Unleash Your Darkest Fears

Fuel Dark Descent's chills! Pay what your nightmares inspire.

Uncage Your Dread: A Spine-Tingling Microfiction Competition for Our Yearly Horror Anthology Dark Descent: Whispers from Beyond  - Vol 1

Calling All Horror Weavers!

Dark Holme Publishing dares you to unleash your darkest fears in our chilling microfiction competition, designed to fuel the nightmares of our prestigious monthly online horror magazine, Dark Descent: Whispers from Beyond.

Embrace the Macabre and Haunt the World:
Craft terrifying tales between 250-500 words that delve into the darkest corners of human experience. Push the boundaries of horror and leave readers trembling long after the final line.

Push Boundaries, Win Acclaim:
One monthly winner will be crowned, receiving a £25.00 cash prize and guaranteed publication in our yearly horror anthology, Dark Descent: Whispers from Beyond. Additionally, ten shortlisted stories will also be published in the anthology, amplifying the chorus of dread.

Be Part of Something Bigger:
Your participation fuels the very essence of Dark Descent. This competition is a pay-what-you-feel initiative to support the creation of our chilling yearly anthology. Every contribution, large or small, helps cover the costs of publishing—printing, editing, and bringing your nightmares to life. Your support makes the horror real! Contribute using the secure PayPal button at the top of this page.

Unleash Your Darkest Fears and Be Immortalized:
All winners and shortlisted authors will receive a copy of our monthly magazine featuring their story. Additionally, a yearly anthology will be published via Amazon, compiling all the year's winners and runners-up, ensuring your chilling tales are immortalized in print.

Ready to Descend? Here’s Your Challenge:

  • Mark Your Email Clearly: Use the subject line "Dark Descent" to ensure your entry stands out. Send all entries to kerry@darkholmepublishing.uk.
  • Word Count: 250-500 words
  • Originality: Unpublished work only
  • Theme: Embrace the macabre (horror and darkness)
  • Deadline: Midnight, 25th of each month. Entries received after the 25th will roll over into the next month's competition.
  • Format: Standard manuscript format, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font (include title and contact info)
  • Rights: Non-exclusive rights granted for publication in Dark Descent: Whispers From Beyond and related materials
  • Multiple Submissions: Up to three per entry

All entries will be judged by the discerning Dark Holme Publishing editorial team.

More Than Just a Competition:
Dark Descent is a celebration of all things macabre. At Dark Holme Publishing, we champion diverse voices and unique perspectives. This is your opportunity to showcase your talent and be a founding member of a vibrant horror community.

Unveiling the Horror:
Mark your calendars! On the 26th of each month, we’ll announce our winners and shortlisted stories. These chilling tales will be revealed via our social media channels, so be sure to follow us and join the horror conversation! Don’t miss out—victors and finalists will be unveiled each month, bringing fresh frights throughout the year.

Ready to haunt the world? Unleash your darkest fears and be part of the horror revolution with Dark Holme Publishing!

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