Anthology Guidelines


General Information

Unless otherwise specified in the particular call, anthology submissions are subject to the following guidelines:

Submissions must be between 10,000 and 20,000 words. All submissions will be edited, but this is no excuse to send in a first draft. Stories should be as polished as possible before being submitted. Submissions must have either a core romantic plot or a reasonable amount of erotic content. Genre, pairing, and/or other restrictions may apply—read the anthology call closely before submitting!

All works submitted to Storm Moon Press must be unreleased works. We are only interested in acquiring exclusive first English language rights. This means if a work has been self-published, published by a subsidy press, on a website, journal, or other public forum, those rights have already been used and we cannot accept your submission.

Material that includes the following will be summarily rejected:

  • Pedophilia (sex involving one or more persons under the age of 18)
  • Necrophilia (sex with dead bodies—vampires, zombies, and the like don't count)
  • Bestiality (sex with non-sentient animals or shifters in full animal form)
  • Scat or golden showers (sex involving urine or feces play)
  • Gratuitous violence (including splatterpunk, slasher, and torture-porn)
  • Rape intended to arouse (though we will consider forced seduction or dubious consent if it is respectfully handled)
  • Snuff (sex during which one or more persons are killed)

Royalties and Contracts

As of June 1, 2012, unless otherwise specified in the particular call, our standard royalty and contract terms are as follows:

Initial contract length will be for exclusive print and electronic rights for three years. One year after the release of the anthology, each author's submission will additionally be made available for purchase separately in electronic formats.

Authors will receive a single payment of $75-$150 for their story based on length (i.e., $0.0075 per word). Royalties on individual e-book releases will be 50% of cover price on direct sales through Storm Moon Press' e-store, and 40% of cover price minus distribution costs for sales through third party vendors. All royalties will be paid quarterly.

Contributors will also be given 2 print copies of the anthology, one PDF copy of the anthology, and one PDF copy of their single release short story.

How To Submit

Submissions must be sent electronically, through email. Please do not send hard copies of manuscripts to our place of business as we will not return them, nor will they be reviewed.

Submission Requirements:

  • Please send submissions to submissions @ stormmoonpress.com (remove the spaces when surrounding the @ sign when emailing us)
  • Email subject should read: ANTHOLOGY TITLE: STORY TITLE - AUTHOR
  • Include a 300 word bio of the author as a cover page
  • The top left of the cover page should include the following: submission title, author's name, address, phone number, and e-mail
  • Submissions must be sent as a RTF attachment, the file named ANTHOLOGY_TITLE_STORY_TITLE_AUTHORNAME
  • Double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1" margins.
  • Do not indent your paragraphs
  • Do insert a blank line between paragraphs and use ### or *** between scene breaks

Open Calls

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Submission Deadline: June 29, 2012
Expected Release: October 5, 2012

HEA or HFN Ending Required? No
Devil's Night
Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Theme: General
Pairings: Gay

The infernal host is on the prowl. They want your soul, and they're not afraid to bargain for it. They'll promise you everything you could ever desire, but the price tag may be steeper than you can handle.

Demons and devils are the focus of this M/M anthology. Whether tempting and seducing mortals, defiling angels, or reveling among themselves, these fiendish creatures know that while good is okay, evil is just more fun. We're looking for hellions that are good at being bad. Stories may be dark, funny, or upbeat—just not angsty. Happy endings are not required; hot and dirty sexytimes are.




Submission Deadline: June 30, 2012
Expected Release: October 19, 2012

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Inked
Genres: Any
Theme: Fetish
Pairings: Lesbian

Whether it's to celebrate an event, pay homage to a source of inspiration, or give visual expression to a personality trait, there's no denying that women with tattoos can be incredibly sexy. The women featured in Inked will agree. When faced with another woman sporting tattoos, these ladies won't be able to hold themselves back.

In Inked, we're looking to highlight women with tattoos, making their inked marks the erotic focus of the story. Their marks can be anything from traditional tribal to butterflies to an elaborate design spanning their entire back, so have fun exploring designs and sharing the stories behind the tattoos and their placement. Genres for this anthology are completely open. So long as the tattoos are at the center of the character's sexual attention and everyone ends on a positive, HEA/HFN note, any genre from Contemporary to Fantasy to Post-apocalyptic will do!




