Cease, Cows is an online journal of flash fiction launched in 2013. They aim to publish honest writing that unveils the animality within humanity, and strange writing that invites us to transcend it. They like prose that beats in sync with the cultural pulse and exposes its absurdist constructs. They publish fiction in any style, but especially appreciate magical realism and work that’s speculative, utopian, dystopian, apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, experimental, and bizarre. With the tagline, “Life is short, and so is our fiction,” they call for concentrated submissions—potent and effective. To get a sense of what they publish, you can read past issues online.

Cease, Cows is published often, as content becomes available, so they accept submissions on a rolling basis. So far this year, they’ve published nine issues. Right now, they’re accepting standard submissions for their “Rare Flash” category, as well as submissions for their 2015 Scary Short Story Contest. Standard submissions are accepted anytime. Submissions for the Scary Short Story Contest will be accepted through October 25. Submitting writers can expect a response within about one month.

Fiction writers may submit any number of pieces totaling 1500 words or fewer, and should wait at least 60 days between submissions. Authors may also submit fiction of 2000 words or fewer for the 2015 Scary Short Story Contest. Writers submitting to the contest may make multiple submissions. All submissions should be accompanied by a cover letter and short bio. They do not accept nonfiction or poetry.

Cease, Cows accepts submissions online, but not via post or email. They accept simultaneous submissions, but ask that writers withdraw work published elsewhere. They don’t accept previously published work.

If you’d like to learn more or submit to Cease, Cows, please visit their website at http://ceasecows.com/submissions/.