10 NEW 2026 Open Calls for Short Stories
- S.E. Reed
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
There are always opportunities for submitting your short stories, if you know where to look. But it can be overwhelming to hunt for these open calls, plus they are always changing! That’s why I’m happy to share my current list of open anthology calls with you, to save you the headache. And I know someday, you’ll pass along the favor to other authors in need.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve scoured the web, bookmarked interesting finds, and narrowed down the list to ten submission opportunities. All free to submit.
So, what are you waiting for? Join me in the excitement of furiously writing a completely new story. Or dust off that partial you started last fall and rewrite it based on one of the themes below. Whatever you do, just don’t miss an opportunity to submit your work and have a chance at being published. You never know what doors that story might open for your career.
Anthology
Theme: Romantic Fantasy
Due: April 24
Anthology
Theme: The Cookout
Due: April 30
Anthology
Theme: Beyond 26 SciFi
Due: May 15
Adult Anthology
Theme: Euterpe’s Eternally Exciting Playlist
Due: May 17
Anthology
Theme: Slayer; Monster Hunters
Due: May 31
Anthology
Theme: Savagery on the Salty Seas
Due: June 15
Anthology
Theme: Women of the Weird West
Due: June 16
Anthology
Theme: 10th Anniversary Horror
Due: June 30
Anthology
Theme: Once Upon a Tale; Fairy Tale Retellings
Due: August 31
Anthology
Theme: Midsummer Nights
Due: December 18
Make sure to do your own research to see if your values align with these publications. Check out their AI policy and rights/payments. And above all, make sure to have fun while you're writing! That's what it's all about.
If your story is selected for publication, please make sure to let me know!
Xo
S.E. Reed
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