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Descansos Anthology

A project of Darkhouse Books (see other related projects).

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

About

Descansos, or roadside memorials, mark an interrupted journey; the spot where a drunk driver struck a beloved son, or where a fatigued mother fell asleep at the wheel and veered herself and her family into eternity. While the word “descanso” means simply, rest, in Spanish, it has come to represent all kinds of memorials that mark the place where an intended path came to an unintended end. Descansos take many forms: from crosses festooned with ribbons and pinwheels, to a shattered motorcycle helmet nailed to a tree; from a collection of teddy bears affixed to a roadside fence, to a stone alter filled with photographs, candles, and milagros; to a stark white bicycle anchored in concrete. Consider the descansos of the heart, the smell, or song, or thought that brings us back for a moment to a time or a person now lost. While born of grief and loss, descansos memorialize love, and as such, represent the terrible beauty we all contend with as creatures who, by living, are condemned to die. Darkhouse Books is looking for flash fiction, traditional short stories, poetry, and essays that embrace the spirit of the descanso. There are no restrictions on genre. We just want your best work.

Country of Publication

United States

Publication Media & Frequency

Electronic Publication Electronic Publication
One-time publication
Print Publication Print Publication
One-time publication

Collapse section Fiction Closed

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Genres:

Open to all/most Genres

Lengths:

Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words.
Short Story: 1,000 - 3,000 words.

Styles:

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

Topics:

None found.

Payment:

No monetary payment Royalties No monetary payment. Royalties.
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Reprints are allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.
Multiple entries: Unknown.
Media: Text.

Collapse section Nonfiction Closed

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Lengths:

Essay: Up to 3,000 words.

Styles:

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

Topics:

None found.

Payment:

No monetary payment Royalties No monetary payment. Royalties.
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Reprints are allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.
Multiple entries: Unknown.
Media: Text.

Collapse section Poetry Closed

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Genres:

Open to all/most Genres

Lengths:

Poem: No line limits known; Up to 5 pieces.

Poetry Forms:

Open to all/most Forms.

Styles:

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

Topics:

None found.

Payment:

No monetary payment Royalties No monetary payment. Royalties.
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Reprints are allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.
Multiple entries: Unknown.
Media: Text.

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

No recent cover image available for Descansos Anthology

Go to project webpage

Report:
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Descansos Anthology 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

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Before Submitting

We 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.

Dates

Last Updated: 22 May 2026

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