1986: The Anthology

A project of The Dread Machine Press (see other related projects).

Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (February 2021). We provide the following information as an archive.

About

Do you remember a time before the internet? Before we each carried a lifeline in our pockets? Before security cameras documented everything? Back when parents didn’t worry about their kids until after the street lights popped on? Do you remember how it felt to step into the neon-lit arcade on a Friday night, your pockets heavy with quarters? For our very first anthology, we’re seeking dread-inspiring stories that take place in 1986—either the 1986 of our reality (Stranger Things) or an alternate version (Tales From the Loop). Bring us back to a simpler, scarier time. Let’s make something radical together.

Country of Publication & Year Established

United States

Established in 2020

Publication Medium & Frequency

Print Publication Print Publication: One-time publication

Fiction Closed

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Genres:

Fantasy Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Dark Fantasy
Horror Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Dark Fantasy
Science Fiction Open to all/most Subgenres

Lengths:

Short Story: 3,000 - 7,500 words.
Novelette: 7,500 - 10,000 words.

Styles:

Open to all/most Styles, including: Dark, Mainstream.

Topics:

History: History by epoch, See guidelines.
Other: See guidelines.

Payment:

Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word).
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.
Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.
Media: Text.

Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.

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1986: The Anthology Submission Statistics

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This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months.

Your Submissions

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Darkness Blooms Anthology CLOSED

The Dread Machine BELIEVED DEFUNCT

Before Submitting

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Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.
Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.
Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.
Be professional, patient, and persistent.

Dates

Last Updated: 22 May 2026