Sonoran Horror
I want horror that showcases the sunbeaten land and the creatures and mysteries that dwell there.
SUBMISSION WINDOW:
June 15th -- July 15th 2023
WORDCOUNT:
1k - 5k
(3k -4k sweet spot)
PAYMENT:
0.01 USD per word
Every contributor will also receive a digital copy. Monetary payments will be sent via PayPal within two weeks after the official publication date.
WHAT THEY'RE SEEKING:
Terrors that dwell in the spooky, haunted forest is a well-known horror trope and for good reasons—many of the most memorable stories take place in that setting. Although I do enjoy those stories, I’ve never related to them. Born, raised, and still residing in Phoenix, Arizona, I don’t make it out to the woods very often.
I’m not looking for westerns—historical, splatter, or the like. I want horror that showcases the sunbeaten land and the creatures and mysteries that dwell there. That doesn’t mean you can’t submit something historical but try to stay clear of the Western tropes. Think Gila monsters, scorpions, snakes, coyotes, and javelina. The abandoned copper mines. Indigenous folklore. The unbearable heat and the beautiful yet dangerous flora. The unsettling extraterrestrial activity and vicious monsoons…
PLEASE DON'T SEND:
No gratuitous sex or violence for the sake of shock—the use must be integral to the story.
REPRINTS: [YES/NO]
SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: [YES/NO]
Simultaneous submissions are okay but please inform us as soon as possible if your story is picked up elsewhere.
MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS: [YES/NO]
EXTRA INFORMATION:
FORMATTING GUIDELINES:
Times New Roman 12 pt font
Double Spaced
Do not use TAB for indents (Please… We beg of you)
Save as a .doc or .docx file attachment.
SUBMITTING:
send to submissions@aphoticrealm.com
Subject: "Sonoran: Title of your story"
In the body of your email include a 50 - 100 word bio about yourself and your contact information.
RIGHTS REQUESTED:
Aphotic Realm will claim first-world electronic and print rights with a 12-month exclusivity period starting on the date of official publication.