The Dark
Jack Fisher, Editor
http://www.thedarkmagazine.com (still under construction, to open mid-August 2013)

Submission Procedures
All submissions should follow proper manuscript format (http://www.shunn.net/format/story.html).
Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] Please attach all submissions in .doc format – we will not accept submissions embedded in the body of email. Include your bio in your cover letter.

Guidelines for Fiction
The Dark is an online magazine published bimonthly.

We are seeking fiction up to 5,000 words (query for longer).

What we publish:
• Mainstream fiction with elements of the fantastic mixed in
• Magic realism (“a literary genre or style that incorporates fantastic or mythical elements into otherwise realistic fiction —called also magical realism”) – Merriam-Webster, http://www.m-w.com
• Surrealism: (“the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations”) – Merriam-Webster, http://www.m-w.com
• Dark science fiction
• Dark fantasy
• Steampunk (See: http://www.steampunk.com/what-is-steampunk/)

Don’t be afraid to experiment or to deviate from the ordinary; be stylistic – try us with fiction that falls out of “regular” categories.

We will not consider multiple submissions. Submit once and wait for a response before sending anything else. We will not consider simultaneous submissions.

It is also important to understand that despite the name, The Dark is not a market for graphic, violent horror. The “horror”, if at all, should be subtle, and fall in with one or more of the themes above. It is also not a market for ordinary science fiction or fantasy.

Reprints
We will occasionally buy reprints. Regarding reprints: we would prefer not to consider work that has been published within one year. Be sure to note where and when the story was published in your cover letter. If you feel your reprint is exceptional – send a query. Authors should submit no more than two reprint submissions for consideration per rolling calendar year.

Payment
We pay 5 cents/word for original fiction up to 5,000 words on publication for FNASR; 1 cent/word up to 5,000 words on publication for reprints.

Response Times
Response times will vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending on volume. Query after two months (include title and date submitted).

Nonfiction
Submit a proposal along with your bio. Payment is competitive.

Artwork
Submit an inquiry along with samples (preferably a link to an online gallery). We purchase pre-existing pieces of art and rarely commission original art for covers; we will occasionally commission original art for some of the fiction that is published. Payment for all art is competitive.