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Strange Machines An Anthology of Dark User Manuals

A project of Apex Magazine (see other related projects).

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Do not submit here! This project is permanently closed to submissions (May 2023). We provide the following information as an archive.

About

We are looking for your darkest, strangest microfiction in the form of user manuals, FAQs, and how-to guides for the use of (or by) robots! Tell us a story while guiding humans through the use of a strange machine, or guiding sentient robots through human activities they may not understand. Reveal deep yearnings and dark secrets between the lines, show us fascinating futures or weird horrors, and don’t be afraid to mix biology with machine. Let your imaginations go wild to create beautiful, surreal, and dark user-guides for strange machines!

Country of Publication & Year Established

United States Established in 2023

Publication Media & Frequency

Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationOne-time publication.
Print Publication Print PublicationOne-time publication.

Fiction Closed

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Genres:
GenreSubgenres
Horror HorrorOpen to all/most Subgenres, including: Science Fiction Horror.
Science Fiction Science FictionOpen to all/most Subgenres, including: Science Fiction Horror.
Lengths:
Flash Fiction Flash FictionUp to 250 words.
Styles:

Open to all/most Styles, including: Mainstream.

Topics:

Other (See guidelines).

Payment:

Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) to Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Pay ranges from Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) to Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word).
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Unknown.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT 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.

Strange Machines Submission Statistics — Free Preview!

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.
AccuracyWe have received 21 reports from 21 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information.
Days Reported25 min | 48.7 mean avg | 45.0 median | 68 max days (10.4 std dev)
Responses95.24 %
Acceptances4.76 % of submissions accepted (37.0 avg. days per acceptance) | 4.76 % of submitters accepted Rejections are often underreported, which skews the statistics in favor of acceptances. Most publishers have a lower acceptance rate than indicated here.
Rejections90.48 % (50.6 avg. days per rejection) | 31.6 % personal, 52.6 % form, 15.8 % unspecified | 23.8 % shortlisted
Non-Responses4.76 %
Lost/Returned-
Never Responded-
Withdrawals4.76 % (25.0 avg. days per withdrawal)

Other Information

Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day.
Most recent response reported was received on 14 Jun 2023.
Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 30 Apr 2023.

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Your Submissions

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Dates

Last Updated: 01 May 2023
Date Added: 24 Mar 2023

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.