💡 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 the next day, Saturday, at 7pm EST. You can click the below button OR bookmark the link below: (this link can also be found on our main paid MENU BAR)
If you want to be notified when the submissions form opens AND closes (1hr before), you can OPT-IN to receive our TiF Notifications email. Scroll down in this page to see a step-by-step process.
Can I submit my own story for consideration?
Yes! We love and accept self-promotion of work.
Who gets Medallions and why?
Medallions are given to stories Featured in each weekly Monday Issues, except for Honorable Mentions. They are also given to Monthly Recap stories that are Featured. Any Monthly Recap stories that were already Featured in a previous weekly issue do not receive another Medallion.
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?
The TiF Team of Genre Curators reads through each story that is recommended as well as seeking out stories in their chosen genres to put forward as featured stories each week. We value quality in our selections but we do not offer feedback when it comes to how the selection process is done.
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 Live happens at 10am EST. News and updates are followed by the featured story titles, writer names, and publication names read aloud. Shortly after, an email of the VOD, list of featured stories, as well as PDF and medallions is made available.
First Wednesday of every Month - Monthly Live happens at 10am 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 (but not a regular occurance at this time). 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?
A ⏰ TiF Notification is an email that goes out ONLY to anyone who chooses to OPT-IN to receive them. 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
Saturdays at 6pm 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.
How can I receive the ⏰ TiF Notifications email?
In order to receive the TiF Notifications email you need to OPT-IN. Click the button below OR follow the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Go to Top in Fiction’s website on your computer (cannot do this on mobile)
Click your icon on the top right hand corner → Select “Manage subscription”
Step 2: Make sure to turn ON the one that says “⏰ TiF Notifications”
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.
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.
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.
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!
Does TiF have a Discord Server?
Yes, TiF does have a Discord Server! We use it to facilitate realtime community activities such as sprints, prompts, and workshops. We also plan on hosting critique groups and more frequent TiF Sociables via the use of our voice channels. Join the server today!
