Submission Guidelines

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

We welcome strong genre fiction, including crime, fantasy, mystery, romance, science fiction, and horror. Additionally, we publish well-crafted work that does not necessarily fit into a specific genre. However, we do not accept erotica, polemics, or non-fiction.

Length

  • We accept stories up to 2000 words (please check your word count).
  • Flash Fiction category submissions should be up to 850 words and follow the same genre guidelines.

Format

  • We accept submissions via email only.
  • We do not accept simultaneous submissions.

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS

Send to: support@moonestic.com
Subject line: Submission, [Your Last Name], [Word Count] (e.g., Sub, Smith, 1750 words)

Include in the body of the email:

  • Your full real name
  • Author name (if using a pseudonym)
  • Email address
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Manuscript title
  • Genre category of your story
  • Manuscript word count
  • A 100-word or fewer succinct bio at the end of your story (Please do not submit a lengthy autobiography!)

STORY FORMAT

  • Attach your manuscript in Word (.doc or .docx) or a Word-compatible document.
  • Ensure it is fully edited and ready for publication—we do not edit submissions.
  • Use single spacing with no extra space between paragraphs, but indent the first word of each paragraph.
  • Use Times New Roman, 12 pt font.
  • Use American-style double quotes for speech.
  • Include a header with the title, genre, your last name, word count, and any additional relevant details.
  • Select an attention-grabbing title—a compelling title can make the difference between a reader engaging with your story or passing it by.

SUCCESS TIPS FOR WRITERS For general short story writing advice, check out our Success Tips for Writers section to give yourself the best chance for success.

TERMS OF PUBLICATION By submitting your story to moonestic.com, you acknowledge and accept the following:

  • The site and its affiliates shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages. This includes loss of stories, programs, information, personal or public data, or unauthorized use of the stories by any party.
  • Submitters waive all claims against the site and its affiliates.
  • Submitters have no control over how their submitted material is used by the site.
  • You must include the statement “I agree to the terms of publication” in your submission. If you do not include this statement, your submission will be considered an agreement to these terms by default.

SUPPORT OTHER WRITERS Successful writers need readers. We encourage all submitters to subscribe to our story distribution service. You can unsubscribe at any time, but supporting fellow writers helps build the literary community. Plus, you might discover some great stories!