If you love writing extremely short fiction that carries powerful meaning in very few words, The Dribble Drabble Review (TDDR) is currently open for submissions for its Spring/Summer 2026 Issue XII. This internationally recognized microfiction e-zine celebrates the art of brevity and invites writers from around the world to submit their best short-form work.
About The Dribble Drabble Review
The Dribble Drabble Review is a carefully curated, biannual microfiction publication dedicated to “little-ature,” showcasing powerful storytelling in very small word counts. The publication has built a global readership and a vibrant international community of writers who specialize in compact storytelling that is emotional, insightful, and creative despite strict length limits.
The magazine is open-themed, meaning writers are free to explore any subject or creative direction, provided the work meets the submission guidelines and avoids prohibited themes.
Word Count Requirements
TDDR focuses specifically on two forms of microfiction:
- Dribbles: Exactly 50 words (titles not included)
- Drabbles: Exactly 100 words (titles not included)
These strict word counts are essential. Pieces that do not match the required word limits will typically not be considered, so writers should carefully count and verify their submissions before sending them.
Writers may submit up to three entries per category (three dribbles and three drabbles). Submissions may be written as prose, poetry, or prose poetry, provided they meet the word-count requirements.
How to Submit
All submissions are now handled through Duosuma, the submission manager powered by Duotrope. Writers must create a free Duotrope account (not the paid subscription) before submitting. Once your account is set up, you can upload your entries quickly through the platform.
To ensure you receive confirmation emails and editorial responses, it is recommended that you add duotrope.com and duotrope.com/duosuma to your safe sender list.
Submission Fee
TDDR now requests a small submission fee of $1 per submission. This symbolic “drabble’s worth of pennies” helps support the publication and maintain the platform while keeping the opportunity accessible to writers worldwide.
Formatting and Author Information
Writers are free to format their submissions in any style they prefer, as the editorial team maintains a flexible approach to formatting. However, each submission should include:
- Your name
- Country of residence
- A brief author bio (approximately 50 words or fewer)
All entries should be submitted together in a single submission, unless you are sending simultaneous submissions. If submitting simultaneously to other journals, each piece should be submitted individually to avoid complications if one piece is accepted elsewhere.
Simultaneous Submissions and Response Time
Simultaneous submissions are permitted. However, writers must withdraw their work promptly if it is accepted elsewhere.
TDDR confirms receipt of submissions and typically provides an editorial response within 60 days. This relatively quick turnaround makes it an attractive opportunity for writers who actively submit microfiction.
Rights and Publication Terms
By submitting, writers grant the journal first electronic and non-exclusive archival rights, along with the right to include accepted work in future print materials. Rights revert to the author once the next issue is produced, though reprints must acknowledge TDDR as the original publisher.
Editors reserve the right to make minor edits when necessary and will attempt to accommodate special formatting requests whenever possible.
Themes and Content Restrictions
While the publication is open-themed, writers should avoid submitting work that contains:
- Erotica
- Politically charged material
- Discriminatory or hate-related content
Ensuring your work aligns with these expectations will increase the likelihood of consideration.
Contributor Benefits
Although TDDR does not offer monetary payment, contributors benefit from:
- Professional publication in a respected microfiction journal
- Promotion within an international literary community
- Exposure to a global readership that values short-form storytelling
- Inclusion in a carefully curated literary issue
For writers specializing in microfiction, this platform provides meaningful visibility and an opportunity to build publication credits in a niche literary space dedicated to the art of brevity.
Final Tips for Writers
Before submitting, confirm that:
- Your piece is exactly 50 or 100 words
- Your bio is included and within the required length
- All entries are properly grouped in a single submission
- Your Duotrope account is active and ready for submission
If you enjoy the challenge of telling a compelling story in a very small space, The Dribble Drabble Review offers an excellent opportunity to showcase your skill. Carefully crafted microfiction that demonstrates precision, emotional impact, and originality stands a strong chance of connecting with this publication’s dedicated readership.
You can review the official submission details here: The Dribble Drabble Review
