Obsidian Skull Press is seeking original fiction that traverses the realms of historical, horror, fantasy, science and speculative fiction, all while addressing the important themes of Latinx, Native American, and all marginalized issues. We are passionate about showcasing short stories and art that venture into the shadows between traditional genres, offering unique and diverse narrative voices that evoke a full range of emotions from awe to horror, love to terror, and those abysms in between.

Our preference lies in styles that are both flowing and distinctive, without straying too far into experimental territory. In our quest for compelling tales, we value stories with supernatural elements that champion cultural equality and inclusion, no matter the dark and twisted paths they may navigate. Our aim is to feature well-developed characters, vividly organic narratives, and thought-provoking tales. We crave the freshness of something new and different that leaves us yearning for more.

At Obsidian Skull Press, we strongly believe in representing marginalized voices in art and fiction. While we center our focus on Latinx and Native American heritage and issues, we eagerly welcome artists and authors of all races, cultures, creeds, genders, orientations, expressions, statuses, ages, and abilities. We also extend a warm invitation to artists and writers who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+, as we are dedicated advocates and supporters of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community.

If your story is selected for publication in our online library, we kindly request that you wait for three months before submitting again. Additionally, if your story is later reprinted in another publication, we would greatly appreciate acknowledgement as its initial place of publication.

What We Are Looking For

• We do not accept media tie-in fiction, fan fiction, novel excerpts, memoirs, poetry, or non-fiction.

• While we pride ourselves in publishing content that explores the darker side of the human condition and experience, and have no issue with graphic depictions, we are not interested in works that practice "shock value" with gratuitous gore or irrelevant violence that serves no purpose. Graphic scenes, content, and media must be relevant to the overall context of the story or artwork.

• While we do not publish erotica per se, we are open to works with relevant sexual contexts.

• For legal reasons, writers and artists must be at least 18 years old.

• We will not consider any form of submissions assisted, developed, or written by AI ("Artificial Intelligence") software. We do not advocate the use of AI in the Arts, as it robs hard-working artists in all fields of their livelihood. Submitting such work may result in being banned from submitting work in the future.

What We Are Not Looking For

Guidelines

• Word Count: Short fiction submissions should range from 1,000 to 7,500 words. Exceptions may be considered for longer stories – inquire at info@obsidianskullpress.com.

• Originality: We require previously unpublished work.

• Simultaneous Submissions: We accept simultaneous submissions.

• Manuscript Format:

  • 1-inch margins

  • Double-line spacing

  • 12-point Times New Roman font

• Cover Letter: Include your name, contact information, and the story's publication history.

• File Format: Submit your manuscript as a Word document (.doc, .docx) or a Google document. PDFs will not be accepted.

• Images (Optional): Include 1-2 high-quality images/photos (JPEG/PNG/TIF) if possible, with appropriate captions, dates taken, and credits. We favor original images that are directly related to the story and accurately portray the local context without perpetuating stereotypes.

• Title: Keep your title brief, ideally no more than 10 words and/or less than 100 characters.

• Language: All content must be submitted in English. However, we encourage authors to provide translated copies in other languages (especially Spanish) to broaden the reach of their work.

• Structure: Use chapter headers in bold font to enhance readability.

• Author Biography: Include a short biography (300 words max) with a photo, as you would like it to appear in the publication. Please include:

  • Your name

  • Institutional affiliation and position (if applicable)

  • Education

  • Focus of your work and hobbies

  • Links to your LinkedIn page, professional website, and/or relevant social media handles

• Pay: For fiction, we pay a flat rate of $15.00 USD and contributor copies if published in our bi-annual Ezine and print magazine.

• Payment is made upon publication, via PayPal.

• Fiction submissions should be sent to submission@obsidianskullpress.com with the subject line: “OSP Fiction Submission.”

• Submitted works will be reviewed by the Obsidian Skull Press editorial team. If we are interested in your fiction, you can expect to hear back from us via email. Our editors will do their best to respond to each request as quickly as possible. However, due to our small staff size, please expect a turn-around time of 7-10 working days.

• Once a submission is approved, there tends to be a brief back-and-forth period before posting any content. In some cases, editorial feedback may be given to enhance readability and accessibility. If substantive changes are made, the editors will send the author(s) a final version to review prior to online publication.

• For fiction contracts, we seek a 6-month non-exclusive period with world rights for publishing in all formats (print, digital, audio), and derivative works (film, etc.).

Submit your compelling fiction to Obsidian Skull Press and contribute to a platform that amplifies diverse voices and explores the intricate beauty and darkness of the Latinx and Native American experience.

Fiction

Art

At Obsidian Skull Press, we believe art is more than just a pretty picture. We're passionate about pieces that draw the viewer in and whisper stories, art that embodies a deeper meaning and resonates with a rich, underlying context. We're actively seeking talented artists to collaborate with and showcase artwork that embodies this philosophy.

