Calls for Submissions - Speculative Fiction Anthologies

Anthologies are themed collections of short stories and/or poems by various authors and published as a single book. In most cases, anthologies are put out by publishing houses, but sometimes anthologies are published by magazines as well. Anthologies are also printed by vanity presses. (Don't submit to those. Vanity presses demand payment, and they will do nothing but harm your career.)

It is a good idea to get your work into a (legitimate) print anthology for several reasons: 1) Publishing houses that put out anthologies generally get a wider distribution than magazines; 2) Print anthologies don't preclude publishing your story online, or on Amazon, later on;  3) Establishing a relationship with a publishing house may pan out later when you are ready to publish your novel; 4) Anthologies are a great writing credit; 5) Many anthologies accept reprints, which will extend the life of your stories.

Below are eight publishers looking for speculative fiction short stories. Their requirements are fairly narrow (please read their submissions pages carefully). All of these are paying markets, ranging from pro (6 cents a word, minimum), to semi-pro.

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World Weaver Press is publishing a second edition of the Far Orbit science fiction adventure series.

Deadline: March 31, 2015.

"We are once again looking for modern space adventures crafted in the Grand Tradition. We are not looking for slavish imitations of past classics. Rather, we would like to receive stories that establish a new tradition in the much maligned Scifi adventure genera — smart, modern stories built around the classic traditions. We are looking for adventure stories that are creative, readable, and memorable. We are also looking for midnight indulgences; exciting stories that transport you from the everyday grind and leave you wondrously satisfied. All adventure-based sci-fi genera are welcome but stay away from fantasy elements unless they are genetically engineered or cybernetic. Stories can begin on Earth but the major action should happen out there, beyond the edges of our blue marble. Dystopia (Mad Max) and fantasy-like adventures (John Carter of Mars) have to be very special to be included in this anthology. Please, no fan fiction."

Rights and compensation: Payment: $0.01/word. All contributors will receive a paperback copy of the anthology. For previously unpublished works: Seeking first world rights in English and exclusive rights to publish in print and electronic format for twelve months after publication date after which publisher retains nonexclusive right to continue to publish for a term. For reprints: Seeking non-exclusive right to publish in print and electronic formats for a term. Previously unpublished stories preferred; reprints will be considered. No previously anthologized stories.

Open submission period: January 1 – March 31, 2015.

Length: Under 10,000 words

Submission method: Paste the story into the body of the e-mail message. Include the approximate word count. Subject line: Apogee – [Title]. Send submission to: farorbit [at] worldweaverpress [dot] com.

Simultaneous submissions = OK.

Multiple submissions = No.

For more information CLICK HERE.

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Crossed Genres Publications is publishing Hidden Youth: Speculative Fiction from the Margins of History

Deadline: 4/30/15

Who can submit: "We welcome stories by authors from all walks of life. We especially encourage submissions from members of marginalized groups within the speculative fiction community, including (but not limited to) people of color; people who are not from or living in the U.S.A.; QUILTBAG and GSM people; people with disabilities, chronic illness, or mental illness; and atheists, agnostics, and members of religious minorities. The protagonists of your story do not have to mirror your own heritage, identities, beliefs, or experiences. We also especially encourage short story submissions from people who don’t usually write in this format, including poets, playwrights, essayists and authors of historical fiction and historical romance."

Submission deadline and publication schedule: Submissions are due April 30, 2015. If it’s still April 30 in your time zone, you’re good. Acceptance notices will be sent by October 1. The anthology is tentatively slated for a January 2016 release.

Pay and rights: USD 6¢/word for global English first publication rights in print and digital format. The author retains copyright. Payment is upon publication.

For more information CLICK HERE.

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Meerkat Press is currently seeking short stories for their next themed anthology, Love Hurts.

"Dazzle us with stories of love, and make it hurt! Slow, dull, unimaginative stories need not apply."

Deadline: 4/30/15

Genres accepted: Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy. This includes all sub-genres: Dystopian, Steampunk, Paranormal, etc.

Payment: .01 to .04 per word for short fiction.

For more information CLICK HERE.


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Pop Seagull Publishing is publishing an anthology: ‘Robotica.’

