Submit to Killer Nashville
Killer Nashville Magazine
Where Stories Discover Their Audience—and Writers Discover Their Voice
Killer Nashville Magazine seeks compelling storytelling from writers dedicated to their craft—whether emerging or established.
We publish fiction and nonfiction that captivates readers and refuses to let go, stories packed with tension, consequence, discovery, danger, emotional stakes, and unforgettable characters.
If your work involves mystery, thriller, suspense, action, horror, or romance—even in subtle ways—we want to read it.
We believe that great storytelling goes beyond genre. Literary, commercial, mainstream, and genre fiction all fit here when the writing captures interest.
We are proud that excerpts from Killer Nashville Magazine have been featured in:
The Best Mystery Stories of the Year
The Best American Mystery Stories
Join authors previously included in Killer Nashville Magazine:
Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson
David Baldacci
Janelle Brown
James Comey
Maureen Corrigan
Cindy Dees
Chris Grabenstein
Heather Graham
James Grippando
David Handler
Robyn Harding
Susan Issacs
Andrew Klavan
Dean Koontz
Lauren Myracle
Joyce Carol Oates
Sara Paretsky
Otto Penzler
Thomas Perry
Charles Todd
And More!
Get Seen! Get Read! Get Noticed!
Publishing in Killer Nashville Magazine places your work before a passionate readership of writers, editors, agents, and industry professionals.
Many contributors gain:
Increased readership visibility
Industry recognition
Professional publication credits
Opportunities for anthology inclusion
Greater confidence in their writing journey
“What an elating surprise to find my story published in Killer Nashville Magazine. It is already drawing attention. A book reviewer sent me a message asking for a copy of my debut novel!”
— Ernest Lancaster
What We Publish
We encourage engaging storytelling across multiple formats.
Short Stories (up to 5,000 words)
Flash Fiction (up to 1,000 words)
Poetry
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)
We accept work that captivates readers with elements of mystery, suspense, action, thriller, horror, or romance, even when they are combined across genres.
We only accept original, unpublished work.
Our Editorial Standards
Killer Nashville Magazine maintains professional editorial standards aligned with our readership.
We are attracted to work that:
Creates tension and emotional depth
Examines meaningful consequences
Engages readers intellectually or emotionally
Shows purpose and craftsmanship
We do not publish material that contains:
Biased political messaging
Gratuitous sexual content
Gratuitous graphic violence
Intensity is welcome when it advances the story, not when it exists solely for shock value.
Both agent and author submissions are encouraged.
Why Submit to Killer Nashville Magazine?
Writers submit to Killer Nashville Magazine because the work matters.
Because readers matter.
Because publication matters.
When you publish with Killer Nashville Magazine, your work becomes part of a respected literary tradition supported by:
An internationally recognized writing conference—Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference
An internationally recognized streaming learning platform for writers—Killer Nashville University
A professional editorial environment
A growing and dedicated readership
Long-term archival preservation
Opportunities for future collections and retrospectives
This is not disposable content.
This is publication with purpose.
Response Time
We strive to respond to submissions within: 30–60 days.
We value your time and respect your work.
Payment
Killer Nashville Magazine pays contributors upon publication.
Short Stories — $50
Flash Fiction — $15
Poetry — $10 per poem
Novel Excerpts — $50
Craft Articles — $35
Creative Nonfiction — $50
Book Reviews — $15
Payment is issued after publication of accepted work.
These rates apply to works published after June 1, 2026. Prevailing payment terms for earlier published works remain in effect.
Rights Summary
If your work is accepted, Killer Nashville Magazine acquires: First North American Serial Rights
This allows us to publish your work first.
Copyright remains with you.
After publication, you are free to republish your work elsewhere, provided you credit Killer Nashville Magazine as the original publisher.
Full rights details are provided in the Contributor Publishing Agreement issued upon acceptance.
How to Submit
All submissions must be made through our official Submittable submission platform.
We DO NOT accept submissions via:
Email
Contact forms
Social media
Before You Submit
Please ensure:
Your work is original
Your work has not been previously published
Your submission follows the listed word limits
Your formatting is clear and readable
You have carefully reviewed your work
Professional presentation strengthens your chances of acceptance.
A Note to Writers
We understand what it means to submit your work to the world.
It requires courage.
It requires persistence.
It requires belief.
Every submission shows effort, imagination, and hope, and we respect that responsibility.
We look forward to reading your work.