Publisher Cecilia Tan writes to let us know that Circlet Press is now reading for three original anthologies. All three have the same reading period (25 January to 19 February) and the same general guidelines and terms (see below), but each has a different submission address.
Like That Spark: The theme is erotic connection. “We’re looking for stories that feature the ‘aha’ moment where two characters finally connect. There is a unique sensuality and power in the moment when all distractions and illusions finally fall away and two characters seize the opportunity to explore one another physically and emotionally. We are looking for a mix of sexualities that exemplify the genuine connection shared between partners as well as a variety of genres that portray the magic and fantasy of that moment when two characters finally come together.” Editor for this anthology is Marcy H. Submission address is marcy dot circlet at gmail dot com. Full details on this page.
Like Butterflies in Iron: The theme is urban faeries. “Faeries can be delicate yet ruthless, living under rules and mores that can be quite different from their human neighbors. Do modern faeries still steal children and leave changelings in their place? Have they modernized, or not? Where is the intersection between the fay appetite for pleasure and revelry and the dark reality of urban life? When we trade woodlands for alleys and grassy knolls for dark boudoirs, what happens to the fairy myth? Explore the erotic edge inherent in faerie/faery/fairy. All sexualities and gender expressions are welcome.” Editor for this anthology is Lauren S. Submission address is lauren dot circletpress at gmail dot com. Full details on this page.
Queerpunk: The theme is stories centering on GLBTQ experiences set against the backdrop of cyberpunk. “Cyberpunk incorporates advanced technology with a nihilistic bent that forms dark, futuristic settings. How does the understanding of the human body morph as technology allows greater alterations to the flesh? In a world that thrives on electronics and cyberspace, how are genuine connections formed? Cyberpunk is also characterized by radical upheavals of the social order. How would the breakdown of government, and the shift of power to mega-corporations, influence the GLTBQ population? In what ways does the reliance on virtual reality help or hinder the expression of these sexualities? What does it mean to be queer in a tech noir future? Explore the ways in which GLBTQ sexuality would develop in an advanced, information age dystopia.” Editor for this anthology is Kelly Kinkaid. Submission address is kkinkaid dot circletpress at gmail dot com. Full details on this page.
General Circlet guidelines say that preferred story length is 3,500 to 7,500 words, but they will consider from 2,000 to 10,000 words. All submissions must be made via email (see distinct addresses for each); submissions sent to the wrong address or editor will not be considered. Only one submission per author per anthology. “All stories must include explicit sexuality and erotic focus. Romantic content is welcome, but in a short story remember to keep the details on the action and its effects on the main character’s internal point of view. We favor a strong, singular narrative voice (no ‘head hopping’).” Also, see their general submission guidelines. They want original stories only (no reprints), and pay $25 per story for first rights for inclusion in the ebook anthology, and they’ll pay another $25 if a print edition happens.