TALES
This themed anthology accepts work from writers around the world for six months at a time. These fiction pieces are typically longer than our literary journal allows, resulting in a deeper exploration of the theme.
Editors for this anthology change depending on the chosen theme and general availability (we're volunteers). On average, Tales publishes 35% of submissions received.
Submission to Tales will always be free.
During the open call period, links to accepted submissions methods are included below. The Writer's Workout accepts submissions via email, Dropbox, and Duosuma.
The Writer's Workout is a global charity working to improve literacy through creative writing. We hold competitions, workshops, open calls, and discussions; provide motivation, tips, prompts, and giveaways; and offer a community rich in culture and skill. Check our donations page to learn more about how The Writer's Workout strengthens the writing community.
OPEN CALL through September 17
Tales of the Strange
This anthology asks you to explore the beautifully weird, the slightly off, and the unusual. Break free from the norm to investigate the strange!
Edited by Theresa Green
Theresa is looking for well-developed concepts, inviting storytelling, clear description, and an occasional laugh to break the tension. Genre is yours to play with*. Pieces will be reviewed and writers contacted on a rolling basis during the call.
Submissions
Submissions must be in English and include the required Title Information.
Try to keep your submission under...
7,500 words for fiction
50 lines for poetry
Times New Roman or Arial, size 10 or 12, single spaced
Indented paragraphs except for poetry
Empty margins on all four sides
Empty line for scene breaks
Tip: Keep your formatting simple!
The Writer's Workout uses industry standard formatting; it's designed to let the work shine without extra flourishes and unnecessary efforts.
You can find great examples of industry standard formatting in a traditionally published book.
Title Information
Entries must include this Title Information in this order at the top of the document body, aligned left:
Name or Pseudonym, email
Entry Title
Tales
Word or Line Count
If your submission was previously published, please let us know where below your word/line count.
Accepted file types: .doc, .docx, .odt
Submit via email OR Dropbox OR Duosuma.
Live, unlocked Google Docs or Microsoft Word links are accepted via email (submissions [at] writersworkout [dot] net). Set your document permissions to "anyone with the link can [comment or edit]" so we can collect it. We will not request access and we are not responsible for locked docs.
*The Writer's Workout will reject fanfiction, religious, political, erotic, or AI-assisted content.
Rights
The Writer's Workout requests one-time, non-exclusive serial rights with worldwide distribution.
We accept simultaneous submissions, previously published works, and you retain the right to submit your work elsewhere after we publish it.
If you'd like to withdraw, please let us know.
This anthology is published in digital and print. The Writer's Workout is a registered nonprofit organization run by volunteers.
Proceeds from the sale of Tales of the Strange benefit The Writer's Workout, providing prizes and the means to produce competitions, workshops, and other group activities. Your submission to this anthology is a donation to help writers of all genres around the world. The Writer's Workout appreciates your time, generosity, and talent.
Past anthologies:
Tales from the Deep
Exploring the deepest oceans, you never know what you might find. This anthology asked writers to dig into the dark recesses of physical, emotional, and aquatic depth and explore what's hidden.
Featuring the collected works of John Bartell, Clarissa Cervantes, Daphne Fauber, Elizabeth Gabel, Janet Guastavino, T. K. Howell, Ann Howells, A.J. Huffman, Rachel Loughlin, Ruth Marie-Clair, Claire Massey, Megan Denese Mealor, David Milley, Sharon Mitchell, James Mulhern, James B. Nicola, Trish Tyler, Jennifer Weigel, and Charlotte Young
Proceeds from the sale of Tales from the Deep benefit The Writer's Workout, providing prizes and the means to produce competitions, workshops, and other group activities. Your submission to this anthology is a donation to help writers of all genres around the world. The Writer's Workout appreciates your time, generosity, and talent.
Tales from the Other Side
Whether it's surviving a difficult time or seeing the world from someone else's perspective, we can never fully predict what it's like from the other side. This anthology examines what was, what is, and what could be.
Featuring the collected works of Michael Cooney, Maid Corbic, Oriada Dajko, Paige Foster, Maryanne Frederick, JB Hansen, Mark Andrew Heathcote, A.B. Kelly, Matt J. McGee, Jessica Morris-Reade, Liza Wolff-Francis, S.E. Reed, Srivalli Rekha, and Val Vickers.
Proceeds from the sale of Tales from the Other Side benefit The Writer's Workout, providing prizes and the means to produce competitions, workshops, and other group activities. Your submission to this anthology is a donation to help writers of all genres around the world. The Writer's Workout appreciates your time, generosity, and talent.
Tales from the Toybox
Sometimes the best stories revolve around a child's favorite toy. Adventures and lessons are best learned when we don't know we're learning at all.
Children's fiction has so much to teach adults about life, love, and the joy of exploration. Pull up a comfy seat, these tales will make you laugh, cry, and remember what it's like to love your toybox!
Proceeds from the sale of Tales from the Toybox benefit The Writer's Workout, providing prizes and the means to produce competitions, workshops, and other group activities. Your purchase of this anthology is a donation to help writers of all genres around the world. The Writer's Workout appreciates your time, generosity, and talent.
Tales from the Cliff
A story doesn’t always have to end with a character completing their journey. Often, a story can end with suspense and uncertainty.
Cliffhangers, love them or hate them, are a huge part of literary tradition. Usually, there's a resolution in the sequel, but what if there isn't? Take a look inside and find out what happens when a finished tale ends in cliffhanger!
Proceeds from the sale of Tales from the Cliff benefit The Writer's Workout, providing prizes and the means to produce competitions, workshops, and other group activities. Your purchase of this anthology is a donation to help writers of all genres around the world. The Writer's Workout appreciates your time, generosity, and talent.
*The Writer's Workout will reject fanfiction, religious, political, or erotic content.
Rights
The Writer's Workout requests one-time, non-exclusive serial rights with worldwide distribution.
We accept simultaneous submissions, previously published works, and you retain the right to submit your work elsewhere after we publish it.
If you'd like to withdraw, please let us know.
This anthology is published in digital and print. The Writer's Workout is a registered nonprofit organization run by volunteers.