A Speculative Fiction Anthology from Filidh Publishing
Deadline: July 1, 2026
Word Count: 1,500–6,000 words (with some flexibility for exceptional pieces)
Payment: 2.5 cents per word, as published. Proof copy of the completed book. Author discount on future purchases.
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Speculative, Dark Humour, Weird Fiction, Slipstream, Light Sci‑Fi
Theme: Creatures, legends, and monsters… but not as you’ve ever seen them before.
Theme Overview
We’re seeking original stories that reinvent, subvert, or completely upend traditional ideas of monsters. Think unexpected behaviour, strange evolutionary paths, or creatures trying poorly to adapt to modern life. The tone can range from dark and eerie to whimsical or wry, but the heart of your story should feature:
- A creature, supernatural entity, mythological being, cryptid, or “monster”…
- …presented in a way that surprises the reader.
- A twist, complication, or unanticipated consequence that sets your story apart.
Humour is welcome. Horror is welcome. Heart is welcome. Just make it inventive.
What We Want
✓ Strong characters and narrative arcs
✓ Original twists on established folklore or invented creatures
✓ Stories with emotional depth, playfulness, or thematic insight
✓ Diverse cultural mythologies and perspectives
✓ Stories suitable for adult or YA audiences (PG‑13; no erotica)
What We Don’t Want
✗ Graphic sexual content
✗ Gratuitous gore
✗ Reprints (unless you query first)
✗ AI‑generated stories (we check)
✗ Stories without a clear speculative element
Formatting & Submission Guidelines
- Submit stories in standard manuscript format (12‑pt readable font, double-spaced).
- Attach your document as a .doc, .docx, or .rtf.
- Include a short third-person bio (50–100 words).
- Subject line of your email: Monstrously Misguided – [Story Title] – [Author Name]
- Send submissions to: info@filidhbooks.com
Simultaneous submissions allowed, but please notify us immediately if your story is accepted elsewhere.
Rights Sought
- First World English print & digital rights
- Non-exclusive rights after publication
- Copyright remains with the author
Timeline
- Submission Deadline: July 1, 2026
- Acceptance Notices: Within 8–10 weeks after the deadline
- Publication Target: October 31, 2026
Ready your weirdest, wittiest, most wonderfully twisted monsters.
We can’t wait to read what crawls, flaps, or shuffles out of your imagination.
