2024 Upcoming Calls
At Undertaker Books, we tend to make decisions based on what we would like as writers. One of the things that drives D.L. crazy is when an anthology opens a call and only gives him a month to get a story together. Can he do it? Of course. But it usually means dropping everything to grind out the story (with little time for revision and edits). And that isn’t always possible.
With that in mind, we’ve decided to post the details for our remaining anthologies for which we will hold open calls in 2024. This will let you know what we’re looking for in terms of subject and length, and when we will be accepting submissions for those calls.
D.L. Winchester is the editor of all remaining 2024 anthologies. Please remember that he does not accept:
-Depictions of child molestation
-Depictions of animal abuse
-Stories that include copyrighted characters (fan fiction)
Payment will vary depending on the anthology, and be included in the official call, which will be published prior to the call opening.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE WAIT UNTIL THE SUBMISSION WINDOW IS OPEN TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY. Stories received outside of the submission window are subject to being deleted unread. We’re trying to help you by giving you time to prepare; help us by waiting until we’re ready to send us your story.
Theme: Stories to Take To Your Grave: Wandering Souls Edition
Word Count: 2,000-5,000
Call Open: June 1-July 15, 2024
Publication: One story included in each edition of our bi-weekly newsletter, July thru December 2024. In January, all stories will be published in a special paperback anthology.
Call: We’re looking for horror stories of all subgenres about souls wandering the earth after being separated from their bodies, but before arriving at their final destinations (though part of the story may take place pre-death or post-arrival).
Theme: Horrors from the Execution Chamber (Charity Anthology benefiting Witness to Innocence)
Word Count: 2,000-5,000
Call Open: June 1-July 15, 2024
Publication: September 2024
Call: We’re looking for horror stories of all subgenres about executions, public or private, ancient or modern. The execution does not have to be completed, nor does it have to be government sanctioned. An execution for our purposes is a willful decision to end a life as a consequence for the condemned’s actions.
Theme: Winter Horrorland
Word Count: 1,500-3,000
Call Open: September 1-October 15, 2024
Publication: December 2024
Call: We’re looking for horror stories of all subgenres that take place in winter. Please note that we are not looking for holiday-themed horror stories.
Theme: Stories to Take To Your Grave: High Seas Edition
Word Count: 2,000-5,000
Call Open: November 1-30, 2024
Publication: One story included in each edition of our bi-weekly newsletter, January thru June 2025. In July, all stories will be published in a special paperback anthology.
Call: We’re looking for horror stories of all subgenres that take place on the high seas. Ports, ships, deserted islands–all are fair game!