The Dark Magazine Is Accepting Short Stories/ How To Submit (Pay: 5¢/word)

The Dark Magazine is a monthly online magazine dedicated to publishing horror and dark fantasy fiction.

They provide a platform for authors to explore diverse and unconventional narratives within the genre. 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 For The Dark Magazine 

• All submissions should follow proper manuscript format (modern edition, preferably).

• Submissions should be emailed to submissions@thedarkmagazine.com

• Please attach all submissions in .doc or .docx or rtf format—they will not accept submissions embedded in the body of email.

• Authors should include their bio in the cover letter.

• Response times will vary depending on volume, but may be as short as a single minute to as long as forty-eight hours.

• Query after one week (include title and date submitted).

• Please do not respond to rejection letters, for any reason, otherwise, and please, do not use mail filtering services that require sign-up permissions, or your submission will be deleted unread.

• You might want to read this article on Tips For Making Your Writing Perfect.

 

What They Want

• Horror and dark fantasy fiction ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 words.

• Unique and experimental storytelling that deviates from traditional categories.

• Although named “The Dark,” the magazine is not a market for graphic, violent horror.

 

What They Don’t Want

• Submissions developed or assisted by AI writing tools.

• Multiple submissions; authors should wait for a response before submitting additional works.

• Simultaneous submissions are not accepted.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• The Dark welcomes submissions from all writers, of all nations, nationalities, ethnicities, backgrounds, faiths, genders, orientations, identities, and experiences.

• There is no entry fee.

 

Pay Rates

• For original fiction up to 6,000 words, The Dark pays 5 cents/word on publication for first world rights.

• For reprint fiction up to 6,000 words, the payment is 1 cent/word on acceptance for nonexclusive reprint rights.

 

Deadline

There is no specific deadline mentioned; submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis.

 

Additional Information

• Response times may vary, with queries acceptable after one week.

• The Dark emphasizes its commitment to diversity and welcomes submissions from writers of all backgrounds.

• They are currently closed to art submissions.

• More questions? You can visit their social media page.