We are currently accepting submissions of:

• Traditional Artwork: Paintings, drawings, sculptures (represented digitally).

• Digital Artwork: Illustrations, digital paintings, photo manipulations.

• Graphic Art/Design: Logos, posters, layouts, and other visually compelling designs.

• Character/World Concept Art: Visualizations of characters, creatures, environments, and worlds for various creative projects.

Please Note: Obsidian Skull Press does not accept artwork created using AI software. We value the unique creativity and skill of human artists.

Submission Guidelines:

We are seeking non-exclusive electronic, print, and reprint rights to selected artwork for a 6-month period. This allows us to feature your work in our publications and utilize it for promotional and advertising purposes, giving your art wider exposure.

To submit your artwork, please adhere to the following:

• File Format: Submit your artwork as either a JPEG or PNG file.

• Email: Send your submissions to submissions@obsidianskullpress.com with the subject line: "OSP Art Submission."

• Pay: For Art, we pay a flat rate of $15.00 USD for black and white, $25.00 USD for color, plus contributor copies if published in our bi-annual Ezine and print magazine.

• Payment is made upon publication, via PayPal.

• Submitted works will be reviewed by the Obsidian Skull Press Art Editorial Team. If we are interested in your artwork, you can expect to hear back from us via email. Our editors will do their best to respond to each request as quickly as possible. However, due to our small staff size, please expect a turn-around time of 7-10 working days.

We eagerly await the opportunity to discover compelling artwork that tells a story and captures the imagination. We encourage artists with a passion for creating meaningful and evocative visuals to submit their work. Let Obsidian Skull Press be the platform to amplify your artistic voice.

Legalese

• By submitting, authors and artists confirm that they are the original creator and copyright holder of the work.

• Obsidian Skull Press retains first publishing rights and the right to use the work for promotional and advertising purposes.

• Authors and artists are credited as the original creator and retain rights to their work upon publication.

• Obsidian Skull Press may nominate artists and authors for awards and honors with their permission.

Any Questions?

For questions, comments, suggestions, or criticism, contact the staff at info@obsidianskullpress.com.

Obsidian Skull Press "Voices" Blog

Please carefully review the guidelines below before sending in a written work. Our editors are happy to discuss ideas with potential authors and respond to any inquires.

Blog submissions should be sent to submission@obsidianskullpress.com with the subject line: “OSP Blog Submission.”

Pay: For blog contributions, we pay a flat rate of $15.00 USD per article, up to $100.00 USD per article for proven influence, reader engagement, and following with the Potential to be an in-house blogger at Pro Rate pay per word.

Blog Focus

Obsidian Skull Press is more than just an online publishing house; we are a platform, a community, and a champion for marginalized voices in the arts. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and we believe in the power of storytelling to build bridges, foster understanding, and inspire change.

As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we are actively seeking blog contributions that align with our core values and mission. We welcome submissions that not only showcase incredible talent but also contribute to crucial conversations about the state of the arts, the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and the importance of equitable access to creative opportunities.

Specifically, we encourage submissions exploring these vital themes:

DEI in the Arts:

• Experiences of Marginalized Artists: Share your personal stories, challenges, and triumphs navigating the art world as a member of a marginalized community. This could include experiences with racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination.

• Representation and Visibility: Discuss the importance of accurate and diverse representation in literature, visual arts, and other creative mediums. Analyze how representation impacts cultural perceptions and contributes to a more inclusive society.

• Advocacy and Activism: Highlight initiatives, organizations, and individuals working to promote DEI in the arts. Explore strategies for creating more equitable access to resources, opportunities, and platforms for marginalized artists.

• Challenging Stereotypes: Deconstruct harmful stereotypes and misconceptions perpetuated through art and media. Offer perspectives that celebrate the complexity and richness of diverse cultures and identities.

Beyond DEI: Expanding the Conversation:

While DEI remains central to our mission, we also welcome submissions that explore a wider range of topics relevant to artists, writers, and the publishing industry:

• Writing Tips and Techniques: Share your wisdom and experience! Offer advice on everything from crafting compelling narratives and developing memorable characters to mastering different writing styles and overcoming writer's block.

• Book, Story, and Art Reviews: Provide insightful and critical analyses of works by marginalized artists. Help our readers discover new voices and expand their understanding of diverse perspectives.

• Industry Practices and Insights: Discuss the current state of the publishing industry and offer insights into navigating the changing landscape. Address topics such as marketing, promotion, agent relationships, and self-publishing.

• Artistic Expression as Social Commentary: Explore how art can be used as a powerful tool for social change. Analyze works that address important social issues, raise awareness, and inspire action.

