We are currently CLOSED for submissions - but thank you for your interest in Elements of Horror.
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Previous Guidelines:
The type of fiction we are looking for:
We are looking for new fiction, which has not been published previously; and only modern and realistic horror of a very high standard.
Submission Guidelines:
Each story must feature strongly one of the four elements: Fire, Air, Earth or Water.
We will only be publishing contemporary and believable stories; so please no Sci-Fi, Fantasy or supernatural themes. No vampire stories, zombies and overtly religious overtones. We want dark, creepy and morbid stories which are human-centric and involving the four elements.
Adult themes can be used however this is horror not erotica and sex should only be used if it is crucial to the plot.
The word count must be less than 500 words (not including the title)
Format Guidelines:
Your submission should be formatted in the following way:
Courier New, Arial or Times New Roman
12 Point
Double Spaced
Please also include:
On the first page put your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, the title of story and the name you wish to be published under (if you want to use a pseudonym ).
A sensible 2-3 sentence biography about yourself.
On the second and subsequent pages, please put the title of your story in top right corner of the header.
Where to send it:
Please send stories via e-mail to submissions@elementsofhorror.com as a doc or docx attachment, with the title of the story and your name in the subject line of the email.
We will make an effort to respond to your submission as soon as possible.
Multiple submissions are acceptable; however we will only ever publish a maximum of one story per author per element. We do not accept simultaneous submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do you pay? Is this a paying market? When can I expect my cheque?
A: This is a non-paying market; however one writer from each element, judged by the team to be the best of the best, will recieve a free copy of the printed version of the book and a token payment of $25 upon publication. For the other authors, we are investigating our options which are greatly dependent upon sales, but all authors will be provided with a PDF version of the finished book.
Q: Does the element have to be the horror?
A: No but the element you have chosen has to be featured strongly. We encourage you to be imaginative.
Q: My story is quite dark and morbid...
A: Send it in!
Q: Can the water be ice? Can the fire be extinguished?
A: Yes.
Q: My story involves a serial killer stood in water/breathing heavily/holding a match...
A: We already have a number of serial killer stories and although we are happy to recieve more good ones, the elements have to be strongly featured or used in the horror somehow. Having a wet psycho does not mean it would be suitable for the water element of the anthology.
Q: When is the book going to be published?
A: Either by April 2010 or earlier if we fill up spaces quickly.
Q: Where we will be able to buy a copy and how much will it be?
A: It will be available on Amazon.com initially then hopefully Amazon.co.uk and other outlets such as Barnes and Noble within a month or so. It will be priced at around $15.
Q: How many stories will you be accepting for each element?
A: We are currently looking for around 25 to 30 stories per element. This is subject to change as we progress and near publication.
Q: I have this great story but it involves a goblin and a dragon...
A: Save it for the Elements of Horror: Fantasy version.
Q: I have this great story but it involves a goblin which only the lead can see as he is stark raving mad...
A: Send it in.
Q: Who are you?
A: The anthology editor is Clive Martyn - follow him on Twitter @CliveM or follow the team's twitter feed @elementalhorror