Anthologies

 

MICKEY FINN

21st Century Noir

Vol. 6

Call for Submissions

 

The Mickey Finn series isn’t watered-down mysteries for dilettantes—these annual anthologies are crime-fiction cocktails that knock readers into literary stupors.

 

This series—released each December beginning in 2020—continues with Mickey Finn: 21st Century Noir, Vol. 6, which will pick up where the first five Mickey Finns left off, pushing hard against the boundaries of crime fiction. Contributors are encouraged to push their work into places short crime fiction doesn’t often go, into a world where the mean streets seem gentrified by comparison and happy endings are the exception rather than the rule.

 

All, or a significant portion, of each story must be set in the 21st Century. (That’s 2001 to the present day.) The ideal submission is approximately 5,000 words—less than 3,000 is likely too short, more than 6,000 guarantees a rejection. Originals only. No reprints.

 

Mickey Finn: 21st Century Noir, Vol. 6 is scheduled for release December 2025.

 

Submissions: Use standard manuscript format (See the Modern Manuscript Format at https://www.shunn.net/format/story/). Include name, address, telephone number, and email address on the manuscript. Save as a Word document (.doc preferred) and send as an attachment to Submissions@CrimeFictionWriter.com. In the subject line, write: Mickey Finn submission.

 

Submission Window: Submissions open February 1–February 29, 2024. No early submissions; no late submissions. Though rejections may occur at any point during the process, do not expect acceptance decisions until late April 2024.

 

Payment: A pro-rata share of royalties.

 

 

 

Black Cat Mystery Magazine

 

Also, keep an eye on the Black Cat Mystery Magazine website (https://wildsidepress.com/submissions/) for information on when the magazine will be open for submissions.