What Is 'Dark Speculative Fiction?'

We don't apply a strict definition to what constitutes "dark speculative fiction." That said, we generally view both "dark" and "speculative" as important modifiers.

"Speculative" means that the story should in some way incorporate elements that either do not exist in the real world, or at least are not readily apparent there. Fantasy stories that take place in an imagined world satisfy this requirement. So do science fiction stories that include technology or other characteristics that do not yet exist in our world. Horror stories should include a supernatural element or some other characteristic that distinguishes the world of the story from that which we encounter on a daily basis. Thus, Silence of the Lambs, while an excellent story, is not "speculative" fiction. As long as your story has some fantastic, supernatural, or futuristic element to it, it meets this requirement.

We interpret the word "dark" broadly as well. It should describe an atmosphere or feel to a story. There need be no overt horrific element in order to have a dark story, though these elements are certainly acceptable. We do not consider grauitous violence or gore "dark" in and of themselves. These may certainly have their place if the story calls for them, but a story that relies on either of these for its sole horror element does not belong here.

Stories that use evocative, atmospheric language and style have a greater chance of being accepted. Of course, use of language, alone, is not sufficient.

Presently, we need more science fiction and fantasy submissions, in addition to the contemporary horror submissions we receive.

Writer's Guidelines

We prefer stories at 5000 words or less, though exceptions might be made for particularly good, longer tales. Manuscripts should be submitted as e-mail attachments (.rtf, .doc, .odt; no PDFs, XML, or HTML). Please use a standard manuscript format with no double-space after periods. One exception to the 'standard manuscript format' request is that we prefer that the text in the document you submit appear as it should on the screen (i.e. for italics, simply italicize the word rather than underlining). Put the word SUBMISSION in the subject line of the email and include, in the body, the length of your story, as well as information about previous publications. We do consider reprint and simultaneous submissions, but these should be identified as such.

No subject matter is strictly taboo, but we will not publish gratuitous sex and/or violence. The essence of a good piece of dark fiction is the atmosphere and the sense of foreboding or dread it causes on the part of the reader. We do not consider explicit depictions of blood and gore to be 'dark.' You can include such elements if your story calls for them, but if the story relies on them exclusively for its 'horror' value, then this isn't the market for you.

At the present time, most authors will be paid $5 upon publication of their story. For these stories, we ask for exclusive electronic rights for one month, and then non-exclusive electronic rights thereafter. The copyright remains with you, as the author, and you're free to publish the story elsewhere after thirty days.

One story per issue will be a Featured Story, for which the author will receive a payment of $25 upon publication. This amount may change in the future. For these stories, we ask for exclusive electronic rights for ninety days, and non-exclusive rights thereafter, as well as the right to include the story in one of our anthologies. The copyright remains with you, the author, and you're free to publish the story elsewhere after ninety days.

Please keep in mind that once you've published with us, your story will be considered a "reprint" for future marketing purposes. Many publishers will not publish works that have already appeared on the web or been published elsewhere, whether electronically or in print. As things currently stand, payments from "Darker" are nominal, and you should carefully consider your future plans for a work before granting First Publishing Rights to us.

All payments are made via Paypal.

We are also interested in nonfiction and reviews relating to all types of dark speculative media. These may include books, movies, video games, pen-and-paper rpgs, or other works that fall within the genre requirements of this publication. Currently, we do not pay for reviews.

If you have any questions about these guidelines, you can send an e-mail to the address below.

- Robert MacAnthony, Editor

Contact Information:

Submissions: submissions@darkeronline.com

Inquiries: info@darkeronline.com