The Deeps

ON INDEFINITE HIATUS

Call for Submissions

The Deeps seeks to publish dark pieces of short fiction and narrative poetry that are particularly well-suited for traditional storytelling (the kind you do in groups). We believe that the best tales are meant for sharing, and for haunting, and for sharing again. We therefore intend The Deeps as your fireside companion in the ancient ritual of dark storytelling.

Requirements: Using the Google Form linked below, submit one short story of original and unpublished fiction between 500 and 6,000 words in length, or up to four poems. Short fiction and poetry may be submitted together in a single document, provided the total word count of your submission does not exceed 6,000 words. Please respect our word counts. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please immediately withdraw your submission if it is accepted elsewhere. Format your submission using modern Shunn format or similar, no mailing address required. Your submission must be a MS Word file (.doc/.docx) or a Google Doc.

Genre: Your submission must be horror or horror-adjacent, ideally within the gothic, cosmic, or folk horror subgenres. We also enjoy a good psychological horror or urban legend. Not sure what we like? Check out our influences page, browse past issues of The Deeps, or read about the particular tastes of our editors.

Rights: We are seeking first worldwide English language rights to publish your work in print and digital formats, for which we are asking 6 months exclusivity. We are also seeking the non-exclusive rights to archive your work on our website in an online edition of the magazine. Copyright remains with the author. A contract will be provided. Please note that your legal name is required for contract purposes and will be kept confidential. You are welcome to use a byline (pen name/pseudonym) that differs from your legal name.

Compensation: Accepted authors will be paid one cent ($0.01) per word for fiction or twenty-five cents ($0.25) per line for poetry, paid via PayPal in USD. A minimum of $10 will be paid to each accepted author. Accepted contributors will also receive one (1) free copy of the print edition.

When the submission window is open, you will be able to submit your work using the Google Form linked below. Thanks! We look forward to receiving your submission. It may take us up to 3 or 4 weeks to respond after the submission window closes, so please be patient while we review your work. Feel free to email us with questions at any time.