Summer Bludgeon: A Crime, Mystery, Noir, Suspense & Thriller Anthology A project of Unsettling Reads (see other related projects). Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (March 2022). We provide the following information as an archive. About This collection was inspired by an earworm from the 1978 film, Grease. The lyrics “Summer Lovin’” from the song “Summer Nights” became “Summer Bludgeon,” and a new anthology title was born! We’re imagining a collection that highlights the dark corners of our hearts. Pull back the curtain and show us people at odds, broken relationships, love gone wrong. Send us stories, poems, photos, and art that have a dash of retro, maybe a hint of the campy, and a heaping helping of broken relationships of some kind (romantic, familial, collegial, etc.). Voluntary Fees: This project accepts voluntary fees for "tip jar" submissions. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2021 Publication Media & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationOne-time publicationPrint Publication Print PublicationOne-time publication Collapse section Fiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Mystery/Crime Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Noir Suspense/Thriller Open to all/most Subgenres, including: NoirLengths: Short Story: 1,500 - 7,000 words; Up to 2 pieces.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Mainstream.Topics: Seasons/Holidays: Seasons, See guidelines. Other: See guidelines.Payment:Token payment (under 1 US cent per word) to Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Pay ranges from Token payment (under 1 US cent per word) to 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: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Mystery/Crime Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Noir Suspense/Thriller Open to all/most Subgenres, including: NoirLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Up to 3 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Mainstream.Topics: Seasons/Holidays: Seasons, See guidelines. Other: See guidelines.Payment:Semi-pro payment (US$5-49 per poem) Semi-pro payment (US$5-49 per poem).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: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Visual Art Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Artwork: Up to 3 pieces.Art Media: Open to all/most Art Media, including... Photography.Art Styles:Open to all/most Art Styles.Topics: Seasons/Holidays: Seasons, See guidelines. Other: See guidelines.Payment:Token payment (under US$10 per piece) to Semi-pro payment (US$10-49 per piece) Pay ranges from Token payment (under US$10 per piece) to Semi-pro payment (US$10-49 per piece).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: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Image. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to project webpage Report: Correction/Update Support this Publisher: Shop their Store Summer Bludgeon: A Crime, Mystery, Noir, Suspense & Thriller 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 This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsAutumn Noir: An Unsettling Reads Anthology CLOSEDDark Decades Anthology Series CLOSEDHope Screams Eternal: A Fantasy, Horror, & Sci-Fi Anthology CLOSEDStill of Winter: An Unsettling Reads Anthology 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: 22 May 2026 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