This page will attempt to answer every question you could possibly have for both TiF Press and Top in Fiction. But I’ll admit I may have missed something and I want to make sure anyone who comes here finds the answers they are seeking. So, if a question is missing or the answer isn’t as helpful as it could be, please let me know by using this Contact Us form.
TiF Press FAQs
Jump To: Top in Fiction FAQs
Why does TiF Press focus on anthologies?
Anthologies allow us to publish a larger number of writers in every release while introducing readers to a wide range of storytelling styles, genres, and voices. We believe anthologies are one of the strongest ways to help emerging authors gain exposure and grow their readership.
How are writers selected for TiF Press anthologies?
Through Top in Fiction, we host multiple writing events throughout the year. Participants in these events may earn invitations to contribute to future anthologies.
Selections are typically based on factors such as:
- How well a story fits the event theme
- Judge evaluations
- Reader voting
- Overall story quality and originality
Participation does not guarantee publication, but our events are the exclusive path toward anthology consideration.
To stay informed about future events, subscribe to Top in Fiction and follow our Events page for announcements and submission opportunities.
Why are ebooks only available through the TiF Press Shop?
One of our goals is to maximize royalties for the writers we publish. Selling ebooks directly through our own storefront reduces third-party fees and vendor cuts, allowing a larger share of revenue to go back to contributors.
This direct-to-reader approach also helps us continue funding future anthologies and publishing opportunities.
Do anthology contributors get paid?
Yes. TiF Press believes writers deserve to share in the success of the books they help create. Contributors receive royalty participation based on the anthology agreement associated with each publication.
Specific royalty structures and payment details are provided before publication.
What genres does TiF Press publish?
TiF Press primarily focuses on fiction, including but not limited to:
- Horror
- Mystery
- Thriller
- Fantasy
- Science Fiction
- Dark Fiction
- Experimental Fiction
Genre focus may vary depending on the anthology theme or event.
How can I support TiF Press and its writers?
There are many ways readers can support both the press and the authors we publish:
- Become a paid supporter through Top in Fiction
- Purchase our anthologies in ebook or paperback format
- Share our books on social media and with friends
- Leave reviews on retailer pages and Goodreads
- Participate in community events and discussions
Even small actions help independent publishers and writers continue creating new work.
Are submissions open year-round?
No. Submission opportunities are typically tied to specific Top in Fiction events and anthology themes. We announce all open calls, deadlines, and participation details through our official channels.
Where can I buy TiF Press books?
Paperback editions may be available through select online retailers, while ebooks are sold directly through the TiF Press Shop exclusively.
Direct purchases help support both the press and the writers more effectively.
Can I submit previously published stories?
Submission eligibility may vary depending on the anthology or event guidelines. Some projects may accept reprints, while others require original unpublished work. Always review the rules for each individual event before submitting.
Does TiF Press accept novels or single-author collections?
At this time, TiF Press is focused exclusively on anthology publishing. Our current mission is centered on creating opportunities for as many writers as possible through collaborative collections.
Top in Fiction FAQs
Jump to: TiF Press FAQs
What is Top in Fiction?
It’s a place for lovers of fiction to find all kinds of fiction to read on a weekly basis. At Top in Fiction we strive to help writers find their audience and the everyday audience who enters here to find the perfect story to read all the time.
How do I submit a story for consideration?
The submission window opens every Friday at 7am EST and closes every Sunday at 10pm EST. You can click the below button OR bookmark the link below:
Everyone who subscribes receives TiF Notifications to alert you when the submission window opens and 1hr before it closes.
Can I submit my own story for consideration?
Yes! We love and accept self-promotion of work.
What Genres do you accept?
Check out our handy Genre Resource Guide for a comprehensive list of our main genres and the sub-genres, incase you need guidance where your more niche genre fits. If there is a genre missing (meaning you cannot find it on the resource page even as a sub-genre) DM me and I’ll consider adding it.
How are the featured stories selected each week?
Each story within each genre is vetted in an attempt to share quality work. This process is handled by one person and not always as 100% accurate as it can be. With 50+ stories submitted each week it is likely that some really amazing stories can be overlooked. We suggest scrolling through the TiF Database which is where we store every single recommendation we receive and you can use to easily find even more stories to read beyond those shared in the weekly emails.
