Submit Your Story

CURRENT OPEN CALL

🎃 JAC Press Horror Anthology - Volume I (2026)

A Two-Part Horror Experience

• Book I - Roots in the Dark
• Book II - Blood in the Soil

Theme: What’s buried beneath… doesn’t stay there.

Charity Focus: Indigenous-focused organizations

Submission Status: Open 

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking horror stories that linger, stories that feel rooted in something deeper.

Submissions may align with one or more of the following themes:

1. Folk Horror
2. Cosmic Horror
3. Psychological Horror
4. Gothic Horror
5. Paranormal Horror
6. Monster Horror
7. Killer Horror
8. Body Horror
9. Post-Apocalyptic Horror
10. Dark Humor Horror

These themes are intended to guide tone and style, not limit creativity.

 BOOK STRUCTURE 

This anthology is presented as a two-part experience:

🌲 Book I - Roots in the Dark

• Atmospheric
• Psychological
• Slow-burning dread

🩸 Book II - Blood in the Soil

• Physical
• Visceral
• Escalating horror

Stories will be curated into one of the two volumes based on tone and content.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Length: 5–30 pages
  • Preferred: 8–20 pages
• Format:
  • 12pt, readable font, single-spaced preferred
  • 6x9 page size.
• Original Work Only
• No previously published stories (unless approved)

COMPENSATION & RIGHTS

• Honorarium: $5 per accepted story
• Rights: Non-exclusive
  • You retain full ownership of your work
• Additional Opportunities:
  Select stories may receive:
  • Featured promotion
  • Live readings
  • Consideration for future adaptation

OUR MISSION

This anthology is part of a larger initiative to create meaningful impact through storytelling.

70% of net profits from this release will be donated to Indigenous-focused charities.

We believe stories can do more and this program is designed to support both creators and communities.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Participation in this anthology is completely optional and exists outside of any core publishing agreements with JAC Press.

This program is an extension of our mission, bringing together storytelling and charitable impact in a meaningful way.

WHAT YOUR STORY WILL BE PART OF

Accepted stories will be featured in a deluxe hardcover release, including:

• Full-color dust jacket
• Hidden case laminate artwork
• Custom printed edges
• Curated anthology design

This is not a standard release, it is built as a collector-level product.

TIMELINE 

• Submission Window Opens: 4/3/26
• Submission Deadline: 5/30/26
• Selections Announced: 6/30/26
• Release: October 2026

Ready to submit?

We’re looking for stories that stay with us, stories that feel like they’ve been waiting to be uncovered.

Submit Your Story

FAQ 

Can I submit more than one story?
Yes, up to 2 submissions per author.

Can I submit to multiple themes?
Yes, our themes are flexible.

Do I need to be a JAC author?
No. Early access is given to JAC authors, but submissions are open publicly.