Dead Letters: Episodes of Epistolary Horror A project of Crystal Lake Publishing (see other related projects). Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (June 2023). We provide the following information as an archive. About As the name betrays, we’re looking for short horror stories in the epistolary format—meaning, stories written as letters, journal entries, transcripts of radio broadcasts, newspaper clippings, text messages, etc. Furthermore, each story should include some mention of how its manuscript was “discov- ered.” A letter found in a historian’s archive, for example. Or emails saved as part of a missing persons investigation. Or an audio file recovered from a dead podcaster’s PC. Push boundaries and play with the format—and above all, be scary! Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2023 Publication Media & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationOne-time publicationPrint Publication Print PublicationOne-time publication Fiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Horror Open to all/most SubgenresLengths: Short Story: 2,500 - 7,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Mainstream.Topics: Other: See guidelines.Payment:Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 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 allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to project webpage Report: Correction/Update Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) Support on Patreon Dead Letters: Episodes of Epistolary Horror Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months. Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsClassic Monster Unleashed CLOSEDCrystal Lake Monthly Contest DNQCrystal Lake PublishingCrystal Lake Speculative Poetry Contest DNQMemento Mori Book One: Relics DNQMemento Mori Ink MagazineNever Wake Anthology CLOSEDShakespeare Unleashed Anthology CLOSEDShallow Waters Flash Fiction Challenge DNQTales from the Lake Horror Anthology Series DNQTorrid Waters MATUREUnspeakable Horror Anthology Series DNQVellum Mortis Magazine Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.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. DatesLast Updated: 22 May 2026 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only