Unspeakable Horror!

It is now October and the query/submission period has begun for the upcoming Queer Horror anthology from Dark Scribe Press. Below are the submission guidelines, which can also be found on the "submissions" page, as well as at the Dark Scribe Press website (darkscribepress.com).

UNSPEAKABLE HORROR: FROM THE SHADOWS OF THE CLOSET

Edited By: Vince A. Liaguno and Chad Helder
Minimum Length: 1,000 words
Maximum Length: 7,500 words

Dark Scribe Press is seeking short story submissions for an anthology of queer horror tales.  We are looking for edgy, provocative dark genre fiction – horror and dark psychological suspense only.  We are not interested in science fiction/fantasy, mystery, or splatter punk for this anthology. We’re looking for stories about those terrors that populate the closets of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals.  Terrors can be of any shape, size, and theme – supernatural, psychopaths and slashers, vampires, werewolves, zombies, urban legends, ghosts, witchcraft, demons, and original horrors of any kind. 

At Dark Scribe Press, we believe that horror is meant to unnerve, disquiet, and strike deeply at the darkest places in readers’ hearts.  We believe that writers should never be restricted within the established genre limitations and should feel comfortable offering up their darkest tales.  As the publisher, if we don’t like it or it’s not a right fit for a particular anthology, we’ll simply politely pass on the submission.  Taboo and edgy subject matters are welcome if handled in a literary manner – nothing is off limits if well executed and compelling.  Stories may include explicit sex and erotic elements if well-integrated into the tale itself – we are not looking for a subtle ghost story with a raunchy sex scene inserted into the middle of it.  Please avoid clichés – unless you have a fresh queer twist or perspective to offer. 

At the heart of all submissions must be a distinct queer theme running through the fabric of the story – stories that represent the harmful effects of repression, the manifestation of homophobia (both internal and external), childhood anxieties that run parallel to sexual orientation and the coming out process, and any other well-conceived and executed queer theme.

Email queries only.  Please note some helpful email query guidelines here .  As with all Dark Scribe Press calls for submissions, your query represents our first impression of you and your story.  Avoid rattling off an abstract to us in an informal email – chances are we’ll pass.  We’re looking to see that writers have given thought to their story and have the ability to articulate those thoughts. 

Queries can be emailed to publisher@darkscribepress.com beginning October 1, 2007 and will be accepted through May 15, 2008.  Response time to queries is 30-60 days.  Once a query is greenlighted, the deadline for actual submissions is June 30, 2008.  Response time to submissions is 30-60 days.  Please put Query / Anthology in the subject line of all emails to help us efficiently route your email.  Kindly note that queries with attachments will be deleted – do not send your story until you have queried us first.

Format guidelines will be emailed upon our response to your initial query. 

Terms: Pays $.05 per word upon acceptance for FNASR

Anthology is slated for 4^th quarter 2008 publication – subject to change.

No simultaneous submissions and no reprints.