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Strange Machines: An Anthology of Dark User Manuals

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

Permanently Closed: 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 Publication
One-time publication
Print Publication Print Publication
One-time publication

Fiction Closed

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Genres:

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

Lengths:

Flash Fiction: Up 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 payment 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.

No recent cover image available for Strange Machines: An Anthology of Dark User Manuals

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Report:
Correction/Update

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Strange Machines: An Anthology of Dark User Manuals 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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