The Thing in the Dark An International Anthology of Micro Fiction A project of Fresh Words (see other related projects). About There are things we see in the dark.And then there are things we are certain we saw.A shadow at the end of the hallway. A voice from an empty room. A child who knows the name of someone who died years ago. A door that was never there before. A photograph that seems to change when nobody is looking.Or perhaps the thing in the dark is not supernatural at all.Perhaps it is a memory.A secret.A regret.A stranger.A part of ourselves.For Halloween 2026, Fresh Words invites writers from around the world to send us their micro-fiction for an anthology of brief, unsettling, mysterious, strange, funny, frightening and unexpected stories. Country of Publication & Year Established India Established in 2026 Publication Media & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationOne-time publicationPrint Publication Print PublicationOne-time publication AI Policy Unknown AI policy Fiction Open Deadline:30 October 2026* (approx. 22 days from now).Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: General Subgenres: Gothic, Magic Realism Fantasy Subgenres: Gothic, Supernatural Horror Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Gothic, Psychological, Supernatural Mystery/Crime Open to all/most Subgenres, including: SupernaturalLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 500 words; Up to 5 pieces.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Absurdist, Dark, Humorous, Mainstream, Surrealist.Topics: Folklore/Mythology: General, Ghost stories. Other: See guidelines.Theme:The Thing in the Dark (30 Oct 2026*)Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Reprints are allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.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.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to project webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookX (Twitter) @magazine_words Support this Publisher: Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Link to Duotrope The Thing in the Dark 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. We have not received any submission reports for this listing in the past 12 months. Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsAlone Together: Echoes of Existence in the Modern Abyss CLOSEDThe City in Three Lines CLOSEDFresh WordsFresh Words Contemporary Poems Anthology CLOSEDHaiku After Dark NEW!Hello Godot! Anthology Series DNQ NEW!Rain and Roots CLOSEDThings Left Unsaid CLOSEDTiny Revolutions CLOSED NEW!Voices Unbound: An Anthology of International Poetry CLOSED 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: 07 Oct 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. 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