House of Ember Story Submissions

House of Ember publishes short fiction that smolders — quiet tension, emotional depth, and stories that linger long after the final line.

We are open to short fiction in the range of 500–8,000 words. We welcome emerging writers and are especially interested in character-driven work with a strong emotional core, a sense of atmosphere, and a clear voice. Please submit one story at a time.

By submitting, you confirm that:

  • This is your original work and you hold all rights.
  • The story has not been previously published in print, online, or in any self-published format (including personal websites, social media, and writing platforms).
  • You understand that response times may vary, as we read every submission with care.

We do not accept AI-generated or AI-assisted fiction. All work must be created by a human writer. Using AI tools to brainstorm ideas is fine, but the final story and its language must be entirely your own.

Simultaneous submissions are welcome. If your story is accepted elsewhere, please notify us immediately so we can withdraw it from consideration.

We currently do not offer payment for publication (this may change in the future), but we treat every accepted piece with respect and thoughtful editing. Our goal is to champion writers who are early in their journey and offer a platform for work that deserves to be read.

Submissions Are Currently Closed

Please check back soon, or follow House of Ember on social media for updates.

Submit Your Short Story

When submissions open, you’ll be able to upload your manuscript directly through the form below.










    Agreements (all required)