Have you written a book belonging to the subgenre of speculative fiction known as weird fiction?
Is your plan to publish your book?
Below you’ll find 17 top weird fiction publishers.
1. Tartarus Press
Tartarus Press is an independent UK-based publishing company that was established in 1990 with the express goal of discovering and publishing works of the supernatural, the strange, and horrific fiction. Their titles include books like “The Ballet of Dr. Caligari and Madder Mysteries” by Reggie Oliver, “The Clockworm and Other Strange Stories” by Karen Heuler, and “Copsford” by Walter J.C. Murray.
The team at Tartarus Press is currently accepting submissions for weird fiction (literary strange and supernatural fiction) short story collections and novels via email. Be sure to review their submission guidelines before sending anything in for consideration.
2. Centipede Press
Based out of Lakewood, Colorado, Centipede Press is a small independent publisher that specializes in producing works of weird fiction. Some of their publications include books like “The Doll Who Ate His Mother” by Ramsey Campbell, “Who Censored Roger Rabbit” by Gary K. Wolf, and “Houses Under the Sea” by Caitlín R. Kiernan.
While they do not feature any information regarding submissions on their website, you’re more than welcome to reach them via email to see if Centipede Press’ editorial team is interested in your project.
3. Word Horde
Founded in 2012 by Ross E. Lockhart in Petaluma, California, Word Horde is a small independent publishing company that produces works often too fringe for mainstream audiences. Some of their titles include “A Hawk in the Woods” by Carrie Laben, “Corpsepaint” by David Peak, and “An Augmented Fourth” by Tony McMillen. Word Horde publishes titles in both traditional print and eBook formats to help their authors reach readers across all types of reading platforms.
Word Horde does not mention anything about submissions on their website, but you’re more than welcome to request any information by using the contact details displayed here.
4. Lovecraft eZine Press
With a relentless passion for cosmic horror and weird fiction, Lovecraft eZine Press is a US-based publisher founded by Mike Davis. “A Long, Dark, Grim Road”, by Joseph S. Pulver, Sr, “The Peaslee Papers: A Lovecraftian Chronicle”, by Peter Rawlik, and “Whispers”, by Kristin Dearborn are just three of the titles included in their backlist.
Unfortunately, the press is currently closed to submissions. However, you may be able to find out more about their activity if you inquire at lovecraftezine@gmail.com, as they encourage writers to reach them even during this time.
5. Eraserhead Press
Currently based in Portland, Oregon, Eraserhead Press was established by Rose O’Keefe. They started publishing bizarro fiction before anyone else, and they have built a reputation in terms of striking book titles and covers. Because of their constant success, they are now able to publish new works on a monthly basis. “Scum of the Earth”, by Cody Goodfellow, “Scary People”, by Kyle Muntz, and “Dungeons & Drag Queens”, by M.P. Johnson are just a few books worth checking out, if you’re interested in their preferences.
The next open submission period of Eraserhead Press is April 1st – June 30th, 2021, so you have plenty of time to prepare your manuscript until then. Their main interest lies in weird stories which involve both absurdity and a plot/character balance. To learn more, you should read their submission guidelines.
6. Rooster Republic Press
Rooster Republic Press is a US-based weird fiction publisher currently owned and operated by Nicholas Day and Don Noble. To become familiar with their backlist, you should check out “At Least I Get You < In My Art”, by Christoph Paul, “Someone Shot the Hip Young Conductor”, by Matthew Sunrich, and “Bad Hotel”, by Dustin Reade.
Unfortunately, they do not accept unsolicited submissions at the moment. If you need more details, feel free to reach them at roosterrepublicpress@gmail.com.
7. Chaosium Inc.
Originally founded in 1975 by Greg Stafford as a game development company, Chaosium Inc. has since expanded to become an independent publisher of weird fiction in both traditional print and eBook formats. Some of their titles include books like “Eldritch Evolutions” by New York Times bestselling author Lois Gresh, “Cassilda’s Song” edited by Joseph S. Pulver, Sr., and “King of Sartar” by Greg Stafford.
The team at Chaosium Inc. is currently considering submissions for works related to the Cthulhu Mythos, but not exclusively. These can be anthologies, original novels, or single-author collections. Nonfiction is of interest as well. All submissions and queries can be sent via email. Be sure to include a short 100-word description of your book, a cover letter that includes your publication history (if applicable), and a chapter outline and the first three chapters of your manuscript for consideration. If the latter cannot be included, then make sure to send them any relevant details regarding yourself and your project instead.
8. Ulthar Press
Based out of Warren, Rhode Island, Ulthar Press is an independent publishing company dedicated to publishing works of weird literature. Their titles include “Anonyma” by Farah Rose Smith, “The Masque of the Red Death and Others by Poe” illustrated by Jason Eckhardt, and “The Mighty Warriors” edited by Robert M. Price.
They currently have several open calls for weird fiction anthology submissions. You can find more information about these open calls through their submission guidelines. If you believe your project would be a good fit with Ulthar Press, you can send your manuscript for consideration via email.
9. Undertow Publications
Undertow Publications is an award-winning Canadian publishing house that was founded in 2009 with the express aim to discover and produce projects of weird fiction and horror. Some of their titles include “The Moon Will Look Strange” by Lynda E. Rucker, “Nothing Is Everything” by Simon Strantzas, and “All the Fabulous Beasts” by Priya Sharma.
