Demagogue Press is OPEN for submissions from Oregon and Washington based writers for a new anthology!
ROLL THE DICE, CHASE THE GOOSE, FACE DEATH, & UNLOCK THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST!
Demagogue Press is thrilled to announce an all-new playable reading experience— let’s call it an anthology+— that will take readers on a journey through Oregon and Washington. Inspired by the Royal Game of the Goose, we are now open to submissions for original works from Oregon and Washington based writers that include a quest or chase element and prominently feature iconic (or soon to be iconic!) locations throughout the urban, wild, and lost places in our backyards. We have an editorial preference for works in a “spooky speculative” vein including fantasy and light horror. See below for more details!
OKAY- BUT WHAT DOES “PLAYABLE READING EXPERIENCE MEAN???”
This is a book that plays like a game and a game that reads like a book! Like Demagogue Press’s previous publication, Winding Paths, we’ll be offering multiple ways for readers to experience stories and interact with our locations. The cover, for example, will be a functional game board for our custom-made Pacific Northwest-flavored interpretation of the Royal Game of the Goose with spaces correlating to YOUR work and there will be short activities and mini-games inspired by the anthology theme and stories interspersed throughout. Contributors are responsible for writing great stories that can stand-alone. We’ll do the rest!
WHAT IS AN “ICONIC” OREGON OR WASHINGTON LOCATION?
You tell us! We have some ideas but we’re open to seeing what you pitch. Some particularly iconic locations will have a lot of competition so we encourage thinking beyond the most obvious. We would like a healthy variety (there will be a couple dozen or so pieces selected), and in particular want to see locations that demonstrate a connection to you as the author. Please also note that for logistical reasons, we will not be able to select works that feature private businesses as locations.
WHAT OTHER HINTS HAVE YOU GOT?
Do’s
Write us a story where a character is motivated to get somewhere - a quest! You can define the why of this quest but it is an element of the project’s theme.
Be inspired by somewhere you have visited (and readers will be able to visit too).
Think about ways to interact with and contribute to local mythology.
Don’t’s
No Real Life Businesses.
No copyrighted or trademarked material (like quotes from movies, books, or game rules).
No overboard splatter or gore—there's a place for Saw, etc., but that isn't the audience we’re going for. Keep it Ages 10+
No erotica. Don’t make us use the safe word (“Penguins”). Erotica is awesome, but not for this particular collection.
No political manifestos, racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, transphobia, ableism, and Nazism.
No generative AI. Any works created with the asssistance of generative AI will be rejected.
No submissions from writers OUTSIDE of Oregon or Washington. We mean it. If you live outside of the area, wait for the next one.
WHO’S MAKING UP ALL THESE QUESTIONS?
Anthology editor Erik Grove! See the About page for more information on the Demagogue Press team!
HOW DO I SEND YOU MY STORY???
Submissions accepted by email at: DEMAGOGUESUBMISSIONS@GMAIL.COM
Stories should be attached in .docx or .rtf file formats. Please don’t send .pdfs or other file types. Please use Shunn manuscript formatting.
Format your email subject like so: “SUBMISSION: My Amazing Story - 3000 words.”
In your cover letter (body of your email) include the following:
— Your name
— The location you are using. If it’s obscure - give us a link to more information.
— Where in Oregon or Washington you live - a city and state is just fine.
— An attestation that no generative AI was used in crafting your story.
PUBLICATION TERMS AND DATES
PAYMENT: Flat $50 and a copy of anthology.
RIGHTS: First rights worldwide (English) to include your story in the anthology (print & e-book). Nonexclusive license. 6-months exclusivity post-publication requested.
SUBMISSION: Previously unpublished short story 2000-4500 words in length. One submission per author. Simultaneous submissions are okay.
DEADLINE: Open submissions are OPEN now and CLOSE MARCH 16, 2025
Rejections may be sent any time after submission. Acceptances should be anticipated by the end of April.