Dread opportunity

The Dread Machine editorial team tell writers ‘If it inspires dread, we want it. They publish ‘dark fiction, speculative fiction, cyberpunk, science fiction, horror, and all adjacent genres’, but no ‘religious fiction, fetish horror, or erotica’.

They expect well-written stories, without clichés, which create a feeling of fear or dread. They dislike the passive voice and prefer active fiction that carries readers into the story. Put the reader first.

Stories may be microfiction, no more than 100 words, flash fiction, 100-1,000 words, short stories no longer than 7,500 words, (preferred length 3,500-5,000 words) or serials of 15,000-20,000 words.

All authors and artists with approved submissions are given the title of Mechanist plus a contributor profile page with their bio, works, and social links. Mechanists belong to the Mechanist group and can view and accept writing assignments from the editorial team.

Currently the team seek subs of cyberpunk and futuristic horror. They’re ‘desperate for more androids, cyborgs, and urban dystopias’. Send them ‘cybernetics, hacktivists, clones, artificial intelligence, evil mega corporations, flying cars, space travel, intrusive surveillance, and electric sheep.’

They are also putting together an anthology, 1986. They want dreadinspiring stories set in the real, or an alternative, 1986. Take the reader back to ‘a simpler, scarier time’, before the internet, security cameras and mobile phones.

Submit well-edited and proofread stories online. Response time is ‘within two months.’ Payment is $20 for poetry, flash, and microfiction, $50 for stories up to 3,500 words, $75 up to 5,000, $100 up to 7,500. Reprints are paid 1¢ per word.

Website: www.thedreadmachine.com