Subtle Body Press is CLOSED for novella and general submissions at this time. We will reopen for submissions next year. In the meantime, you can check our guidelines below to prepare yourself for when we reopen. Please note that any submissions sent while we are closed for submissions will not be read or considered. We’ll see you in 2026!

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

Show us something we haven’t seen before—but make it substantive and accessible. Practically speaking, we are fond of experimentation, counterculture, transgression, the occult, weird theory, weird fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism, slipstream, social satire, subversion, and horror that feels like an art-house film or has a body horror bent. But don’t limit yourself. We’re open to being pleasantly surprised, so give us your best and surprise us.

WORD COUNT:

Works between 25000 and 30000 words are preferred, with 35000 words being the hard cap. But suppose you have a piece with visual and/or typographic peculiarities or a “book object” project where such design elements significantly impact the layout. In that case, we will consider as little as 18,000 words.

RIGHTS:

Subtle Body Press will acquire the exclusive worldwide right to publish the chosen work in English in book form, digital/e-book form, and audiobook form.

COMPENSATION:

The author will receive a royalty and an advance against royalties, the terms of which will be determined during the contracting phase.

SUBMISSION:

Please submit your work in PDF or DOCX format to opencall@subtlebodypress.com. A synopsis or query is unnecessary, but please give us your name and contact info and direct us to the social media profiles you are active on and your website (if applicable).

We look forward to reading you.