KILLER NASHVILLE MAGAZINE – Submission Guidelines

Killer Nashville Magazine publishes literature that inspires and craft articles that challenge, move, and transform.

We are attracted to work that pulls readers in, stories that carry tension, mystery, danger, discovery, consequence, and emotional stakes, and nonfiction that changes lives. Whether subtle or explosive, quiet or fast-paced, the work must engage the reader and not let go.

We publish fiction and nonfiction that captivate readers through mystery, thriller, suspense, action, horror, and romance. These elements span across genres, and we welcome submissions that bring them to life in innovative, engaging ways.

Selections from KILLER NASHVILLE MAGAZINE have been included in both The Best Mystery Stories of the Year and The Best American Mystery Stories anthologies.

We appreciate storytelling that is intentional, captivating, and unforgettable, and we seek writers who are serious about their craft.

We only accept original, unpublished work.

WHAT WE ACCEPT

We accept submissions in these categories:

• Short Stories (up to 5,000 words)

• Flash Fiction (up to 1,000 words)

• Poetry (up to 3 poems per submission)

• Novel Excerpts (up to 5,000 words)

• Craft Articles (1,200–2,500 words)

• Creative Nonfiction (up to 5,000 words)

• Book Reviews (600–1,200 words)

If your work explores, reflects on, examines, or builds upon mystery, thriller, suspense, action, horror, and/or romance, we want to see it.

EDITORIAL STANDARDS

KILLER NASHVILLE MAGAZINE upholds professional editorial standards aligned with the tone and expectations of our readership.

We do not publish material that contains:

• Biased political messaging

• Gratuitous sexual content

• Gratuitous graphic violence

Stories can include tension, danger, fear, or emotional intensity, but these elements should support the story rather than exist solely for shock value.

We appreciate purposeful storytelling where intensity enhances narrative meaning instead of spectacle.

RESPONSE TIME

We strive to respond to submissions within 30–60 days.

PAYMENT

KILLER NASHVILLE MAGAZINE pays contributors upon publication.

Short Stories
$50 per accepted story

Flash Fiction
$15 per accepted piece

Poetry
$10 per poem

Novel Excerpts
$50 per accepted excerpt

Craft Articles
$35 per accepted article

Creative Nonfiction
$50 per accepted piece

Book Reviews
$15 per accepted review

Payment is issued after publication of the accepted work.

Payment constitutes full compensation for the rights granted under this agreement.

Payment is contingent upon publication. If a work is accepted but not published, no payment obligation shall arise.

These rates apply to works published after June 1, 2026. Prevailing payment terms for earlier published works remain in effect.

SUBMISSION METHOD

All submissions must be submitted via Submittable.

We do not accept submissions through email or online forms.

RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS

Except for First North American Serial Rights, which remain exclusive until first publication, all other rights granted under this agreement are non-exclusive.

KILLER NASHVILLE MAGAZINE will credit the author by name in all published formats of the work, including online, digital, and print editions.