,000 words. |
| Short Story Short Story |
1,000 – 5,000 words. |
- Payscale:
- We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
-
| No monetary payment No monetary payment. |
- Submissions:
-
| ELECTRONIC |
POSTAL |
REPRINTS |
SIMULTANEOUS |
MEDIA |
| OK |
No |
No |
OK |
Text format submissions |
- Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren’t familiar with these terms, see our glossary.
* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment.
Nonfiction OPEN
We accept creative nonfiction related to the theme of the issue. Halfway Down the Stairs is specifically looking for essays and memoir with a strong voice and a unique point of view. We publish well-written, honest writing that inspires emotion. Humor is also appreciated.
- Dates:
-
Open to nonfiction submissions through 01 May 2022*
- Audience:
- Open to a broad Audience. Excluding: Children.
- Styles:
- Open to all/most Styles, including: Humorous, Literary, Mainstream, Personal.
- Topics:
- Open to all/most Topics, including: Other (May vary).
- Theme: Open and Shut
- Types/Lengths:
-
| TYPE |
LENGTH DETAILS |
| Essay Essay |
Up to 3,000 words. |
| Narrative Nonfiction Narrative Nonfiction |
Up to 3,000 words. |
- Payscale:
- We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
-
| No monetary payment No monetary payment. |
- Submissions:
-
| ELECTRONIC |
POSTAL |
REPRINTS |
SIMULTANEOUS |
MEDIA |
| OK |
No |
No |
OK |
Text format submissions |
- Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren’t familiar with these terms, see our glossary.
* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment.
Poetry OPEN
We are rarely willing to be lenient with the theme when it comes to poetry, and will do so only if the submission is very good.
- Dates:
-
Open to poetry submissions through 01 May 2022*
- Audience:
- Open to a broad Audience. Excluding: Children.
- Genres:
-
| GENRE |
SUBGENRES |
| General General |
|
| Open to all/most Genres Open to all/most Genres |
Excluding: Erotica. |
- Poetry Forms:
- Open to all/most Forms.
- Styles:
- Open to all/most Styles, including: Humorous, Literary, Mainstream, Realist.
- Topics:
- Open to all/most Topics, including: Other (May vary).
- Theme: Open and Shut
- Types/Lengths:
-
| TYPE |
LENGTH DETAILS |
| Poem Poem |
No line limits known; Up to 3 pieces. |
- Payscale:
- We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
-
| No monetary payment No monetary payment. |
- Submissions:
-
| ELECTRONIC |
POSTAL |
REPRINTS |
SIMULTANEOUS |
MEDIA |
| OK |
No |
No |
OK |
Text format submissions |
- Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren’t familiar with these terms, see our glossary.
* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment.
