This monthly blog post always comes around so fast! Here are the most interesting open submissions calls for writers I’ve found recently.

And a reminder: sign up for my email newsletter if you want advance notice of open submission calls like these.

Best of British Science Fiction
This reprint anthology, edited by Donna Scott and published by NewCon Press, is very important to me – not only because my own stories have featured in several volumes in the past, but because the annual anthology always features many of my favourite writers in the genre. The deadline is earlier than usual this year, and even then it’d be kind to send your submissions sooner rather than later, to avoid a huge influx… (And please note that it’s a reprint anthology of SF stories first published by British writers in 2023.)
Word count: No restrictions, but 10,000 words is a sensible upper limit
Payment: 1p per word, up to £50
Deadline: 17 December 2023
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The Midnight Labyrinth
This SFF and horror anthology from Grendel Press will have a neat quirk linking stories. From the website description: ‘Each story should feature a tale delivered from a character who stepped through a door and found themselves someplace unexpected. On their journey, they will notice a book called Midnight Labyrinth.’
Word count: 2500–7000 words
Payment: 5 cents per word
Deadline: 31 December 2023
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We Are All Thieves of Somebody’s Future
This anthology to be published by Air and Nothingness Press will features stories themed around resource scarcity. Interestingly, the editors stress that stories needn’t necessarily be dystopian, and will even accept fantasy tales.
Word count: 1000–3000 words
Payment: 8 cents per word
Deadline: 31 December 2023
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Mythaxis
This well-established online zine will be open for a brief period at the end of October.
Word count: 1000–5000 words
Payment: 1 cent per word
Deadline: Open 23–30 October 2023
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The Fabulist Flash
Another established online zine, this one featuring speculative fiction (with a very inclusive definition of all the subgenres that may contain), which will soon launch a new outlet for flash fiction.
Word count: Up to 1000 words
Payment: $100
Deadline: Open 6–12 November 2023
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Horns & Rattles Press
Here’s a theme that I think will chime with a bunch of my writer friends: Horns & Rattle Press is currently open to submissions of stories themed around flora and fungi.
Word count: Up to 4000 words
Payment: $20
Deadline: 18 November 2023
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And One Day We Will Die
This anthology edited by Patrick Barb is close to my heart not only because it will feature stories inspired by one of my favourite bands, Neutral Milk Hotel, but because it’s already been confirmed that I’ll be writing a story to be included in it. Even though it doesn’t open until December, it’s such a specific theme that I thought I’d better give you all plenty of time to prepare.
Word count: 2000–5000 words
Payment: 5 cents per word
Deadline: Open 5 December 2023 – 16 January 2024
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The Black Beacon Book of Pirate Tales
The editor of this anthology of stories featuring pirates and buccaneers is generous in its genre inclusivity, and the front cover is truly lovely.
Word count: 3000–9000 words
Payment: $25
Deadline: 31 December 2023
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The Ghostly Commission
This is a peculiar opportunity for Halloween month… The International Ghost Appreciation Society is looking for ideas for stories or other artistic works to commission to celebrate its one-year anniversary. Don’t sell complete stories initially, though – just a pitch.
Word count: Not specified
Payment: £100
Deadline: 31 December 2023
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The Neurodiversiverse Anthology
A difficult title to pronounce, but an excellent concept based around the question: ‘Would neurodivergent folks find themselves at an advantage in dealing with aliens?’ Thinking Ink Press are particularly interested in short stories written by people who are neurodivergent.
Word count: Up to 6000 words
Payment: $100
Deadline: 31 December 2023
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I Want That Twink OBLITERATED!
This anthology from Bona Books will feature ‘classic pulp adventures centring non-traditionally masculine queer heroes and villains’, and has already smashed its Kickstarter goals.
Word count: Up to 6000 words
Payment: 8 cents per word
Deadline: 17 December 2023
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Interstellar Flight Press
This online zine will soon open for flash fiction.
Word count: Up to 1250 words
Payment: 8 cents per word
Deadline: Open 1 November–31 December 2023
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Dusty Attic
This new downloadable zine seeks stories that are ‘spooky or fantastical or both’.
Word count: 500–2000 words
Payment: $10
Deadline: Ongoing
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Last-Ditch
This anthology from Zombies Need Brains will contain SF and fantasy stories of espionage, which sounds like a fun mix.
Word count: Up to 7500 words
Payment: 8 cents per word
Deadline: 31 December 2023
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Empyrean Tree
Another new SFF/horror publication, with its first edition themed around ‘home’.
Word count: 1000–15000 words
Payment: $25
Deadline: 12 November 2023
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Confingo
This well-respected UK print magazine is currently open for short story submissions. Note that this publication doesn’t define itself by any genre.
Word count: Up to 5000 words
Payment: £30
Deadline: Not stated
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Here There Be Dragons
This editors of this anthology are seeking stories about dragons, naturally!
Word count: 3000–6000 words
Payment: 8 cents per word
Deadline: 1 January 2024
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Spooky
I presume you’re feeling spooky given that Halloween is coming up soon, so this new venue should be the ideal home for your stories this month. Its editors reference points include Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson and Roald Dahl.
Word count: Up to 5000 words
Payment: 1 cent per word
Deadline: 31 December 2023
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Good luck if you submit a story to any of these venues! And remember, you can sign up for my email newsletter for monthly open submission calls direct to your inbox.