Deadline: July 1st, 2025
Payment: $100 or higher depending on Kickstartr
Theme: Short stories that explore the theme of pest control in creative, unexpected, and engaging ways.

We’re seeking original short stories that explore the theme of pest control in creative, unexpected, and engaging ways. However, don’t be misled by the title—this is not a shared-universe project, nor does your story have to be set in space or on an alien world. Your tale can take place anywhere—on a starship, in a medieval village, deep in the jungle, or even within the microcosm of a single human body. The crucial element is the struggle against some form of infestation, nuisance, or destructive force.

Your protagonist might be a seasoned exterminator, a desperate homeowner battling an alien infestation, or even the pest itself, trying to survive against overwhelming odds. We welcome a wide range of tones, from serious and thought-provoking explorations of ethical dilemmas to lighthearted, comedic takes on interstellar vermin problems. Whether your story leans toward hard science fiction, space opera, fantasy, horror, or slipstream, as long as it aligns with the pest control theme, we want to see it!

Submission Details

• Payment: We are committed to paying our contributors. Stories will start at $100 per piece, with higher payments depending on the success of our Kickstarter campaign.
• Funding: This anthology is being supported through a crowdfunding effort to ensure we can fairly compensate authors and produce a high-quality collection.
• Competition: We expect a high volume of submissions, so while we encourage everyone to send in their best work, please note that even excellent stories may not make the final cut.
• Kickstarter: The earliest stories will also get their authors listed in our Kickstarter.

How to Submit

Confirm your interest then send us your best “Pest Control” story via email to [email protected] and [email protected]. And show us your take on this unique theme! Whether you’re crafting a thrilling adventure, a dark and eerie survival tale, or a humorous twist on pest extermination, we’re eager to read your work.

Let the battle against the pests begin!

So fire up your keyboards and start writing! We’re looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Note: We’ve been informed that they are looking for stories no longer then 5,000 words and likely over 1,000

Via: Amazing Stories.