• The Power of Community: Discuss the importance of building supportive communities for artists, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Share strategies for fostering collaboration, mentorship, and mutual support.

• Mental Health and Creative Wellbeing: Address the unique challenges faced by artists in maintaining their mental health and well-being. Offer tips and resources for coping with stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Our Commitment:

Obsidian Skull Press is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for all contributors. We value diverse perspectives and prioritize inclusivity in our editorial process. We strive to create a platform where marginalized voices can be heard, celebrated, and empowered.

Blog Referencing

• Please use hyperlinks in your text to direct readers to online sources (as appropriate), especially if you are making claims that might be contentious. We recommend not including more than 10 links per article.

• If citing an external source that is not available online, please make sure that your references are done in the American Psychological Association (APA) style. For more information, please visit the Purdue Online Writing Lab.

• Please avoid using footnotes; instead, integrate material directly into the text.

Blog Editing Process & Publication

• Submitted works will be reviewed by the Obsidian Skull Press editorial team. If we are interested in your blog post, you can expect to hear back from us via email. Our editors will do their best to respond to each request as quickly as possible. However, due to our small staff size, please expect a turn-around time of 7-10 working days.

• Once a submission is approved, there tends to be a brief back-and-forth period before posting any content. In some cases, editorial feedback may be given to enhance readability and accessibility. If substantive changes are made, the editors will send the author(s) a final version to review prior to online publication.

Blog Length & Format

• For readability and accessibility purposes, we will only consider submissions that are between 1500 and 2000 words in length. Length exceptions may be made if deemed appropriate by the editors. Please email info@obsidianskullpress.com to inquire about articles longer than 2000 words.

• Please submit your post as a Word document (.doc, .docx) or a link to a Google document. PDFs will not be accepted.

• If possible, please include 1-2 high-quality images/photos (JPEG/PNG/TIF format) with your submission. These may be ones that you have taken yourself, or that you have the rights to. When submitting, please provide an appropriate caption, with date taken and appropriate credit. Our editors reserve the right to approve or dismiss the image(s) that accompany every piece. We prefer original images that are directly related to the written subject, and accurately portray the local context and do not perpetuate stereotypes or biases.

• Keep your title brief, ideally no more than 10 words and/or less than 100 characters. Titles are what grab a reader’s attention. Please ensure that the title clearly communicates the topic and conveys the essence of the piece to the reader.

• All content must be submitted in English. That said, (we publish much of our content and material in Spanish) once approved for publication, we are happy to post a translated copy(-ies) in any language, provided that the translation is done either by the author(s) herself/himself, or through a trusted third party of the author’s own accord. Please note that any translated version(s) will be posted alongside, rather than in lieu of, the English version. We strongly encourage authors to avail of the opportunity to translate their text into the working language of the context of interest, so that the post can reach more audiences.

• We encourage authors to use section headers in bold font to break up the text and guide the reader.

• We ask that all authors include a short biography with a photo (300 words max), as you want it to appear in the publication. Biographies should include your name, your institutional affiliation and position, education, and the nature/ focus of your work, hobbies. We also ask that you provide a link to your LinkedIn page and/or professional website, as well as any relevant social media handles (if applicable), where readers can connect and follow up with you for any additional information.

• Clear and Concise Writing: Get to the point efficiently and effectively.

• Jargon-Free Language: Avoid technical terms or specialized vocabulary that might alienate readers.

• Strong Position/Stance: Present a well-defined viewpoint on the topic you're addressing.

• Standalone Pieces: Submissions should be self-contained and understandable without prior context.

• Originality or Adaptation:

  Can be original work.

  Can be a summary or adaptation of larger works (if so, provide a link to the original source).

• Content That Sparks Dialogue: Articles that address social issues and encourage discussion.

• Creative Insights: Humorous and insightful pieces about the creative process.

• Well-Researched Topics: Articles that demonstrate thorough research and are relevant to our audience's interests.

• Transparency Regarding Reprints: If the piece has been published elsewhere online, disclose this information and provide a link to the original source.

• Permission for Reprints: If you wish to have your piece published on our website, but it is already published elsewhere online, please clearly state so in your email. You must include a link to the original source for reference. We also ask that you seek permission from the original publishers before reproducing content.

Writing Style

Obsidian Skull Press embraces a wide range of genres, including Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ+, Psychologiocal, Sci-Fi, Speculative, and Supernatural. We are particularly interested in stories that:

• Focus on Latinx and Native American issues, cultures, and perspectives. While all backgrounds are welcome, we prioritize narratives that center these often-marginalized voices.

• Celebrate the dark and twisted, yet magnificent and beautiful. We encourage you to take risks with form and content, pushing boundaries and exploring complex themes.

• Open conversations on cultural and social issues. Fiction can be a powerful tool for sparking dialogue and promoting understanding.