Short stories and novels that inhabit the realms of dark and speculative fiction—horror, dark fantasy, gothic sci-fi, magical realism with a darker edge, and anything in between that explores the human (and non-human) condition through a heightened lens. We prioritize narratives that authentically represent and amplify Latinx, Native American, and other marginalized experiences.


Submission Guidelines
Welcome

Gracias for your interest in sharing your work with Obsidian?Skull?Press. We are a growing, independent press dedicated to dark and speculative fiction that challenges conventions, expands horizons, and sparks meaningful conversation. Whether you are a seasoned author, an emerging poet, a visual artist, or a first-time submitter, we invite you to bring your unique voice to our platform.

Obsidian Skull Press Black Skull Logo
Creative empowerment. Authentic storytelling.
We believe that storytelling—and the art that accompanies it—has the power to:

?? Illuminate hidden truths about our world and imagined realms.

?? Foster empathy across cultures, identities, and experiences.

?? Elevate voices that have historically been under-represented in speculative literature.

While we welcome submissions from creators of all backgrounds, we prioritize works that center the perspectives and experiences of:

?? Latinx creators and narratives.

?? Indigenous peoples (including Native American, First Nations, Aboriginal, and other Indigenous communities).

?? BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) writers, artists, and collaborators.

?? LGBTQIA+ individuals and stories that explore queer, trans, and non-binary experiences.

Our priority does not exclude other voices; instead, it reflects our commitment to expanding the landscape of speculative fiction by giving those whose stories are often overlooked a dedicated platform.

Our Vision
General Submission Principles

1. Mission Alignment

We seek work that aligns with our mission to center voices and visions that challenge, inspire, and redefine the boundaries of genre storytelling and art. Submissions should embody:

?? Authentic representation of cultures, identities, and lived experiences.

?? Bold explorations of dark, speculative, or surreal themes.

?? A commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives, regardless of the creator’s background.

2. Originality & Respect

?? Submissions must be original, previously unpublished work (unless otherwise noted for specific formats like blog posts or interviews).

?? We respect the cultural and storytelling traditions of all communities. Creators from cultures with oral traditions or communal storytelling practices

are encouraged to share their work while adhering to their communities’ ethical standards.

3. Thoughtful Presentation

While detailed formatting guidelines will be outlined during our official launch, please ensure your submission is:

?? Well-organized and clearly presented.

?? Respected for its unique voice and perspective, whether in text or visual media.

4. Submission Email

All submissions must be emailed to: submissions@obsidianskullpress.com

5. Clear Subject Line Format

Use the following subject line format to streamline our review process:

?? "Fiction Submission: [Title]"

?? "Art Submission: [Portfolio Link/Title]"

?? "Obsidian Echoes Submission: [Title]"

?? "Ink & Shadows Submission: [Title]"

What We’re Looking For
Guidelines & Submission Categories
What We're Looking For: Short stories and novels that inhabit the realms of dark and speculative fiction—horror, dark fantasy, gothic sci-fi, magical realism with a darker edge, and anything in between that explores the human (and non-human) condition through a heightened lens. We prioritize narratives that authentically represent and amplify Latinx, Native American, and other marginalized experiences.

Themes: We encourage stories that challenge conventions, explore social issues through speculative frameworks, delve into cultural myths and folklore, and present compelling, diverse characters.