About The Publication

What is this all about?

After Dinner Conversation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit publisher of short stories designed to encourage ethical and philosophical conversations with friends, family, and students.

So, do these stories have a right answer?

They are written to ask questions that spur discussions. They should be entertaining, but they should also give different readers different perspectives on what the “right answer” is for each story.

So are these stories designed to teach morals?

The stories and discussion questions should be used to refine your own ideas through reflection and conversation with others who have read the same story. For some, the basis of those ideas may be based in religion, for others it will be based in secular ethics. The important thing is you know why you think what you think!

So you are telling me this is reading that takes two people?

Ideally, yes. Each short story is intended to create an accessible example of an abstract ethical or philosophical idea and is accompanied by suggested discussion questions.

Are these stories for children?

Some are, but most are not. Look for stories marked with a note that they are suitable for all ages. Our typical story is PG or PG-13. We also include a “Content Disclosure” at the start of each story.

How are the stories for children and adults different?

The stories for the children are shorter, G-rated, and ask questions that are age appropriate. The stories for young adults and older tend to be a bit longer and ask harder questions. They also may be R rated if it serves the story.

Can I send you a short story I wrote?

Sure. Go to the submissions page and read the details on how to submit to us. Our typical response time is 2-3 months and submissions are free. If you would like a faster response time, typically in 3-5 days, you can pay for our FAST PASS as part of your submission.

Do you need readers?

Yes! Please email us at info@afterdinnerconversation.com with a little information about yourself, and we will let you know if you fit the profile of a submissions reader at our publication.

Magazine Subscription

How do I update my magazine subscription billing information?

It’s super easy to change your credit card or billing information on file. Just login to your customer account and revise your credit card information on file.

How do I cancel my magazine subscription?

Of course, we are sorry to see you go, but these things happen. Hopefully, you will come back again someday. In order to unsubscribe, log in to your customer account, then click My Account, and then Subscriptions. Finally, click Cancel Subscription.

Substack Subscription

Why do you have a magazine and Substack, what’s the difference?

In 2019, we started out as a monthly magazine. Over time, we realized that some readers found receiving seven stories at once a bit overwhelming. So, we launched our Substack, one story each week, delivered directly to your inbox. It’s the same content. Stories from the magazine are republished on Substack.

So, the Substack stories are the same as the stories in the magazine?

Yes. However, the magazine includes seven stories per month, while Substack releases one per week. This means Substack gradually falls behind the magazine because the release schedules differ. For example, the October 16, 2025 Substack story “Grief” was originally published in our January 2022 magazine issue.

Is the Substack or magazine better?

The content is identical. It’s entirely a matter of how you prefer to read. If you like getting one story a week by email, Substack is for you. If you prefer a traditional magazine format , complete with cover art and all seven stories together, you’ll enjoy the magazine subscription.

If you really twist our arm, there are a few small differences: Substack includes a comment section beneath each story so readers can share their thoughts, while the monthly magazine arrives as .pdf, .epub, and .mobi files, making it easy to send to your iPad or e-reader.

Can I just get a print magazine?!?!?

Yes. You can order it via our website.