Shanghai Steam Anthology

A project of Absolute Xpress Publishing (see other related projects).

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

About

Imagine a world with armies of terra-cotta warriors operated by steam power, Chinese Dragon Airships, Tesla-Oolong Tea, robot acupuncturists, weapons carved into dragon’s mouths, artificial limbs imbued with Chi, and schools of martial artists dedicated to cybernetic combat. Imagine a steampunk version of Shanghai or Hong Kong or an alternate history where Britain not only won the Opium War but conquered China, or vice versa. Imagine a completely new Chinese-inspired fantasy world with steampunk elements. These are just a few possible scenarios for SHANGHAI STEAM, a unique mashup of steampunk and the Chinese literary genre known as “wuxia” loosely translated to “martial hero”. We are now accepting short story submissions for our new anthology, SHANGHAI STEAM. Short story submissions must include both steampunk and wuxia elements to some degree. Settings are not limited to China or even Chinese characters, but should be set in a Chinese-inspired world. Stories may include elements of fantasy, science fiction, romance, horror, mystery, crime or action/adventure.

Country of Publication

United States

Publication Media & Frequency

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

Fiction Closed

Audience:

Unknown

Genres:

Open to all/most Genres, including:
Fantasy Subgenre: Retrofuturism
Science Fiction Subgenre: Retrofuturism

Lengths:

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

Styles:

Open to all/most Styles.

Topics:

None found.

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: Unknown.
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.

No recent cover image available for Shanghai Steam Anthology

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Shanghai Steam 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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20Spec Anthology CLOSED
Absolute Xpress Flash Fiction Challenge BELIEVED DEFUNCT

Absolute Xpress Publishing 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