Submissions are now OPEN!
Guidelines and submission link are at the bottom of this page.
Thriller Magazine is currently accepting crime short story submissions. We publish suspense-forward short fiction in crime, thriller, mystery, and noir—stories with sharp hooks, rising stakes, and endings that land.
If you’re looking for a crime fiction magazine accepting submissions, you’re in the right place.
What We’re Looking For
We’re a strong fit for crime short stories that include:
- a clear hook in the opening pages
- escalating tension and meaningful consequences
- a compelling central conflict (investigation, betrayal, cover-up, revenge, corruption, etc.)
- twists that feel surprising but earned
- a strong finish that sticks with the reader
We welcome a range of tones—from gritty and procedural to noir-leaning and psychological—so long as the story stays propulsive and suspense-forward.
Common Crime Story Lanes We Love
These aren’t requirements, just examples of what often works well:
- noir-adjacent crime with a strong voice
- crime with an investigative spine (official or unofficial)
- morally complicated protagonists
- criminals under pressure
- secrets unraveling under time or risk
- “one bad decision” stories that spiral
Every story submitted to Thriller Magazine receives detailed editorial feedback. Whether your piece is accepted or not, you’ll gain insights to help improve your work. We look forward to reading your work!
Ready to Submit?
Submit your crime short story through our main submissions page here: