💡 TiF 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 7am EST. You can click the below button OR bookmark the link below: (this link can also be found on our main paid MENU BAR)
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.
Who gets Medallions and why?
As of May 3, 2025 medallions are given ONLY to stories that appear in the Monthly Recap issues (first Wednesday of every month). Prior to this date, medallions were given to all featured stories on a weekly basis.
These Medallions are intended for recognition in the select stories that were chosen among the others for that week. They may not necessarily be the best stories from the week as that is open to interpretation by the readers taste in format and genre.
What should I do with a Medallion I receive?
Here is a great guide to use that outlines all the ways medallions can and have been used by past recipients: CLICK HERE
How are the 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 TiF 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.
What genres can I find on Top in Fiction?
For a comprehensive list of genres complete with definition, sub-genres and examples, click HERE.
How can I participate in TiF Voices?
Calling all fiction writers, from the newbie to the old-hat, to read their work for the TiF audience! If you’ve wanted to participate in TiF Sociable, we’ve changed the name and how it works! Now, you record yourself reading your story, on your own schedule. Then send us the MP3 file and we’ll share your story right here in upcoming weekly emails! It’s that simple. But we do have a few guidelines:
Story must be previously shared on your Substack.
Story must be written within the 2025 calendar year.
MP3 file must be sent to this email: voices@topinfiction.com
When sending your email, please include the following information:
SUBJECT: Your Name, Your Publication Name (ex. Erica Drayton, The Happy Place)
BODY: [copy/paste the below]
Story Title:
Writer:
Substack URL:
Date Published:
Type: [Poem/Micro-Flash Fiction/Short Story/Short Serial/Serial]
Genre:
Synopsis: [50 word cap]
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.
What is TiF Presents…?
These are events, usually around key holidays throughout the year, that is managed by TiF. It’s the first time fiction stories can be read within TiF through submissions sent in. Favorites are highlighted in the post and everyone else will be mentioned as well.
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.
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!
