Desolate Places Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions. We provide the following information as an archive. About Desolate Places. One of the first things Buzz Aldrin said after setting foot on the Moon was "Magnificent desolation." Desolation stirs the imagination. The land stretches almost to infinity, unspoiled by humanity. But does nothing happen there? Does a place require human occupation to exhibit wonder? What about an Earth that no longer has a human presence? What happens to what we've done to the land, air and seas?The photograph on the cover prototype to the left, by photographer Erich Hernandez-Baquero, shows a desolate place, but as you can see something fascinating occurs there (note the rock and the trail it has left). We are looking for: Science Fiction stories that are set in desolate places. For this theme we prefer physical over abstract places. Desolate places can be anywhere in the Universe, so stories that are set on Earth as well as off Earth are equally welcome. We’re interested in the eeriness and wonder of a desolate place. Why are your character(s) there and how do they react to such a place? What do they expect to find? Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationOne-time publication Fiction Closed Audience:UnknownGenres: Science FictionLengths: Short Story: 1,000 - 7,000 words.Styles:UnknownTopics:None found.Payment:Token payment (under 1 US cent per word) to Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Royalties Pay ranges from Token payment (under 1 US cent per word) to Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word). Royalties.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: Unknown.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to publication's website Report: Correction/Update Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) Desolate Places 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! 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