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About THE RAZOR

The Razor is a literary magazine produced by Gotham Writers Workshop. We publish two pieces each month—one fiction, one nonfiction. For now, we do not publish poetry (though we do appreciate the poet’s artistry with words). Each published piece will be presented with audio and original artwork.

What we’re looking for

The Razor wants your best story in a 1,500-word box.

The story that could have been 3,000 words, but didn’t need to be.

Surprise us with how deep your simplicity can be. That doesn’t mean we don’t like literary, or stories that take place in a character’s head. Be it minimal or maximal, send us a story where every moment counts. Where every word counts.

Drop into your box a single pristine jewel, or fill it with mud that’s crawling with worms. Just make sure it stays in the box, whatever it is.

Bare necessities

  • No more than 1,500 words. No minimum word count.
  • Don’t stress about format. Focus on the story.
  • We pay writers $100 for accepted work.

Technical

  • PLEASE NOTE: Our submissions for both fiction and nonfiction are currently closed. We will reopen submissions on September 1, 2025.
  • No multiple submissions. Send one thing at a time. When a decision has been made, feel free to submit again.
  • In order to submit to The Razor, you must have or create an account (for free) with Gotham Writers Workshop.
  • We read submissions blind. Your identifying information is not visible to the editors unless you are accepted. Please do not include any identifying information in the body of your work.
  • We nominate for Pushcart and Best of the Net.
  • Simultaneous submissions are welcome, just please let us know if it’s accepted elsewhere.
  • By submitting, you ensure that the work is:
    • new, original, and has not appeared elsewhere
    • not plagiarized and does not infringe on someone else’s copyright or trademark
    • not made by or with the help of generative AI programs
    • not libelous or defamatory
    • if nonfiction, true to the best of the author’s memory and ability to verify facts.
  • The Razor does not accept poetry, academic writing, or essays about the craft of writing.
  • The Razor does not accept written submissions that include supplemental artwork or photographs.
  • We aim to respond to submissions within 3-6 months of receiving them.
  • We do allow pieces originally published in The Razor to be reprinted elsewhere, so long as the author waits until they enter our archive (one month after publication), and authors mention the piece’s original printing in The Razor.
  • Any questions, or to withdraw a piece, email therazor@gothamwriters.com.
  • Do not send any submissions via email, they will be deleted. All submissions go through our submission form.

Editors/Directors

Editor

Emma Stephenson is the Director of Communications and Events at Gotham Writers. She has a voracious appetite for stories, and since her graduation from Emerson College’s Performing Arts program, she has gravitated to places where stories are front and center: including Symphony Space in New York City, the Columbia Publishing Course in Oxford, England, and a brief stint selling tickets at an aging movie theater.

Art Director

Justin Street is a writer, performer, and designer in New York City. He is the Director of Design and Marketing for Gotham Writers Workshop. Whether it’s visual art, design, prose, music, or food—he’ll always prefer a big swing. The Razor commissions original artwork. If interested, contact justin@gothamwriters.com.

Audio Director/Casting

Paul Liberti Originally from New York City and the Broadway Community and voice over Community – But now calls North Hollywood California home. Paul has worked 25 years as a skilled animation voice director, teacher, coach, audio book director, accent coach, voice actor in all kinds of voice over and as a puppeteer for Jim Henson’s Muppets. He currently teaches nationally for The SAG/AFTRA Foundation and at Universities annually. He is also an accent coach for Broadway, West End, SAG/AFTRA Film & TV. Voice of Curious George: http://www.CuriousGeorge.com. You can find out more about what he does, classes and more at Paul Liberti – Voice Over Pro