What We're Looking For

Step into the shadows where legend meets reality. We're seeking original horror stories featuring cryptids - those elusive creatures that lurk in the darkness of human imagination and perhaps... in reality. From the depths of murky lakes to the densest forests, from urban legends to ancient tribal warnings, we want your most terrifying takes on cryptid encounters.

Theme

Your story must feature a cryptid as a central element of the narrative. While well-known creatures like Bigfoot or the Mothman are welcome, we strongly encourage submissions featuring lesser-known cryptids from various cultures and folklores. The story must be firmly rooted in horror - we're looking for genuine terror, not just mysterious encounters.

Guidelines

• Submissions must be between 4,000 and 10,000 words (Word counts are firm)
• Title,  submitter's name, pen name (if different), story word count and author  email address must be centered at the top of your submission
• Submissions must be written using American English spelling and terminology
• Submissions cannot be written by AI (Artificial Intelligence.) Any author that submits work that is not written by them will be disqualified from submitting to SSP in the future. Believe us when we say that we can spot an AI written story a mile away. Don't waste our time or yours.
• Submissions must be written in 12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1" margins, double spaced with a special first line indention of 0.3"
• Submissions must not contain headers, footers or page numbers
• All scene breaks must be three asterisks, centered on the page, with no spaces in between (***)
• Submissions must be in .Docx or .Doc format
• Submissions should be clean and edited to the best of author's ability
• The editors are looking for originality. Many tropes have been recreated over and over. We'd love to see stories that are fresh and jaw-dropping.
• Extreme horror is okay for this publication, however submissions need not be extreme
• Submissions must not have been published elsewhere before in any medium
• Authors may submit only one story for review
• Simultaneous submissions are okay if author provides notice of such, as well as informing us if story is accepted elsewhere
   

What We Want

- Fresh takes on cryptid mythology

- Strong character development

- Atmospheric horror that builds tension

- Stories that blend folklore with modern settings

- Cultural authenticity when dealing with traditional cryptids
 

What We Don't Want

- Stories featuring common supernatural creatures (vampires, werewolves,

etc.)

- Non-horror interpretations of cryptids

- Stories that explain away the cryptid as mundane

Rights and Payment

- Payment: $40 per accepted story

- First world publication rights with 12-month exclusivity