Halfway Down the Stairs
Open now for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Last updatedHalfway Down the Stairs is a biannual literary magazine publishing themed issues of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, with a focus on literary and mainstream work.
Response time info: We aim to respond to all submissions by mid-October if possible, but before publication at the latest.
Read the full guidelines at halfwaydownthestairs.net↗Submission calls
Fiction of roughly 5,000 words or less, one piece per author per issue, must relate to the theme 'Spark' for December 2026; submissions open July 1, 2026 through August 15, 2026. Literary and mainstream work preferred, most genres accepted except children's literature and erotica.
Creative nonfiction of 3,000 words or less, one piece per author per issue; submissions open July 1, 2026 through August 15, 2026 for the theme 'Spark', but high quality nonfiction outside the theme will also be considered. Literary and mainstream work preferred, most genres accepted except children
Poetry of roughly 500 words or less, up to three poems per author per issue, must relate to the theme 'Spark' for December 2026; submissions open July 1, 2026 through August 15, 2026. Literary and mainstream work preferred, most genres accepted except children's literature and erotica.
Wondering if your story fits?
Leafmines can check your piece against any market's word limits and genres.
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