Urban Legends – Submission Guidelines

Dark Holme Publishing welcomes submissions for Urban Legends, our upcoming horror anthology, scheduled for publication in 2027.

We're looking for original, imaginative and well-crafted horror stories inspired by urban legends, folklore, modern myths and the unsettling tales passed from person to person.

Please read the following guidelines carefully before submitting your work.
 

What We're Looking For

We want stories that explore the darker side of urban legends, whether inspired by familiar tales or entirely new creations.

We're particularly interested in:

• Original horror stories inspired by urban legends, folklore and modern myths.

• Fresh and imaginative interpretations of existing legends.

• Psychological, supernatural and realistic horror.

• Compelling characters, strong narratives and memorable endings.

• Stories that bring something unexpected to the genre.

We welcome different approaches to horror, provided the story has a clear connection to the anthology's theme.
 

Word Count

Submissions must be between 3,000 and 10,000 words.

Stories falling outside these limits may not be considered.
 

Manuscript Preparation

Please ensure your manuscript:

• Includes the story title, author's name and final word count.

• Is clearly formatted and easy to read.

• Uses consistent spelling, punctuation and paragraph formatting.

• Has been thoroughly edited and proofread before submission.

• Meets the anthology's theme and word count requirements.
   

Manuscript Quality and Editorial Policy

All submissions must be publication-ready. Authors are responsible for thoroughly editing and proofreading their work before submission, ensuring that manuscripts meet a professional standard and require minimal editorial intervention.
 

Dark Holme Publishing reserves the right to make minor corrections to spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting to ensure consistency and accuracy throughout the anthology.

We respect each author's individual voice and creative choices. No changes to wording, sentence structure, dialogue or narrative content will be made without the author's prior consent.

Manuscripts requiring substantial rewriting or extensive editing may not be considered for publication.
 

Submission and Selection Process

All submissions will be assessed on their originality, writing quality, storytelling and suitability for the anthology.

Stories may be shortlisted for further consideration before final selections are made.

Please note:

• Submission does not guarantee acceptance.

• Shortlisting does not guarantee publication.

• Final acceptance decisions rest with Dark Holme Publishing.

• Successful contributors will be contacted regarding the next stages of publication.

We appreciate the time and effort involved in creating and submitting your work. Every submission will receive fair consideration.
 

Payment

£50 per accepted story.

Payment arrangements and full publication terms will be outlined in the publishing agreement provided to successful contributors.
 

Publication

Anticipated publication: 2027

An exact publication date will be announced once the anthology's production schedule has been confirmed.
 

How to Submit

Please email your completed manuscript to:

kerry@darkholmepublishing

Email subject: Urban Legends

Please ensure your manuscript meets all submission requirements before sending it.
 

Submission Deadline

Submissions close on 1 May 2027.

Manuscripts received after the closing date may not be considered.
 

Before You Submit

Please take the time to review your manuscript carefully and ensure it meets all the requirements outlined above.

We're looking for stories that capture the mystery, unease and terror of urban legends. Whether your inspiration comes from a tale whispered around a campfire, a rumour circulating online or a legend entirely of your own invention, we want to discover what makes your story worth telling.
 

We look forward to reading your submissions.

Dark Holme Publishing

Where nightmares find their home.