Shortwave Publishing is currently CLOSED to general submissions.
However, we are OPEN at this time for agented* submissions of dark sci-fi/fantasy novels from women and underrepresented (including non-binary) authors. We have one spot to fill from submissions, for publication in 2025.
What we’re looking for: A new dark sci-fi/fantasy novel for general/adult readers. 50k+ words. Take us away from Earth (or at least, the Earth we know). Tropes we like (from tvtropes.org): after the end, aliens are bastards, apocalypse how, be careful what you wish for, came from the sky, cosmic horror, eldritch abomination, the end of the world as we know it, haunted technology, mental time travel, the stars are going out, virtual ghost, who wants to live forever (defied).
Potential comps: Arrival, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Dune, Annihilation, Under the Skin, Recursion, Alien(s), Black Mirror.
Contract: Total value of $1,500 (signing bonus + marketing budget) plus 35% of net royalties starting with the very first sale (no advances to repay).
Rights: World English first rights for print and eBook. Five-year exclusivity period.
Submission: Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Please send a synopsis, the first few chapters (3-5 depending on length), and a short bio to contact@shortwavepublishing.com
Timing: It may be a few months before we can read and reply to everyone. Please be patient.
*Submissions must come through a literary agent, or may be submitted directly by un-agented authors, if we’ve previously published their work.
Please check specific Open Calls (anthologies, magazine submissions) for any unique requirements. Below are general submission guidelines.
All submissions must be original and previously unpublished in any format (including your personal website, KDP, Kindle Vella, etc) unless reprints are specifically allowed per the open call.
Please format your submission in a readable font, size, and color as a Microsoft Word doc or docx. We prefer the Shunn format, but won’t reject over formatting.
File names should include at least the work’s title and your author name. You may also include word count and agent name, if you’d like.
In your submission email, please include a short bio along with a list of recent publications (if you are currently unpublished, simply mention that).
Also, include the word count and the broad genre of your submission.
Submissions should be emailed to contact@shortwavepublishing.com