Please read:
Failure to follow the guidelines in full may result in your submission being rejected.
Whilst we are open to all dark romance sub-genres and styles of writing, ultimately we reserve the right to reject topics that are not suitable for our publications.
Banned content:
- Paedophilia
- Rape (dubcon is ok)
- Incest
- Necrophilia
- Bestiality (except: werewolves, etc)
- Copyrighted materials (ie: song lyrics, etc)
If you aren’t sure if your content qualifies as banned content please send a query.
Word count requirements, deadline dates and author compensation are detailed against each submission call.
Hyphenated words will be counted as one word. Paragraph breaks are not included in word counts.
All submissions must be in English.
All reads are double blind. Please do not include your name, pen name or other personal information in the document name, or header of your manuscript.
Formatting
Font : Times New Roman 12 point
Spacing : Double line spaced. Indent new paragraphs. Single space between sentences.
NO TABS! (0.5 in/1.27 cm indent)
Scene breaks : ***
Style: CMoS
Spelling : British English
Merriam-Webster is a good reference source.
Manuscript
Please remember to attach your manuscript to your email.
Do not send links to download your document—we do not follow links—make sure your document is attached.
Make sure your manuscript document name has the title of your story, and the anthology name.
All manuscripts must be in .doc/.docx format.
In the header section of your manuscript please include your story title, and the story word count.
Bios
Short stories: Maximum of 100 words plus up to 2 personal, non-retailer links.
Drabbles: Maximum of 50 words plus 1 personal, non-retailer link.
In your email subject line, please include the anthology title, your story title, and your pen name.
In your email body, please include your pen name, legal name (if different), story title, word count, and bio.
All submissions should be made by email to [submissions@darkrosepress.com] unless the call directs you to a different address. Check the call first.
Rights
Paid Anthologies
We ask for Exclusive First Worldwide Publication and Electronic Rights for twelve months, and non-exclusive rights thereafter.
Unpaid Anthologies
We ask for Exclusive First Worldwide Publication and Electronic Rights for three months, and non-exclusive rights thereafter.
DARK ROMANCE NOVELLAS
ANNUAL OPEN SUBMISSION WINDOW:
1st March – 30th June
Stories received prior to open date will not be read.
Patreon subscribers have extended submission windows.
Word count : ~5,000 – 30,000
Heat level : 2 to 4 (see below)
Sub genre : any
Author eligibility : Open to all
Reprints : Not allowed.
Simultaneous Submissions : Not allowed. Please don’t send your manuscript to other publishers while we are evaluating it.
Co-authored works : Allowed. Compensation will be split between authors.
Publication : Each novella will be its own publication, published in digital and print formats.
Author compensation :
Monetary awards will be based on word counts after edits (so please don’t pad);
~5,000 to 15,999 – $50 USD, 5 free paperback copies
~16,000 to 30,000 – $100 USD, 5 free paperback copies
HOW TO SUBMIT :
Submit to: submissions@darkrosepress.com
Subject line: NOVELLA – author name – manuscript title
Attach: One manuscript as a single document, as an attachment in .doc/x format.
Make sure to ATTACH the word document to your email.
Links and works written in the body of the email will not be read.
Please include a blurb (~40 words, we’ll work with successful entries to finesse it for publication) and synopsis in your manuscript, before your story.
Please format in Times New Roman, 12 pt, double spaced
First line indents set to 1.27cm (0.5inches)
Bio : Please include a 50-100 word bio, in third person, with optional social media and/or personal website links. (Mentions or links to specific retailers will be removed)
Please allow 12 weeks after call closes for response
WINTER’S CHARMS
DARK HOLIDAY ROMANCE
OPENS MARCH 1st 2025
Stories received prior to open date will not be read.
Patreon subscribers have extended submission windows.
Word count : ~1,000 – 5,000
Heat level : 2 to 4 (see below)
Sub genre : any
Author eligibility : Open to all
Reprints : Not allowed.
Simultaneous Submissions : Not allowed. Please don’t send your manuscript to other publishers while we are evaluating it.
Co-authored works : Not allowed.
Publication : Published in digital and print formats.
Author compensation : One digital copy, print discounts.
HOW TO SUBMIT :
Submit to: submissions@darkrosepress.com
Subject line: WINTERS CHARMS – author name – manuscript title
Attach: One manuscript as a single document, as an attachment in .doc/x format.
Make sure to ATTACH the word document to your email.
Links and works written in the body of the email will not be read.
Please format in Times New Roman, 12 pt, double spaced
First line indents set to 1.27cm (0.5inches)
Bio : Please include a max 50 word bio, in third person, with optional social media and/or personal website link. (Mentions or links to specific retailers will be removed)
Please allow 6 weeks after call closes for response
