PodCastle Magazine Is Accepting Fantasy Stories/ Submission Guidelines (Pay: $0.08/word)

PodCastle is looking for quality fantasy fiction. If you are a writer with a speculative short story that you would like to hear narrated by one of their performers, they would like to see it.

They are an audio magazine. Their audience can’t skim past the boring parts. Ideally, your work of fiction should have strong pacing, well-defined characters, engaging dialogue, clear action, and still be beautiful. 

Above all, they are looking for stories that are fun to listen to. Humor is encouraged. If you are having a problem with your writing, please read this article: How to Overcome Writer’s Block (10 Tips + Personal Examples) 

Submission Guidelines PodCastle Magazine 

• Submissions should be sent through their submissions portal.

• Submissions should be sent with the Standard Manuscript Format (no home address or telephone number required). Accepted file formats are .rtf, .docx, .doc.

• Accepted word counts are up to 6,000 words for original stories. Reprints can be up to 17,000 words but require prior permission if over 6,000 words.

• No multiple submissions. Submit one original story and one reprint at any given time.

• Simultaneous submissions are permitted but must be noted in the cover letter.

• Translations are accepted and treated as originals if not previously published in English.

• AI-Generated Content is not accepted. 

What They Want

PodCastle seeks fantasy stories across all sub-genres, from magical realism to urban fantasy to high fantasy. Stories should have:

• Strong pacing
• Well-defined characters
• Engaging dialogue
• Clear action
• Beauty and humor
• Fun and engaging elements for listeners

Eligibility Criteria For PodCastle 

• Submissions welcomed from all backgrounds, with encouragement for underrepresented groups (e.g., women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, non-binary-gender people, persons with disabilities, religious minorities, people from outside the United States).

• There is no entry fee.

Author Rights

• Authors retain copyright and all rights to their stories.

• PodCastle asks for 4 months exclusivity for text and audio for original stories, and 4 months audio exclusivity for reprints.

• Stories are distributed under the Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license for the audio performance.

Pay Rates

Original Fiction: $0.08 per word.

Reprints (over 1,500 words): $100 flat rate.

Flash Fiction Reprints (below 1,500 words): $20 flat rate.

Deadline

• Submissions open until 31st July 2024.

Additional Information

By submitting, authors confirm:

• They are the original creator and copyright holder of the work.

• No prior agreements prohibit the transfer of non-exclusive electronic and audio rights.

• All provided information is accurate and truthful.

• They accept responsibility for any false statements or encumbrances upon rights not disclosed.

• For questions, comments, or suggestions, email podcastle@escapeartists.net.