What is the Top in Fiction email schedule?
- Fridays – Recommendations (and self-promotions) of fiction written in a weekly time period are collected via an online form. This form is open on Fridays at 9am EST and closes the following day on Saturdays at 9pm EST. The reminder for when recommendations are accepted is sent using Substack Chat to all subscribers. Having the mobile app is preferred.
If you do not use any of Substacks features, you can opt to bookmark the online form and check it on Fridays when it will open for entries.
- Mondays – Weekly news and updates are followed by the featured story titles, writer names, and publication names read aloud.
- First Wednesday of every Month – Monthly Live happens at 11am EST (unless otherwise noted for scheduling purposes). The list of featured stories (some from previous weeks and some brand new) are read aloud followed by any relevant news and updates. This Live will usually have on special guests as well. Shortly after, an email of the VOD, list of featured stories, as well as PDF and medallions is made available.
- TiF Disruptions and TiF Presents… – Events that happen at random times throughout the calendar year. Disruptions are handled 100% by the community that chooses to utilize TiF as a vessel for promoting their event. Presents is handled 100% by the TiF Team as a way to bring the fiction community together through themed writing events.
What are ⏰ TiF Notifications?
The purpose of this notification is to alert writers to when the TiF Submissions Form is open and accepting recommendations (or self-promotions). They are sent TWICE a week on the following schedule:
- Fridays at 7am EST – a notification that the form is open
- Sundays at 6am EST – a notification that the form is closing in 1 hour
There may be other notifications sent out specific to entries or submissions for other TiF events that happen throughout the year such as the 2025 Annual Recap at the end of the year.
What is the difference between Short Serials and Serials?
Short Serials, typically, are easily identifiable if the story is split into “Parts” whereas Serials are identified using Chapters or Episodes and are much longer. The Parts of a Short Serial are usually 4 or less but they can be longer. Another great metric that I’ve seen used is if it’s a novella.
Does TiF have a YouTube Channel?
Yes, TiF does have a YouTube Channel. We also host our podcast, Top in Fiction Weekly Live, on YouTube as well. Subscribe today!
What are TiF Disruptions?
These are community driven events that happen throughout the year. These events are totally managed and put together by someone or a group of people outside of TiF but they allow (ie give permission) for TiF to create a special post for the occasion that will highlight the event and the stories that are associated with it. You can see our TiF Disruptions page for more examples.
WANT TO HAVE YOUR OWN TiF DISRUPTION?
Reach out to me via DMs (or email with Subject: TiF Disruption Request) and let’s discuss working together to make that happen!
What makes a good fit for a TiF Disruption:
- Community collaboration with fiction writers.
- Clear theme and invitations already completed. Meaning you already know the event will happen.
- Set date for when the event will happen.
What you must have (and provide) prior to the TiF Disruption post being sent:
- Set date for when you want the post to go out. This is usually the same day as the event, just several hours after your post goes out.
- List of all participants and, if available, titles of stories and links to their stories.
- Any images relevant to the event. Specifically any social image to be used for the TiF Disruption post.
What to expect from TiF if selected:
- A dedicated post that will list all participants and stories.
- Creators of the event will be included in the byline of the post.
- Medallions for each participant. Colors will align with the event.
- Optional: PDF of all participants. Design to align with the event.
TiF Contests & Events
Here at TiF we strive to provide stories for readers of fiction. But we also want to inspire the fiction writers as well. We do this through contests & events sporadically throughout the year. We also encourage anyone who loves fiction (specifically genre fiction) who has an idea for a possible contest/event to reach out to us for support.
A Contest will always trigger an Event and our events are always labeled as TiF Disruptions because they will happen outside of our normal email schedule.
Contests will have judges, a deadline, and other rules that are specific to that contest and can very depending on what the contest is.
The Event will be Live on Substack, and at that time winners are announced and occasionally, judges will join the Host to discuss how the contest went.
To find out more about Contests, Events, and other dates, please refer to our TiF Calendar.
Specific details, such as rules, judges, and prizes, for Contests & Events will be sent via a TiF Notifications email.