Submission Deadline: June 30, 2012
Expected Release: November 9, 2012

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Torn In Two
Genres: Any
Theme: General
Pairings: Bisexual

It is often said that bisexual men are 'torn in two' by the opposing expectations from society. They are often accused of being confused or riding the proverbial fence between gay and straight. To many others, their attraction to men makes them 'not straight', while their attraction to women makes them 'not gay'. It is this conflict that sets them apart and often ostracizes them from both communities. At Storm Moon Press, we're of the mind that bisexual men are often misrepresented in fiction, and in this anthology, we would love to see that change for the better.

Torn In Two is a collection of short stories highlighting bisexual men, including their relationships with both men and women. We recognize that different characters will have different levels of interest in their partners, but above all else, we want to see stories that celebrate that diversity. These submissions need to contain an HEA/HFN ending, as we want to portray bisexual men in a positive, hopeful, and respectful way.




Submission Deadline: July 30, 2012
Expected Release: November 23, 2012

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Transitions I & II
Genres: Contemporary
Theme: General
Pairings: Trans*

With Transitions, Storm Moon Press would like to showcase stories of contemporary erotic romance centered on individuals considering, starting, undergoing, or completing sexual reassignment surgery. Volume I will contain stories focused on trans women (M2F), while Volume II will contain stories focused on trans men (F2M). While we are aware that not every transgender individual feels a desire for transitional surgery, this anthology is concerned only with those who do.

Characters may be at any point along their journey to transition, and all sexualities are permitted. Stories should be in a contemporary setting, with no urban fantasy or paranormal elements. While the transitioning itself need not be the primary plot element, it should at least play a significant part. Happily-ever-after or happy-for-now endings are required, as we want to accentuate the positives despite social acceptance being slow to catch up.




Submission Deadline: August 31, 2012
Expected Release: December 7, 2012

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Milk & Cookies & Handcuffs
Genres: Any
Theme: BDSM
Pairings: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans*, Heterosexual

Ah, the holiday season. Gifts and songs. Tinsel and lights. Whips and chains?

That's right. This holiday anthology is all about BDSM. We're looking for characters who know that sometimes it's Nice to be Naughty. Any pairing or genre is welcome, so long as BDSM themes and scenes feature prominently. Stories that also incorporate a wintery holiday theme are especially encouraged. Scenes must be Safe, Sane, and Consentual—no rape, dubious consent, or torture—though an unhealthy relationship can be used as a plot point. Happy endings are a must for this one; it's the holidays, after all!




Submission Deadline: August 31, 2012
Expected Release: December 14, 2012

HEA or HFN Ending Required? No
Weight of a Gun II
Genres: Any
Theme: Fetish
Pairings: Gay

The taboo surrounding guns is unmistakable. They are dangerous, the very symbol of power and control. Their very presence can threaten, coerce, inspire fear, and spark controversy. Mix guns with sex, and you have a rather explosive combination. As an extension to our first gun-focused anthology, Weight of a Gun II is another opportunity to relate everything about guns that makes them sexy.

We are looking for M/M short stories revolving around sexual play with guns. As long as the gun remains the erotic focus of the story, we're open to it being used in any way from frottage to insertion to simple intimidation. Feel free to play around with what qualifies as a gun as well. Since we're happy to cover all different genres, you can use laser, magic, paintball, steampunk, or even toy guns. So long as one partner gets a thrill from the danger associated with the gun, you're good to go!

As in the first Weight of a Gun anthology, the definition of gun-play is up to interpretation, but the gun itself may not go off during the sexual interaction. This isn't to say that there can't be situations that involve dubious consent, but we would prefer not to have accidental discharges. Dark endings are all right, but keep in mind that readers will want a satisfying ending, even if that doesn't mean HEA or HFN, so no main character deaths, please.