Due to the high volume of submissions that they’ve received, Undertow Publications is currently closed to submission this time. You’re strongly encouraged to check back at a later date to see when this status will change. In the meantime, you can review their submission guidelines to prepare. Please note that Undertow Publications have considered collections of short stories, novels, and novellas in the past. . For general inquiries, you can contact the team at Undertow Publications through their website’s online contact form.
10. Rosarium Publishing
Founded in 2013, Rosarium Publishing is located in Greenbelt, Maryland. They are passionate about speculative fiction and comics, but they occasionally publish crime fiction as well. Besides their interest in stimulating books, they are also great diversity advocates. To become familiar with their backlist, you should look up “The Assimilated Cuban’s Guide To Quantum Santeriar”, by Carlos Hernandez, and “American Candide”, by Mahendra Singh. “A Tale of Truths”, by Berit Ellingsen is among their most recent publications.
There are no submission guidelines on their website, so you can contact them here for more details. At the same time, they might post useful information on social media, so check out their recent activity before asking any questions.
11. Omnium Gatherum
Omnium Gatherum is an independent publishing company that publishes dark fantasy, horror, and weird fiction in both print and eBook formats to reach readers around the world. As the winner of the Bram Stoker Award, Omnium Gatherum has published titles like “The Dog Who Knew Too Much” by Stacy Danielle Stephens, “Everything Is Fine Now” by Steve Rasnic Tem, and the award-winning novel “Cold Cuts” by Robert Payne Cabeen.
The team at Omnium Gatherum isn’t actively seeking new submission at this time, but you’re welcome to reach out to them through their website’s online contact form to query about your project. They have been previously interested in short stories, novellas, novels, and novelettes. However, standalone novels, as well as novel and novella series are only of interest during the submission period in November. For any updates, make sure to check their website and social media accounts from time to time.
12. Raw Dog Screaming Press
Raw Dog Screaming Press is an independent publishing company that prides itself on its ability to discover, publish, and distribute fringe literature that would otherwise fall to the wayside. Some of their releases of weird fiction include “Teeth of the Wolf” by Dan Rabarts and Lee Murray, “In A Suspect Universe” by Albert Wendland, and “Garden of Eldritch Delights” by Lucy A. Snyder. Several of their books have even gone on to win Bram Stoker Awards like Christina Sng’s poetry collection, “A Collection of Nightmares.”
The team at Raw Dog Screaming Press is unfortunately closed to submissions at this time, but you’re strongly encouraged to check back at a later date. For general inquiries, you can contact the editorial team via email.
13. Unsung Stories
Based in London, England, Unsung Stories is a renowned publisher of speculative fiction. From horror to magical realism to weird fiction, they are open to working on any project that involves an odd story which doesn’t fit mundane standards. To get an idea about what they’re interested in, you should check out “The Loosening Skin”, by Aliya Whiteley, “Metronome” by Oliver Langmead, and “The Bearer of Grievances”, by Joseph McKinley.
They are currently closed to submissions, but they will announce their next open reading period on social media. For now, keep in mind that manuscripts which involve black humor, sarcasm, and anything in between are more likely to be chosen for publication. To learn more about their preferences, read the submission guidelines displayed here.
14. Mythic Delirium Books
Mythic Delirium Books is an independent micropress that publishes works of speculative fiction, which includes the specific category of weird fiction. At the same time, they also publish poetry. Some of their releases include books like “The History of Soul 2065” by Barbara Krasnoff, “Snow White Learns Witchcraft” by Theodora Goss, and “Bone Swans: Stories” by C.S.E. Cooney.
At present, Mythic Delirium Books is on hiatus. If you’re interested in collaborating with them, you should check their guidelines page to find out about any updates.
15. Lethe Press
Lethe Press is an independent publishing house that was founded in 2001 by author Steve Berman. Specializing in all things to do with speculative fiction, Lethe Press has published works like “The Kissing Booth and Other Stories” by A.C. Wise, “The Unintentional Time Traveler” by Everett Maroon, and “Shadow Man” by Melissa Scott.
While Lethe Press is currently closed to general submissions, they do have an open call for short story anthologies. You can learn more here. For general inquiries or more information, you can also reach the team at Lethe Press through their website’s online contact form. You’re strongly encouraged to browse through their existing catalogue of titles to make sure your project will be a good fit with the company.
16. Fantastica
Fantastica is an imprint of Brio Books, an independent publishing company currently based in Sydney, Australia. They collaborate with authors from New Zealand and Australia to publish both fiction and nonfiction, and their books are globally distributed by Ingram. Fantastica is specialized in speculative fiction, which also includes weird fiction – “The Devil Upstairs”, by Anthony O’Neill, “The Stone Mage and the Sea”, by Sean Williams, and “Boy of Fire and Earth”, by Sami Shah are three just three of the titles featured in their backlist.
Luckily, they are always open to submissions. If you have a bold, challenging book you would like to publish, Fantastica could be a great fit for your project.
17. Montag Press Collective
Currently located in Oakland, California, Montag Press Collective is keen on publishing exceptional works of speculative, historical, experimental, and weird fiction, to name a few genres. Urban fantasy, dark fantasy, science fiction, and humor & satire are also on their list. To learn more about what they like, check out “The Children of Lot”, by Vic Kerry, “Dystopia Boy”, by Trevor D. Richardson, and “Hanging Fields”, by Steven Maxwell.
Unfortunately, they are now closed to general submissions, but submissions with referrals are more than welcome. If this is your case, make sure to read the press’s guidelines before sending your work.
Are there any other weird fiction publishers that should be on this list? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
K. Z. Kwan is a freelance writer based out of Halifax, Canada.