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1986 The Anthology

A project of The Dread Machine Press (see other related projects).

Do not submit here! This project is permanently closed to submissions (February 2021). We provide the following information as an archive.

About

Do you remember a time before the internet? Before we each carried a lifeline in our pockets? Before security cameras documented everything? Back when parents didn’t worry about their kids until after the street lights popped on? Do you remember how it felt to step into the neon-lit arcade on a Friday night, your pockets heavy with quarters? For our very first anthology, we’re seeking dread-inspiring stories that take place in 1986—either the 1986 of our reality (Stranger Things) or an alternate version (Tales From the Loop). Bring us back to a simpler, scarier time. Let’s make something radical together.

Country of Publication & Year Established

United States Established in 2020

Publication Medium & Frequency

Print Publication Print PublicationOne-time publication.

Fiction Closed

Audience:
Open to a broad Audience.
Genres:
GenreSubgenres
Fantasy FantasyOpen to all/most Subgenres, including: Dark Fantasy.
Horror HorrorOpen to all/most Subgenres, including: Dark Fantasy.
Science Fiction Science FictionOpen to all/most Subgenres.
Styles:
Open to all/most Styles, including: Dark, Mainstream.
Topics:
History (History by epoch, See guidelines), Other (See guidelines).
Types/Lengths:
TypeLength Details
Short Story Short Story3,000 - 7,500 words.
Novelette Novelette7,500 - 10,000 words.
Payscale:
We list broad pay categories rather than payment specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word).
Submissions:
ElectronicPostalReprintsSimultaneousMulti-EntriesMedia
OK No No No OKText format submissions
Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.

1986 Submission Statistics

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Dates

Last Updated: 18 May 2021
Date Added: 11 Nov 2020

Before Submitting

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  • Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.
  • Be professional, patient, and persistent.