Deadline: March 2015

"Wow us with your take on the intersection between eroticism and robots or other artificial life forms! This could take the form of a look at robotic self-replication, humans in love with robots, robot courtship, or anything your imagination can come up with! Just take ‘Robotica’ and run with it. We’re not necessarily looking for pure erotica, but more solid science fiction that examines the intersection of sexuality and robots in a unique way. Having said that, have fun with it! If a sexy, sexy scene suits the story, go for it."

Payment: For short fiction, 1 cent per word, plus three free copies of the book and a discounted rate on future purchases.

How to submit: Microsoft Word files (.doc and .docx), PDF and Open Office (.odt) files only. If you send anything other than these formats, they may not be able to open it. E-subs only. Please send all queries and works for consideration to lizmclean(dot)artist(at)gmail(dot)com.

For more information CLICK HERE.

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Science Fiction and Fantasy Publications is publishing their Unbound anthology “Lost Friends”

Deadline: March 31st, 2015.

Genre: Science Fiction.

Payment: All short stories are paid at $0.01 per word (after editing) up to a maximum of $150.00. All payments will be made via PayPal and in the first quarter of publication. Then, if the issue your story is included in breaks a profit, 50% of the net profit will be shared between the contributors on a per word basis for two years after the publication date.

How to submit: You only need two things – Your short story and a small two paragraph bio of yourself. This should be supplied with your manuscript. Attach both to an email entitled “Short Story Submission” indicating which anthology you are submitting to and send it to our submissions email address. This email address is set to delete emails with no attachments.

For more information CLICK HERE.

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Eldritch Press is publishing "Steampunk Horror: The Lost Worlds"

Deadline: Extended until filled.

Genre: "The Lost Worlds" will be a anthology in the Steampunk Horror Genre devoted to the post-apocalyptic theme. Send us worlds rebuilt by steam powered engines and mechanical marvels. Send us characters we can root for as they fight the good fight. Send us worlds our readers can romanticize about, characters that jump off the page. We want to set the Steampunk world ablaze with "The Lost Worlds."

Payment: Eight cents a word.

How to submit: Email with Attachments: submissions@eldritchpress.com

For more information CLICK HERE.

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Strange Musings Press is accepting submissions for their new Anthology, Alternate Hilarities 3: Hysterical Realms

Deadline: March 10th

Genre: Short funny fiction about fantasy worlds of all types. They are looking for Flash Fiction between 500 and 1500 words. Short Fiction between 1501 and 6000 words.

Payment: Flash Fiction - a half cent a word paid on publication as well as one E-book and 1 share of royalties. Short Fiction - One cent a word paid on publication as well as one E-book and 2 shares of royalties.

How to submit: Submissions@StrangeMusingsPress.com

Simultaneous submissions: Yes

Reprints: Yes

For more information CLICK HERE.

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Emby Press is publishing Monster Hunter: Wasteland

"The wars are over. The monsters have won.There is nowhere monsters don’t stalk anymore; not the burnt out cities or desolate countryside. The monster’s endless search for the last of humanity grows intense as the number of people dwindle and the legions of hungry creatures swell.

The battle between life and death is constant. No place is safe. But, the people who have survived are the fastest, the strongest and the most resourceful. Among them are the last monster hunters: individuals that have visited the depths of nightmare and survived. Individuals that have become the things that haunt those nightmares…

They will never submit, no matter how large or small the gain. Their purpose is clear… Hunt the monsters. Reclaim the WASTELAND."

Deadline: 3/1/15. Acceptances will be announced 4/5/14

Tentative Publication Date: Fall 2015

Payment: $25.00 and electronic copy of the book upon publication.

Word Limits: 2000 to 8000 words. Please query if longer.

Format: Submissions should be .doc (.docx is fine) or .rtf formats. The entire text will be reformatted, so no need to worry about margins, spacing, etc. Please use a standard font.

Genres Accepted: Dark Fiction, Horror and sci-fi.

Reprints Accepted: Yes. Please include a history of publication with your submission.

Simultaneous Subs: (submitting to Emby and another press at the same time) can be avoided by requesting an early response.

For more information CLICK HERE.