Folk Horror Short Story Contest

Briar Press NY is looking for Short Stories in the Folk Horror tradition, previously unpublished and set in any time period/place/culture.  We are looking for beautiful writing, an engaging plot, memorable characters, and that authentic Folk-Gothic atmosphere.  Think: Wickerman, Rosemary’s Baby, The Seventh Sister, The Lottery, Lamb, Slewfoot Grimm’s Fairytales, Starve Acre.  We want NATURE, we want DAMP, we want UNSETTLING, we want RITUALS & FOLKTALES.

5 pp - 30 pp long (2,500 to 15,000 words)

 

DEADLINE:  1st  October, 2026

ANNOUNCED WINNER:  1st December, 2026

PRIZE:  Publication in Briar Press NY ‘s upcoming Anthology “These Rotted Things,” released Spring 2027, including Briar Press social media and Goodreads presence, marketing assistance and guiding, all design and publishing of book in digital and soft trade-back. In addition, 3 free copies of the book will be provided to each author.

SUBMISSION:  Submit your short story in Word or PDF format (author’s name, title and page numbers must be present on the ms) to submissions@briarpressny.com

  Please include a short cover letter with any pertinent info about your previous publishing history if you have been published before.  Please make sure to include your contact info. 

 Medieval Horror Novella Contest!

Briar Press NY is looking for a Novella or Novellette in the Early Gothic (Medieval) tradition, previously unpublished and set from just after the Fall of Rome to about 1500. We are looking for fabulous writing, an riveting plot, colorful characters, authentic historic atmosphere and Horrors. Prime examples of this genre are: Between Two Fires, Lapvona, Excalibur, Haven and The Mask of the Red Death.

100 - 175 pp long (20,000 to 30,000 words)

Excerpts may be previously published, but whole book may not be!

DEADLINE: 15th June, 2026

ANNOUNCED WINNER: 30th August, 2026

PRIZE: Publication with Briar Press NY in early Winter 2027 as a gorgeously-designed glossy hardcover & e-book, Briar Press social media, Goodreads & Storygraph presence, marketing assistance and guiding, and standard author percentage of royalties.

SUBMISSION: Submit your novella in Word or PDF format (author’s name, title and page numbers must be present on the ms) to submissions@briarpressny.com Please include a short cover letter with any pertinent info about your previous publishing history if you have been published before. Please make sure to include your contact info.