Submission Deadline: August 31, 2012
Expected Release: December 21, 2012

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
The First Time
Genres: Any
Theme: General
Pairings: Lesbian

A woman's virginity is the ultimate taboo topic. In many societies, it is prized to the point of fanaticism. Such importance and value is placed on it that it sometimes takes years for a woman to overcome fears associated with losing her virginity. Letting someone close is difficult enough; letting them close when it's your first time can be terrifying in the same moment as it's exciting.

For The First Time, we are looking for F/F short stories that center around women losing their virginity to other women. As can be expected, the definition of virginity here can be unorthodox, so feel free to experiment and challenge your characters' perception of the topic! Genre is also fluid here, so you can play with female characters from Science Fiction to Urban Fantasy to Historical. While a Happily Ever After isn't required—first times aren't always forever—we ask that every submission end on a positive, high note.

Please keep in mind that submissions including explicit sex with one or more individuals under the age of eighteen will be summarily rejected. The virgin(s) involved in the story can be any age you like, so long as it's above the generally accepted legal age of eighteen. All genres are acceptable.




Submission Deadline: October 26, 2012
Expected Release: January 11, 2013

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Protect Me
Genres: Any
Theme: General
Pairings: Gay

Long has there been an allure for the protector-type character in fiction. There are examples across the board, from real life to fantasy and sci-fi: A bodyguard, police or military personnel, a monarch who leads battles from the front, a ship captain, even an older brother who is always on the look out for trouble.

There's just something undeniably sexy about a protective man. But how far will he go? He says he'll do anything, but would he break the law? Put his life on the line?

Would he kill?

That's the question we're asking in Protect Me: how far will love, romanticism, or a sense of duty push the protector in order to ensure the safety of his charge? And what kind of effect does it have on both him and the one he protects when he does these things?

Please note that we are not looking for stories with gratuitous violence or snuff scenes, and we will reject any stories that contain these things. What we are looking for is a story that revolves around the protector's relationship with his charge or charges. We want to know all about the lengths he will go to so that the one he protects is safe and, by the end of the story, some value of happy.




Submission Deadline: October 26, 2012
Expected Release: January 25, 2013

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Sacrificed
Genres: Fantasy
Theme: General
Pairings: Lesbian

The allure of the beautiful young woman as a sacrifice is one that has long been a part of storytelling. From the virgin sacrifice given to calm the monsters/gods to the child who is tithe in fairy stories to a member of their party sacrificing themselves so that everyone else can continue their quest, there are all kinds of examples of women as sacrifices in fantasy fiction.

You can write any type of fantasy: high or low, mythic or fairy tale, urban, historical, or even a universe that combines fantasy and sci-fi elements--as long as the fantasy element is stronger than the sci-fi element, the story is fine. We want very much to see fantasy worlds that are lush and real, but make sure you never lose focus on your characters!

And make sure that your characters get a happily ever after; while we are interested in seeing the women in your story face death, we do not want to see any of them die. We are interested in what these women can do in spite of being the sacrificial lamb.




Submission Deadline: October 26, 2012
Expected Release: February 1, 2013

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Multiplicity
Genres: Contemporary, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Theme: Polyamory
Pairings: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans*, Heterosexual

Love is infinite, and there are plenty of people who believe that one doesn't have to be restricted to One True Love. Multiplicity is an anthology spotlighting polyamory: the practice of maintaining multiple, simultaneous relationships with the full knowledge and consent of all involved. Not just threesome or menage scenarios, we are looking for stories that focus on creating and/or maintaining actual relationships involving more than two people.

All configurations are welcome: vees, triads, quads, or more. We are also open to all sexual orientations and gender identities. Setting should be contemporary, though paranormal or urban fantasy submissions will also be considered provided those elements do not steal focus from the relationship. Conflicts and obstacles are encouraged, but we're looking for positive portrayals of polyamory, so a happily-ever-after or happy-for-now ending is a must.




Submission Deadline: November 30, 2012
Expected Release: March 22, 2013

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Forever and a Day
Genres: Any
Theme: General
Pairings: Lesbian

They say that when you fall in love the first time, that moment lasts forever and a day. In this anthology, we're looking for stories about women falling in love with other women for the first time. They don't have to be untouched or even particularly young, but we do expect a quickening of the blood and fluttering of butterflies in the stomach to ensue.

