Call for Submissions: Scary Stories & Dark Poetry

It’s that time of year again. The nights are colder, the shadows stretch a little too far, and things you thought were gone have a way of creeping back. We’re putting together our Halloween showcase, and we want your darkest work — the kind of stories and poems that leave readers uneasy long after they’ve finished.

Think ghost stories that actually make someone check the hallway. Poems that stick in the mind like a bad dream. Monsters, curses, haunted houses, strange little horrors that grow the more you think about them — we’ll take it all.

What to Send

Fiction: up to 10,000 words
Poetry: up to 6 poems per submission
All flavors of horror are welcome, from subtle unease to all-out nightmare fuel

Guidelines

Fiction limit: 10,000 words
Poetry: up to 6 poems
Include a short cover letter with your name, contact info, and a quick bio
Only unpublished, original work will be accepted
Selected pieces will be published on our website for the Halloween season

How to Submit

Email your work to everywriterx@gmail.com
Subject line: Horror Submission
Attach your file as Word or PDF (no links)
Deadline: October 31st, 2025

No print issue this year — everything will appear online, where thousands of readers come looking for something spooky to sink into.

So, write late at night, when the house is quiet. Let the shadows move how they want. Then send us what you find on the page.

We’re ready for your nightmares.

—The Editorial Team

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Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.