It’s that time of year again! Halloween!! When the veil separating this world from the next slips, the dead walk among us, and even grown-ups are allowed to eat candy and play dress-up. So, why not get into the, ahem, spirit of things, surrender to the dark side, and try your hand at writing a horror story?
The horror fiction market, traditionally one of the strongest and most widely-read genres, is flourishing, so here are 13 paying outlets for your dark scribblings. None require reading or submission fees, but remember to follow the guidelines, and read a copy or two before submitting.
This long-running monthly stalwart publishes an eclectic mix of science fiction, fantasy and horror ‘with an edge,’ paying $0.06 per word up to a limit of 7,500 for the privilege. Also features reviews and interviews.
A literary magazine focusing primarily on fantasy and sci-fi flash fiction (complete stories up to 1000 words), but regularly branching out into other genres, including horror. Pays $0.05 per word, and also runs contests.
Having previously published the likes of Stephen King and Clive Barker, this is the crème de la crème of the horror fiction market. Published up to four times a year, it opens periodically to submissions, and pays $0.05 per word for stories up to 5,000 words.
Since launching five years ago, this online monthly magazine has made a sizable impression on the dark fiction community. Currently pays $0.06 per word for original fiction between 2,000 and 6,000 words and $0.01 per word for reprints.
Established in 1986, making it one of the oldest genre print magazines still in existence. Primarily a dark poetry market, but also features a small amount of short-form fiction. Pays $0.02 per word for up to 500 words.
A huge online ‘library’ of assorted fiction currently expanding into the darker side of things. Interested in the ‘full range’ of horror from both new and established writers. Pays $0.05 per word for up to 7000 words.
Well-established, quarterly online magazine promising ‘shockingly good short works of science fiction, fantasy and the macabre.’ Pays $20 for stories in the 250 to 7000 word bracket.
This flash fiction market which ‘fills gaps in the modern reader’s day with concise, poignant fiction,’ was launched in 2014. They are primarily seeking horror, paranormal, fantasy and science fiction up to 1000 words, and pay $0.03 per word.
Helios Quarterly Magazine
Helios Quarterly Magazine publishes quality fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and art that illuminates the darkness. HQM wants stories and poetry that push boundaries and are succinct. Pays $0.01-$0.06/word or $0.25 per line for poetry.
Quarterly dark literary magazine available online and in print. Interested in both flash fiction and short stories with each issue showcasing a featured writer. Pays $0.03 per word to a maximum of $150. Check website for submission periods.
Billed as ‘The interactive magazine for interactive fiction,’ publishes both original stories and reprints at monthly intervals Pays $0.05 per word up to 5000 words. Implements a blind submission policy so remove all personal details and contact information from your manuscript.
An online magazine specializing in ‘all things dark and haunting,’ and publishing a mixture of eerie and speculative fiction up to 2000 words in length. Accepts reprints, and pays a flat fee of $10 per story.
Founded in 2012, pays $0.01 per word for thought-provoking weird fiction in a more traditional vein that ‘looks beyond the vampires, werewolves and goblins’ that have become staples of the genre. Published quarterly.
>>>Read More WritersWeekly Feature Articles<<<
RELATED
- Scaring for Pay: 10 Paying Horror Markets for Writers! – By Alex J. Coyne
- Pumpkin Flashers and Horror Babies!
- TIME TO GET YOUR SPOOK ON!!! Topic, Common Themes, and Winners of the WritersWeekly.com FALL, 2017 24-Hour Short Story Contest!
- Massive Halloween Crowd! Wow!!!
- The 10 Most Horrific Things about Ali and Frank’s Halloween Party
Chris Saunders, who writes fiction as C.M. Saunders, is a freelance journalist and editor from Wales. His work has appeared in over 80 magazines, ezines and anthologies worldwide, and he has held desk jobs ranging from Staff Writer to Associate Editor at several leading UK magazines. His books have been both traditionally and independently published, the latest being a collection of short fiction called X3 on Deviant Dolls Publications.
Visit his WEBSITE. Or his FACEBOOK PAGE.
Joel's BookProgram: The Simple Secret To Writing A Non-Fiction Book In 30 Days, At 1 Hour A Day! - SECOND EDITION
If you are a solo professional, having your own book is one of the best investments of time and money you can make, to promote your business and gain more clients. Why?
- If you are an author, you are an authority--an expert in your field.
- A book is a tangible credential.
- Your book can differentiate you from your competition.
- It's an opportunity to explain your uniqueness, your "special sauce."
Order "The Simple Secret To Writing A Non-Fiction Book In 30 Days, At 1 Hour A Day!" right away. And picture yourself handing your own book to a prospect, in just a short time!
HowMaster: The Writer's Guide to Beautiful Word Crafting
Author Linda M. Gigliotti draws from years of practice as a private
writing tutor in the guidebook that teaches writers how to format visceral
writing that pulls readers into their book. She explains with instruction
and samples of published works how to craft writing that come to life in the reader's mind.
HowMaster is a wise choice for the writer who wants to weave words around the reader’s heart.
Author Linda M. Gigliotti draws from years of practice as a private
writing tutor in the guidebook that teaches writers how to format visceral
writing that pulls readers into their book. She explains with instruction
and samples of published works how to craft writing that come to life in the reader's mind.
Read more here:
http://booklocker.com/books/2304.html
