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Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine welcomes submissions from both new and established writers. We
publish every kind of mystery short story: the psychological suspense tale, the deductive
puzzle, the private eye case-the gamut of crime and detection from the realistic (including the
policeman's lot and stories of police procedure) to the more imaginative (including "locked
rooms" and "impossible crimes"). We need hard-boiled stories as well as "cozies," but we are
not interested in explicit sex or violence. We do not want true detective or crime stories.
With the exception of a regular book review column and a mystery crossword, EQMM publishes only
fiction. We are especially happy to review first stories by authors who have never before
published fiction professionally. First-story submissions should be addressed to EQMM's
Department of First Stories.
EQMM has been in continuous publication since 1941. From the beginning three general criteria
have been employed in evaluating submissions: We look for strong writing, an original and
exciting plot, and professional craftsmanship. We encourage writers whose work meets these
general criteria to read an issue of EQMM before making a submission. EQMM's range in the
mystery genre is extensive: Almost any story that involves crime or the threat of crime comes
within our purview. However, like all magazines, EQMM has a distinctive tone and style and you
can only get a sense of whether your work will suit us by reading an issue. To receive a sample
copy send a check or money order for $5.00 to the address below.
EQMM uses stories of almost every length. 2,500-8,000 words is the preferred range, but we
occasionally use stories of up to 12,000 words and we feature one or two short novels (up to
20,000 words) each year, although these spaces are usually reserved for established writers.
Shorter stories are also considered, including minute mysteries of as little as 250 words. Our
rates for original stories are from 5 to 8 ¢ a word, sometimes higher for established authors.
EQMM does not accept stories previously published in the United States.
It is not necessary to query EQMM as to subject matter or to ask permission to submit a story.
All manuscripts should be printed on one side of the paper and double-spaced. If you would like
the manuscript returned in the event that we cannot use it, please enclose a self-addressed
stamped envelope of suitable size. If you do not want the manuscript returned, please indicate
this and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply; if you live outside the U.S.,
please use International Postal Reply coupons for return postage.
We regret that we cannot provide criticism with returned stories. Response time is up to three months.
Manuscripts should be sent to:
Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
475 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
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