Whether it's a love at first sight scenario or a friendship that matures into something more, we want to see your female characters overcome with emotion and passion for one another, even if it turns out to be too good to be true and sends them on a rocky road with one another. We do ask that these stories have happily-ever-after or happily-for-now endings, so even if you put your characters through the emotional wringer, please end on a high note.




Submission Deadline: November 30, 2012
Expected Release: April 19, 2013

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Glam Rock
Genres: Contemporary
Theme: General
Pairings: Bisexual

Glam rock was arguably the most visually outrageous and flamboyant embodiment of rock and pop fusion in history. From the latter half of the sixties to the early seventies, individuals were unafraid to paint bright designs on their faces, strive for sexual androgyny, and enhance their performances with unapologetic theatrics.

In our Glam Rock anthology, we're looking for short stories that depict at least one character who is a glam rock star, be it the lead singer or part of a band. They can be male or female, but we're looking for the gender ambiguity, androgyny, and bisexuality aspects that were so indicative of this period in rock and pop. Bring on the costumes, the bright colors, and the droves of glitter-bedecked fans! We want to see your main characters lighting up the stage and weaving a tangled web in their personal lives.

If set in the historical period, we won't dissuade writers from capitalizing on the unprotected sex, drugs, and glamour that defined the times. We are not looking for RPF (real person fiction), so no pulling real rock stars from history. Feel free to take inspiration from the real thing, but this is your chance to get original and knock our platforms off! Make your rock stars the epitome of the glam rock era: Beautiful, tragic, and all things in excess.




Submission Deadline: December 28, 2012
Expected Release: April 12, 2013

HEA or HFN Ending Required? Yes
Big Damn Heroines
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy
Theme: General
Pairings: Lesbian, Bisexual, Heterosexual

Big Damn Heroines is a celebration of the plus-sized woman. Specifically, the plus-sized woman kicking ass. The media perception of the heroine is invariably thin, but women come in all shapes and sizes. This anthology aims to show that bigger women can be more than comic relief or the dumpy best friend. They can be a force to be reckoned with all on their own. And if they happen to find Mr./Ms. Right—or Mr./Ms. Right Now—along the way, that's just a bonus.

We're looking for stories starring plus-sized heroines. Genre can be fantasy, urban fantasy, sci-fi, ____punk (steam-, diesel-, cyber-, etc), paranormal, or horror. The heroine must overcome some challenge, enemy, or obstacle by her own means, whether that be physical ability, mental acuity, or cunning guile. Some erotic content is required, but a well-plotted tale with a satisfying ending is paramount.




Submission Deadline: December 31, 2012
Expected Release: April 26, 2013

HEA or HFN Ending Required? No
Serve Me
Genres: Any
Theme: Taboos
Pairings: Gay

For some people there's nothing more appealing than the idea of a man forced to serve against his will, as a second-class citizen: a slave. Despite the dark history surrounding forced servitude and slavery, there remains a growing desire for depictions of fetishized slavery fantasies. Like rape fantasy, the appeal for readers in slave fiction lies not in a desire for the actual act, but in the ability to explore such things in a safe space. Many people harbor a secret wish to be forced into certain acts that they know they want, but have been socially conditioned to abhor. Such is the core of the Serve Me anthology.

We are not looking for stories of consensual, negotiated power exchange. The stories in this anthology focus on true sexualized, erotic slavery. Stories of men forced, coerced, or otherwise bound into a second-class life servicing another in whatever ways their master sees fit. These stories will, by necessity, be rather dark, with elements of non-consensual sex and physical and psychological abuse. However, they should still maintain a level of eroticism that keep the stories in the shadows without crossing into gratuitous sadism.

Happily-ever-afters aren't required here, but a fulfilling and satisfying conclusion is. Hopelessness, despair, or death, for instance, should be kept out of these tales. This is still slave fetish fiction, so some level of optimism and sensuality is the aim.