We believe that storytelling—and the art that accompanies it—has the power to:

💀 Illuminate hidden truths about our world and imagined realms.

💀 Foster empathy across cultures, identities, and experiences.

💀 Elevate voices that have historically been under‑represented in speculative literature.

While we welcome submissions from creators of all backgrounds, we prioritize works that center the perspectives and experiences of:

💀 Latinx creators and narratives.

💀 Indigenous peoples (including Native American, First Nations, Aboriginal, and other Indigenous communities).

💀 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) writers, artists, and collaborators.

💀 LGBTQIA+ individuals and stories that explore queer, trans, and non‑binary experiences.

Our priority does not exclude other voices; instead, it reflects our commitment to expanding the landscape of speculative fiction by giving those whose stories are often overlooked a dedicated platform.

Our Vision

• General Submission Principles

  1. Mission Alignment

  We seek work that aligns with our mission to center voices and visions that challenge, inspire, and redefine the boundaries of genre storytelling and art. Submissions should embody:

  💀 Authentic representation of cultures, identities, and lived experiences.

  💀 Bold explorations of dark, speculative, or surreal themes.

  💀 A commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives, regardless of the creator’s background.

  2. Originality & Respect

  💀 Submissions must be original, previously unpublished work (unless otherwise noted for specific formats like blog posts or interviews).

  💀 We respect the cultural and storytelling traditions of all communities. Creators from cultures with oral traditions or communal storytelling practices

  are encouraged to share their work while adhering to their communities’ ethical standards.

  3. Thoughtful Presentation

  While detailed formatting guidelines will be outlined during our official launch, please ensure your submission is:

  💀 Well-organized and clearly presented.

  💀 Respected for its unique voice and perspective, whether in text or visual media.

  4. Submission Email

  All submissions must be emailed to: submissions@obsidianskullpress.com

  5. Clear Subject Line Format

  Use the following subject line format to streamline our review process:

  💀 "Fiction Submission: [Title]"

  💀 "Art Submission: [Portfolio Link/Title]"

  💀 "Obsidian Echoes Submission: [Title]"

  💀 "Ink & Shadows Submission: [Title]"

What We’re Looking For

Guidelines & Submission Categories

What We're Looking For: Short stories that inhabit the realms of dark and speculative fiction—horror, dark fantasy, gothic sci-fi, magical realism with a darker edge, and anything in between that explores the human (and non-human) condition through a heightened lens. We prioritize narratives that authentically represent and amplify Latinx, Native American, and other marginalized experiences.

Themes: We encourage stories that challenge conventions, explore social issues through speculative frameworks, delve into cultural myths and folklore, and present compelling, diverse characters.

Length (General): For initial submissions, we are primarily looking for short stories, generally between 1,000 and 7,500 words.

Format: Standard manuscript format (double-spaced, 12pt legible font like Times New Roman, page numbers). Please submit as a .docx file.

Cover Letter: A brief, professional cover letter introducing yourself and your story, noting any relevant background or thematic connections to Obsidian Skull Press's mission.

Include: A brief author bio (50-75 words).

Next Steps

Our full submission guidelines—including word counts, formatting specifications, and pay rates—will be available on our official website during its launch (date TBA). However, we warmly welcome pre-launch submissions and will review all work with care and respect for your time.

Note for Creators: If your work draws from traditions or cultures outside your own, we encourage you to engage in ethical, respectful representation. We may connect you with cultural consultants upon request.

Get in Touch

Have questions or need accommodations? Email us at info@obsidianskullpress.com. We’re here to build a collaborative, welcoming community where every voice—especially those historically silenced—can thrive.

Thank you for sharing your vision with Obsidian Skull Press. Together, we’re shaping stories that spark change.

Legalese

💀By submitting, authors and artists confirm that they are the original creator and copyright holder of the work.

💀Obsidian Skull Press retains first publishing rights and the right to use the work for promotional and advertising purposes.

💀Authors and artists are credited as the original creator and retain rights to their work upon publication.

💀Obsidian Skull Press may nominate artists and authors for awards and honors with their permission.

Any Questions?

For questions, comments, suggestions, or criticism, contact the staff at info@obsidianskullpress.com or our Senior Editor at tlhutton@obsidianskullpress.com.

What We're Looking For: Essays, articles, interviews, and thoughtful commentary that delve into the craft of writing, explore the nuances of dark and speculative fiction, or offer unique insights into the creative process from diverse perspectives. We are particularly interested in pieces that examine the intersection of identity, culture, and speculative themes.

Content Focus: Discussions on genre tropes, decolonizing speculative narratives, cultural critiques, author interviews, behind-the-scenes looks at writing (editing, world-building, etc.), and reflections on the power of storytelling.

Length (General): Aim for 800 - 2,000 words.

Format: Please submit your article as a .docx file.

Include: A brief professional bio (50-75 words) and an optional headshot.

The Official Obsidian Skull Press Blog

1.

What We're Looking For: Shorter, more immediate pieces designed to engage our newsletter subscribers. This could include brief personal reflections, quick takes on current events in dark and speculative fiction, micro-fiction, exclusive teasers for upcoming projects, or calls to action for community events. We value content that is engaging, insightful, and aligns with our mission of amplifying diverse voices.

Content Focus: Quick insights into the writing or art process, sneak peeks at works in progress, short interviews, community spotlights, or musings on speculative topics related to marginalized experiences.

Length (General): Aim for 300 - 800 words.

Format: Please submit your article as a .docx file.

Include: A very brief author bio (25-50 words).

2.

The Official Obsidian Skull PressNewsletter

3. Fiction Submissions

3. Art Submissions

What We're Looking For: We are seeking captivating visual art for potential cover art, interior illustrations, and website imagery. We especially wish to showcase artists whose work resonates with the dark and speculative genres and authentically portrays Latinx, Native American, and other marginalized cultures and experiences.

Medium: Digital art, traditional art (high-quality scans/photos), photography, mixed media.

Style: Dark, evocative, atmospheric, culturally resonant, and impactful.

Submission: Please do not attach large image files directly to your email. Instead, provide a link to your online portfolio (e.g., ArtStation, Behance, personal website) in your email. If you do not have an online portfolio, you may attach 3-5 low-resolution sample images (under 1MB each).

Include: A brief artist bio (50-75 words) and a short artist statement outlining your artistic vision and how your work aligns with Obsidian Skull Press's themes.

Submit your compelling fiction to Obsidian Skull Press and contribute to a platform that amplifies diverse voices and explores the intricate beauty and darkness of the unerrepresented experience.