Thirteen Press has been rolling out anthologies like clockwork, and is now making audio versions of anthologies as well.

Following is a list of just a few of the open calls for submissions. Most calls are for stories of about 5,000 words. The following list provides the anthology title, a statement by the editor about its theme, and a visual of how close it is to completion with accepted stories.

TOYBOX

“I want every story to feature a different toy from the toybox. Check with me before you write the story so you don’t waste your time if the toy has already been claimed.”

Already taken: teddy, rag doll musical box, rocking horse, Frankenstein’s Monster, computer, Barbie doll, Slinky, Japanese doll, China doll, juggling clown, jump rope, circus tent, Rubik’s Cube, jigsaw puzzle Jack in the box, rubber snake , dartboard, dressing up clothes, Chinese finger trap, stuffed dog, Troll doll, action man, chatter telephone, Lego, hula hoop, wind-up toy, baby’s rattle, toy soldiers, doll’s house, hand puppet, E-Z Bake Oven Vanity unit, Viewmaster, building blocks…

CROSSROADS 

“Standing at the crossroads, physical ones, meeting at the crossroads, crossroads in lives, in just about anything—explore the concept of crossroads, no matter where they are.

“Let’s see what this one can do for your creativity!”

This is a flash fiction anthology. Limit: 500 words

MORE TALES FROM THE BLUE GONK CAFE

“The Blue Gonk Café has days when selected storytellers come to give the customers a treat. There are five ‘storytelling sessions’ in each day, with the same writers telling a story in each one.

“Horror/dark/humorous – you choose. They MUST be below 500 words, strict word limit and I would like five stories from you—can you commit to that? You gotta be good to be in there, the last one caused quite a stir! Let’s go, shall we?”

This is a flash fiction anthology: five stories below 500 words

IDLE HANDS

“The Devil finds work for idle hands.  What can you find for them to do? Is it mischievous deeds, gruesome exploits, or something even more devilish? Who do the hands belong to and who’s really in control? Looking for stories written in the spirit of the idiom, not stories about hands!

“Think about what nefarious deeds could be born out of boredom.  What are your characters bored with? Is it their marriage, work, life or maybe just a rainy day?”

Word Count: Between 2,000 and 4,000 words

WAITING

“What are your characters waiting for … a visit, a phone call, a text, a promise to be fulfilled, a holiday, a job, death… tell me what you think.

“The word can be used in so many different ways. I’ve begun the anthology with my story of a girl waiting for a train. Let’s see what you’ve got in your archives or your head!”

PASSENGERS

“In what, going where, conventional, unconventional, fare paying, hitch hiking, where are your characters going as passengers, why are they there, what will happen to them on the journey or when they arrive?

“Explore the whole thought of being a passenger and write it out. This could be very different and very interesting. Let’s go with it.”

There are many other anthology calls. Most can be found HERE. Payment is royalties only, no advance.

Email your submission as an attachment to: dorothystaticm@gmail.com

The email subject line must read “SUBMISSION – [Project Title] – [Your Story Title]” or your submission will not be considered. Submit manuscript as a *.rtf, *.doc or *.docx file (all other formats will automatically be rejected). Font and formatting: Loose. No headers, footers or page numbers. Please check grammar. Check the publishers website for details and updates.

Successful applicants are notified promptly, and weekly updates announce the anthologies’ progress. I’ve contributed several stories and have had a great experience with this group.