Writing the Future We Need

A WriteHive Anthology Series

Continuing with our thematic arc, our next anthology will focus on Defying Death.

In collaboration with Inked in Gray, we seek to publish powerful, authentic stories from members of our community. All profits from Surviving Humanity, as well as all previously published WriteHive anthologies go directly to WriteHive to help fund all our programming initiatives.

This upcoming anthology will officially open December 1, 2025, and we will be collecting submissions until January 31, 2026. The theme for Defying Death is . . . well exactly as one would assume: Defying Death. We are looking for creative and unique stories about all the ways we overcome demise. We welcome all kinds of stories of resilience, resistance, and perseverance. And if there’s some rogue or trickster vibes in there, we’d definitely like to see them. We’re hoping that this next anthology will be another empowering, uplifting, yet defiant message of survival against all odds.

Submissions will not be accepted prior to December 1, 2025 or after January 31, 2026.

Writing the Future We Need: Defying Death

** ABSOLUTELY NO AI WRITTEN OR AI ASSISTED SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO AI INVOLVEMENT WHATSOEVER PLEASE**

Theme: Defying Death

Genre: Science fiction, fantasy, or horror only

Market: Adult. No MG or YA

There is no limitation to how you incorporate this theme into your work as long as the story falls within the Sci-Fi, Horror, or Fantasy genre. We encourage you to take the theme and show its manifestation beyond the physical, showing us something unique and engaging.

Submission Period: December 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026

Submission Cost: Free

Word Limit: Max of 8K words per piece, not including addition information below

Payment: $45 per accepted piece plus one paperback contributor copy

Rights: First edition exclusive anthology rights for the first six months of publication

**Submissions and anthology communications will be managed by Dakota Rayne and WriteHive. Please submit your work at the link below, which will take you to the WriteHive Submission page.

Publication details: The anthology will be printed and published by Inked in Gray Press. Inked in Gray Press is considered the publisher and sponsor of the anthology, with all profits being donated to WriteHive.

Estimated publication date: March 2027

Submission Details:

  • Previously unpublished works
  • You may submit up to 2 pieces, but each work must be a separate submission
  • Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please let us know if the work is accepted elsewhere
  • Include story as attached .doc (or .doc compatible format) please for ease of visual accessibility
  • You will be asked to include a bio and blurb into our form submission (see below for details)
  • Work must not have been previously published elsewhere

What to Include with Your Submission: *Please read carefully*

  1. A 3 – 5 sentence bio with any relevant social media links (Social media is not required to participate)
  2. A blurb (1 – 3 sentences): Describe overall plot and how your story keeps with the theme. Our purpose is not to judge the quality of your explanation, but to get a short, concise feel of your story. (Submissions lacking this prerequisite will not be considered for the anthology)
  3. Trigger warnings, if any. These will be used as a forewarning to our judges and will be used in publication. They will have no influence on the acceptance of your submission. Here’s a list of trigger warnings you might use, in case you need some guidance. Feel free to add any others your story might have.

Trigger Warning Examples: Addiction, Pedophilia, Abuse, Substance Abuse, Animal cruelty, Queerphobia, Body horror (if it’s not a book in the horror or grimdark genre), Bullying, Fatphobia, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Mental Illness, Degenerative Illness, Cannibalism, Deadnaming, Eating disorder, Genocide, Gore, Violence (graphic, gun, etc), Incest, Miscarriage, Mass shootings, Police brutality, Racial bigotry/Racism, Religious bigotry, Self-harm, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Human trafficking, Torture

If you would like more information about the anthology, please send us a message or email us at contact@writehive.org

How to Format Your Submission:

  • Times New Roman font. 12 pt.
  • Double-spaced please
  • Numbered pages (title headings not required)
  • Confirm you have included bio with social media links AND blurb as requested above *We will not read submissions without this*
  • Mention any trigger warnings (see above)
  • Submit via form below
SUBMISSIONS NOW CLOSED