Genres & Theme
Literary Mainstream Open to All / Most Genres THEMED: Stories must begin with given first line. Specific themes may vary. The purpose of The First Line is to jump start the imagination-to help writers break through the block that is the blank page. Each issue contains short stories that stem from a common first line; it also provides a forum for discussing favorite first lines in literature. The First Line is an exercise in creativity for writers and a chance for readers to see how many different directions we can take when we start from the same place. IMPORTANT: Check issue deadlines. Responses are sent 3-4 weeks after deadline. Electronic submissions preferred.	Go To: Website Support this Publisher: Subscribe Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover
Lengths
Flash Fiction (300 - 1,000 words) Short Story (1,000 - 3,000 words)
Media
Print Publication
Payscale
Payment ranges from token payment to semi-pro rates for Short Fiction
Other Info
Accepts postal submissions and electronic submissions
No simultaneous submissions allowed
No reprints accepted
Allows multiple submissions (check guidelines for details and restrictions)
Published 4 x per year
USA
Response Times
Show Overall Electronic Subs Postal Subs   Note: These statistics are compiled from response reports sent to us anonymously and through our submissions tracker for registered users. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's staff. Accuracy We have received 62 reports within the past 12 months, not including 14 pending responses (with an avg. wait of 26 days). The more responses reported, the more accurate the info. Rejections are often underreported, which skews the statistics in favor of acceptances. Most markets have a lower acceptance rate than indicated here. Days Reported 8 | 36.5 | 183 (min | avg | max) Responses (100%) Acceptances: 8.1% (19.2 days avg. per acceptance) Rejections: 91.9% (38 days avg. per rejection) | 50.9% personal, 29.8% form, 19.3% unspecified Rewrite Requests: - Non-Responses (0%) Assumed Rejections: - Author Withdrawals: - Other Information Most recent response reported was received on: 22 Feb 2008 Responses have been received for submissions sent as late as: 01 Feb 2008 Do not query before 120 days have passed. (1.6% of the responses reported to us for this market have taken longer than 120 days.)
Themes
Upcoming Deadlines: First line: Roy owned the only drive-thru funeral business in Maine. (Deadline: 01 Aug 2008, 83.4 days from now) First line: While not the intended effect, the outcome was surprisingly satisfying. (Deadline: 01 Nov 2008, 175.4 days from now) Recent Past Deadlines: First line: Sometimes the name they give you is all wrong. (Deadline: 01 Feb 2008) First line: Nick had considered himself a lucky guy, until now. (Deadline: 01 May 2008)
Awards, "Best of" Annuals, etc.
Work published has been awarded, nominated for, or received honorable mention in the following: Edgar Allen Poe Awards O. Henry Prize Pushcart Prize
Market Added: 25 Jul 2005 Last Updated: 11 Nov 2007 Last Checked: 08 May 2008

Before Submitting
We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close overnight. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Just remember ...

• Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.
• Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.
• Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.
• For novel/collection publishers, it is standard to submit a cover letter, synopsis, and sample instead of the full manuscript.  Do this unless otherwise instructed.
• Include a SASE with all mailed submissions, queries, and requests for guidelines.
• Be professional, patient and persistent.