The Horror Tree Recent Markets, Articles, Interviews, and Fiction!

Undertaker Books Is Open For Horror Western Novellas

Deadline: April 10th, 2024
Payment: Royalties of 50% of profits
Theme: Ideally, Horror Western, but will also read those in the Historical Horror subgenres

Undertaker Books is seeking a novella for publication in August of 2024.

Our editors are looking for a work between 15,000 and 30,000 words, preferably in the Horror Western or Historical Horror subgenres, but they will consider all submissions. The editor is not opposed to blood, gore, or erotic elements, but draws the line at animal abuse and depictions of sexual assault against children.

Payment will be 50% of distribution payouts through our distribution channels.

(more…)

Ongoing Submissions: Just Chill Podcast

Payment: $50
Theme: Short stories, ideally in the first person
Note: Reprints welcome

Enjoy a good scare? From timeless scary story classics to the blood-curdling horror stories born in the twisted minds of the new masters of horror, every week Just Chills delivers an unrelenting dose of fear designed to send chills down your spine.

(more…)

Writing Prompt Wednesdays: Everyday Superheroes

Writing Prompt Wednesdays: Found Footage

Welcome to “Writing Prompt Wednesdays,” a haven where your imagination can roam free in the realms of speculative fiction. As we embark on this weekly journey, it’s thrilling to think about the untold stories waiting to be penned in the domains of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding wordsmith, these prompts are your gateway to unexplored worlds and untapped potentials.

Every Wednesday, we’ll serve up a fresh, thought-provoking prompt designed to ignite your creative spark and challenge your storytelling prowess. Think of these prompts as a key, unlocking the doors to uncharted territories where your creativity is the only limit. From eerie, shadow-laden corridors of Gothic horror to the farthest reaches of interstellar space, and the mystical depths of high fantasy, our prompts are a kaleidoscope of possibilities.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to approach these prompts. They are mere stepping stones, guiding you towards the vast landscapes of your imagination. Use them to break free from writer’s block, to experiment with new ideas, or simply as a fun exercise to keep your writing skills sharp.

This week’s writing prompt:

(more…)

Taking Submissions: Stories to Take To Your Grave, Mortuary Edition

Deadline: April 30th, 2024
Payment: $20
Theme: Horror stories that center around undertakers, funeral homes, mortuaries, cremations, and other aspects of the funeral trade

We are looking for 10 short stories that center around undertakers, funeral homes, mortuaries, cremations, and other aspects of the funeral trade for “Stories to Take To Your Grave”. We are open to all subgenres of horror, from suspense to splatterpunk!

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

-Complete stories with a beginning, middle, and end.

-Stories that leave us feeling satisfied yet also wanting more.

-Stories that make our reformed undertaker feel like he’s back in the business.

(more…)

Epeolatry Book Review: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

Disclosure:

Our reviews may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the links in this article we may receive a small commission or referral fee. This happens without any additional cost to you.

Title: The Spellshop
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Genre: Cottagecore Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: Bramble
Release Date: 9th July, 2024

Synopsis: A lush cottagecore tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love.
Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she and her assistant Caz―a magically sentient spider plant―have spent the last decade sequestered among the empire’s most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city’s elite.
Then a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames. She and Caz flee with all the spellbooks they can carry and head to a remote island Kiela never thought she’d see again: her childhood home. Taking refuge there, Kiela discovers, much to her dismay, a nosy―and very handsome―neighbor who can’t take a hint and keeps showing up day after day to make sure she’s fed and help fix up her new home.
In need of income and reluctantly inspired by the beauty and people of the island who have welcomed her into their hearts, Kiela discovers something that even the bakery in town doesn’t have: jam. With the help of an old recipe book her parents left her and a bit of illegal magic, her cottage garden is soon covered in ripe berries that become the town’s, and her handsome neighbor’s, new favorite confection.
But magic can do more than make life a little sweeter, so Kiela decides to open the island’s first-ever and much-needed secret spellshop.
Her plan comes with risks―the empire condemns the use of unsanctioned magic, and the consequence of sharing spells with commoners is death. But Kiela has only just found a place that feels like home and people who feel like family, and she’ll risk anything for a chance at happiness.
Like a Hallmark rom-com full of mythical creatures and fueled by cinnamon rolls and magic, Sarah Beth Durst’s The Spellshop will heal your heart and feed your soul.

(more…)

Taking Submissions: In The Mood #10

Deadline: April 30th, 2024
Payment: $30 CAD for features, $20 CAD for film diaries
Theme: TEN + Films
Note: This outlet looks more for non-fiction though does take poetry and some fiction on their topics, see details below to see if your work will count!

In honour of our 10th issue, we’re getting literal and asking for submissions on film, TV, music videos, and pop culture relating to the number 10! This could look like: Cinema’s 10 Most Ineffectual Therapists, movies with “10” in the title, 10 Times I Fell Asleep in the Theatre, or movies celebrating their 10-year anniversary. At In The Mood, we don’t believe in taking ourselves too seriously, and this might be our least serious theme yet!*

*But on a serious note, please read our full guidelines below before submitting 😉 This special issue will only feature 10 pieces, so send us your best!

– Theme: TEN
– Deadline: April 30th, 2024
– Word count for completed pieces: max 1,000 words for features, max 300 words for film diaries
– Honorarium: $30 CAD for features, $20 CAD for film diaries
(more…)

Taking Submissions: Ruth Anna Evans Novella Submissions

Payment: $100 and royalties
Theme: Horror with a clear voice and a fantastic premise

In search of one stunning novella. 17,500-40,000 words. This call will remain open until the story is found, but will not close before April 30. $100 advance with additional payments based on sales. The story should be horror but not focus on heavy gore, and on-page sexual violence is a no. I like shorter works with a clear voice and a fantastic premise. I’m looking for a one-sitting read that you can’t put down because it’s just that good. Publication planned for Winter 2024. For more information visit ruthannaevans.com.

(more…)

WIHM: Jennifer Lesh Fleck: Combining rare talent with a rare disability.

Jennifer Lesh Fleck: Combining rare talent with a rare disability.

By Angelique Fawns

 

Jennifer Lesh Fleck is a horror and poetry author whose dark and imaginative musing are finding homes all over the short speculative writing world. We are in a writing group together called The Fireside Quills, and I recently published one of her stories in my anthology, Peculiar Pets: A Horror Lite Anthology, which you can check out here:

 

angeliquefawns.gumroad.com/l/lncev

 

You can also find Fleck’s stories in The Arcanist, MetaStellar, Radon Journal, If There’s Anyone Left, and Cosmic Horror Monthly. 

(more…)