Grim & Gilded is an online literary journal. There is no print edition at this time. We currently plan to publish roughly twenty pieces a month, divided between poetry, short stories, and flash fiction, with at least one piece of visual art.
Reading Period:
G&G accepts unsolicited submissions year-round, however, occasionally we run contests that are open in lieu of our standard submission cycle. Due to our small staff, we are unable to have both standard issues and competition cycles be open simultaneously. Our Submittable page is the most up to date in terms of what we are currently accepting.
What Does G&G Want to Read?
Accepted works will fall into the categories of short stories, flash fiction, or poetry. Grim & Gilded wants to read from BOTH literary and genre spaces, with strong characters that reflect upon the human experience and facets of society. We appreciate pieces that contain elements or exist fully within the realms of fantasy, horror, high fantasy, magical realism, science fiction, urban fantasy, horror, contemporary fantasy, fairy tales, Gothic, steampunk, and thriller.
To cultivate a sense of what we enjoy, consider the writings of Clive Barker, Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, V. E. Schwab, H. P. Lovecraft, Bram Stoker, and Mary Shelley. For a more visual representation, look to films such as Pan’s Labyrinth, Legend, Big Fish, Crimson Peak, Midsommer, The Green Knight, The Witch, and Phil Tippett’s Mad God.
Short Story and Flash Fiction Guidelines:
Manuscripts should be double-spaced, in 12pt Times New Roman font (or similar), with standard one-inch margins.
Submissions should be no longer than 6,000 words for short stories, 1,000 words for flash fiction.
Writers submitting flash fiction may submit up to three stories per submission. If submitting multiple pieces, please submit all in one document.
Please use .doc, .docx, or .odt file formats only.
Poetry Guidelines:
As with G&G's short story and flash fiction preferences, elements of fantasy, horror, magical realism, science fiction, and fairy tales are welcome in poetry submissions, though they are not required.
Grim & Gilded accepts up to five poems per submission. If submitting multiple poems, please submit all in one document.
Please use .doc, .docx, or .odt file formats only.
Artwork Guidelines:
G&G has officially opened the doors for visual artists! We are looking for pieces that continue G&G's focus of finding the beauty in darkness- the gold among the blackened fear and horror. We are open to reviewing photography, drawings/sketches, paintings, mixed media, and more - if you think it fits the theme of the magazine, send it our way!
Please only submit one piece per submission.
By submitting a piece for consideration you state that you have the rights to do so, and that G&G is not violating rights held by another organization by publishing your work.
Please use only .jpg/.jpeg or .png formats.
How to Submit:
Our Submittable is now live!
Simultaneous Submissions and Previously Published Work:
At this time, Grim & Gilded accepts simultaneous submissions, but please notify us as soon as possible if your piece is accepted elsewhere.
Grim & Gilded only accepts previously unpublished work.
Rights:
You own your work, and all rights associated with it.
Payment:
At this time, Grim & Gilded is unable to offer payment for published submissions. As we expand and grow, hopefully this will evolve as well.