Defenestration is an online magazine of humorous fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Launched in 2003, it’s a well-established publication. They showcase a wide range of humor, from slapstick to satire, in every form and style. To get a sense of what they publish, you can read the magazine online.
Defenestration is published three times a year, on April 20, August 20, and December 20. Each online edition contains writing from around 15 to 20 contributors. They publish roughly two-thirds prose (short stories) and one-third poetry in each issue. Nonfiction, including humorously fake nonfiction, is published separately on their website year-round.
Defenestration accepts submissions of fiction and poetry three times a year: from December 20 through April 5 for the April 20 edition, from April 20 through August 5 for the August 20 edition, and from August 20 through December 5 for the December 20 edition. They are closed to submissions of fiction and poetry from April 5 through April 20, August 5 through August 20, and December 5 through December 20. They also accept nonfiction submissions (including fake nonfiction) year-round.
That means that right now through December 5, Defenestration is open to submissions of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction (and they’ll remain open to nonfiction submissions all year). Poets may submit up to five humorous poems. Authors of short stories may submit one humorous story, 4,000 words or fewer. Authors of nonfiction may submit one piece, 2,000 words or fewer. This includes fiction that reads like nonfiction, like humorously fake news or imaginary interviews. Submitting authors can expect a response within about four weeks.
Defenestration accepts previously published poems and short stories. They do not accept previously published nonfiction. Also, they do not accept simultaneous submissions.
Defenestration accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They only accept one submission per author at a time; please wait to hear back before submitting again.
Defenestration only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines before submitting. They’ve also included a helpful list of topics they’re tired of seeing and likely won’t publish. It’s a good idea to read this list, too, before submitting.
If you’d like to learn more or submit to Defenestration, please visit their website here.
Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.
