The only better way to get into the Halloween spirit than decorations and horror movies is writing wild speculative fiction. Now is the perfect time to get inspiration for this genre, which continues to be a beloved form of work. Prominent, modern writers like Michael Critchton, Frank Herbert, and Margaret Atwood all draw from this genre, and sometimes they scare us more than monsters and ghosts. Literary journals and anthologies are paying for this work right now.
Check out this carefully curated list of publishing opportunities that will make your creativity this Halloween season soar.
Here’s a pro-tip on how to ensure your work gets selected: talk to a professional who understands what literary journals, writing contests and publishers look for in submissions. I can work with you on your first 5 pages. You will receive tailored feedback and feel 100% ready to publish. Drop yourself into my calendar here. Spaces are limited.
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Other Worlds Ink
Who They Are: A small anthology press, they are mainly geared towards helping with publicity and marketing for authors in speculative fiction and romance.
What They Publish: They’re currently accepting work for their next anthology, all about science fiction and climate fiction, with hopeful outlooks on the future of the world. They would like solutions and adaptations to the climate to be plausible based on our current knowledge of the issue. They accept reprints at half the pay rate, and word count can be anywhere up to 15,000.
What They Pay: $50-$100
Deadline: October 31, 2021
Get more information and submit here.
Going Down Swinging
Who They Are: One of Australia’s longest-running and most respected journals, they have been publishing print and online journals since 1979. They aim to “work across platforms to produce high quality publications and events that support writers and artists telling stories worth sharing.” You can read some of their past online issues free on their website.
What They Publish: For their current online submissions, they’re looking for works of speculative fiction and love, although they’re open to general topics and themes as well. They accept previously unpublished fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and experimental work that are usually no more than 2,000 words.
What They Pay: $60-$170
Deadline: October 20, 2021
Get more information and submit here.
Flash Fiction Online
Who They Are: An online journal publishing since 2007, they represent the work of new and established writers from around the world. They celebrate flash fiction as a form of writing unique in delivering “brief, beautiful, and dynamic” stories across speculative and literary genres.
What They Publish: For their 100th issue they’re looking for speculative and literary fiction that “engage our minds and emotions and that leave us with a sense of awe or give us something to muse on.” They accept previously unpublished flash fiction between 500 and 1,000 words.
What They Pay: $80 flat rate
Deadline: October 21, 2021
Get more information and submit here.
Is your work good enough to get published?
Many writing contests and anthologies receive thousands of submissions. Are you confident that your work is strong enough to stand out from the rest?
We help writers hone their craft so they can feel confident about submitting their best work to publications or competitions. If you’re serious about publishing, you can speak with us to see how we can help you put your best foot forward when you submit your work. Book a call with us today.