Open Call for Richmond Fantastic
What We Want: Calling all writerly Richmonders and River City enthusiasts! From the cobblestones of Monument Avenue to the rapids of Pony Pasture, Richmond’s a fantastic(al) place to be, and we want to read about it. We’re talking werewolf bands at The National, telepathic otters at Maymont, an inescapable time warp in Short Pump… whatever it is that makes RVA (and its surrounding counties) so magical.
Requirements: Stories must contain a speculative element (Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction, Slipstream, Magical Realism) and take place in the Greater Richmond Area
Feel free to mash genres and include Mystery, Romance, Western, etc. The only thing we won’t accept is Erotica.
Sex, Violence & Language: We’re looking for the equivalent of PG-13. No gore. No explicit sex. In CHARLOTTESVILLE FANTASTIC we had one F-bomb in the entire anthology.
Word Length:2000 to 5000 words. Strict Limits
Original Stories Only: No reprints
Format: Shunn Standard or Modern Manuscript Format. If you’re not familiar refer to this website: https://www.shunn.net/format/
Use three asterisks to indicate a scene break. Italics for italics. Curly (not straight) apostrophes and quotation marks. DOC or DOCX file format. DON’T USE THE TAB KEY.
We’re are conducting blind submissions. Follow the Shunn Format, but remove your name.
I’m confused: Shunn Format requires the author’s name (and contact info) on the front page, a byline, and in the header. How can I include this if the submission should be blind?
Answer:Follow the Shunn Format except for identifiable information. Remove your name and contact info from the first page. No byline. No name in the header.
Eligibility: Stories must take place in the Greater Richmond Area defined as: The City of Richmond and the Counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan.
Writers from anywhere in the world are welcome.
You must be 18 years of age by April 30, 2026 or have the permission of a parent or guardian to submit.
Simultaneous Submissions: Don’t. This is the fastest way to get on our list.
Multiple Submissions:You may submit up to two stories. Only one story per author will be chosen for the anthology.
Generative AI: No
Payment:
1 cent per final word count upon publication
eCopy of the book
Right to buy unlimited author print copies at 40% of retail price.
Rights:
We are buying exclusive worldwide English language rights (print and electronic) for one year after publication day. And the non-exclusive worldwide English language rights (print and electronic) in perpetuity.
Acceptances:
We will not be sending out acceptances (or rejections) until after the submission period closes on March 31.
Projected Timeline:
January 1, 2026 – Submissions Open
March 31, 2026 – Submissions Close
April 30, 2026 – Acceptances go out. Contracts signed.
May 2026 – Copy Editing
June 2026 – Proofreading
July 2026 – Cover Commissioned
August 2026 – ARCs go out to advanced reviewers/blurbers
October 6, 2026 – PUBLICATION DAY
Questions? Email us at WhitakerLyonPress [at] Gmail.com
Ready to submit? Go here.