Deadline: August 1st, 2022
Payment: $30 and a contributor’s copy
Theme: Horror/dark fantasy stories or images involving a forge, such as: items created by a forge—haunted armor, weapons, or cursed objects; demonic crafters or smiths using the forge; or the forge equipment itself.

Theme

For the first edition of the Fear Forge Anthology, I wanted to give a nod to the anthology’s name and to the relationships that inspired it. Since the conception of Horrorsmith Editing, I have been focused on forging strong relationships within the author and horror communities. This anthology is a continuation of that, and I thought it only appropriate that it should reflect both in the name and the first edition’s theme.  

 

Please submit your unique, unpublished, horror or dark fantasy stories or images involving a forge, such as: items created by a forge—haunted armor, weapons, or cursed objects; demonic crafters or smiths who use the forge; or the forge equipment itself. 

 

Details

• All stories and images should involve the forge in any variation of the methods used above. However, the forge must be a prominent feature within the story. Simply adding a forge in the background of an existing story will not make the cut. 

• All stories should be between 2000 and 6000 words in length. There may be some wiggle room over 6000 words if the story is exceptional. However, please do not depend on that. Any stories less than 2000 words will not be considered. 

• Images can be a figure, scene, or cover image. 

• All stories and images should be emailed to [email protected] beginning Friday, May 13, 2022. 

• Stories and images will be accepted until the anthology is full or until August 1, whichever comes first, so it will be to your benefit to submit as early as possible. 

• You may submit more than one story or image if you choose; however, only one will be selected for possible publication. 

• Simultaneous submissions are not allowed.

• Reprints are not allowed.

• Horrorsmith Publishing will retain exclusive rights to the stories and images for one year from the date of publication. 

• Payment is $30 per story or image. 

• Payments will be rendered to the author or artist upon selection of the submission for the anthology and return of the signed contract. This can occur at any time between the open call start date and August 1. 

• All contributors will also receive an eBook and paperback copy of the anthology upon publication.

• Your story should be submitted as an email attachment via a Microsoft Word document. The story document should have no identifying information other than the title because story selections will be blind. In the subject of the email, indicate which anthology you are submitting for. In the body of the email, indicate your name, your pen name—if applicable—your email address, your PayPal email address, and your story title. A contract will be submitted to you prior to payment at the email address provided within that email. 

• Though professional editing will be provided by certificated speculative fiction editor, Lyndsey Smith, with Horrorsmith Editing, please make sure your story is edited to the best of your ability, checked for spelling, left aligned—not centered—double spaced, and normal margins. 

 

What I Am Not Looking For

• Torturous adult content or erotica. Though some sexual situations are fine, it should not be the focus of the story.

• Stories glorifying child abuse, animal abuse, or rape. 

• Fan fiction

• Stories of another genre

• Stories belittling anyone for their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, or any physical or mental disabilities. 

 

If you do not find your question answered above, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. 

Via: Horror Smith Editing.