ONE STORY is a literary arts nonprofit that brings people together through reading, writing, and learning about short fiction.
In Gina Ochsner’s deliciously creepy story, teenage babysitter Wendy is drawn into the dark world of ten-year-old Samantha, a provocative and unpredictable foster child who wants more from Wendy than Wendy will ever know—and will stop at nothing to get it.
Boarding-school misfit and cancer survivor Lark Spencer challenges her tormentor, saber champion Sophia Nowak, to an epic fencing duel that ends in a way neither they nor their schoolmates expect.
One great short story in the mail every month
Self-Guided Class
Launches Nov. 23
Seven NYC site-specific exercises
Get a free copy
Help Keep One Story in Print
In one of the winning stories from our Teen Writing Contest, a young man’s preparing to depart for college must face his complicated feelings about leaving his neurodivergent sister behind.
Win $500 and publication in One Teen Story
Enter by Dec. 1
Since 2002, we have distributed 2.5 million short stories to readers around the world, celebrated the debut publications of 98 of our authors, and taught over 7,600 writers the craft of literary fiction.
with Francesca Lia Block
Online Lecture
Nov. 21, 4–5:15pm ET
Nov. 21: Save the…Novel? with Francesca Lia Block
February–November 2026
Give a gift for $15
Includes a postcard or a custom eCard
A Year-Long Education & Accountability Program
Apply by Nov. 30
One Story has been publishing since 2002. We never publish an author twice. Browse our back issues to see who we published when.
Submissions will reopen in early December 2026. Please read our guidelines before sending us your work.
with Nat Mesnard
Feb. 2–Mar. 9
Register by Jan. 27
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