MC-Guide
Content Writing
Website 46: tenebrouspress.com
How Can You Earn Money Writing For “tenebrouspress.com” Website
This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to tenebrouspress.com.
You will learn what tenebrouspress.com wants, how to test your idea, how to write a pitch, and how payment roughly works. You can use this like a small SOP.
Section 1 · What Tenebrous Press publishes
Short answer: weird, horror, strange fiction — often boundary-pushing
Tenebrous Press focuses on New Weird horror, odd speculative fiction, and dark/genre-blending work. They publish books (novellas, novels, collections), run the quarterly magazine The Skull & Laurel, and put out special anthologies and themed projects. Read a quick snapshot on their About page to get a feel for their mission and voice. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Novellas and novels (book-length projects)
- Short stories for themed issues (e.g., The Skull & Laurel)
- Collections, mixed-format projects, and sometimes nonfiction in a weird vein
- Art and reprint submissions for certain calls
They like work that is strange, provocative, and genre-fluid: stories that push horror and speculative fiction into new directions rather than predictable genre formulas.
Section 2 · Check open calls and categories
Always start at their submissions and blog pages
Tenebrous often runs time-limited calls (e.g., Brave New Weird anthology windows, Skull & Laurel issues) and posts details on their Submissions and Blog pages. Before you write or prepare a pitch, check:
- Their Submissions page for current openings and general rules. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Their Blog for specific calls and notes (they announce windows and themed calls). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Category-specific posts such as the Brave New Weird or Skull & Laurel announcements — these tell you eligibility and any unique constraints. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Tip: Many small presses cycle specific calls only a few times a year. If a category is closed, make a calendar reminder to re-check the page in a month or two and keep writing elsewhere in the meantime.
Section 3 · Prepare your manuscript
How to format and what to include (practical)
Tenebrous accepts electronic submissions through a web form. Always follow the category instructions: some windows are for reprints, some are for BIPOC or other inclusive calls, and some have strict word-count targets (e.g., novellas vs. short stories). If the call asks for a specific format, use it. When in doubt, use standard manuscript formatting (12pt serif or sans, double-spaced for prose, single-spaced for poetry), and provide a clean, proofread file or text. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Cover note / short author bio (2–4 sentences).
- Contact email and any social links you want the editor to see.
- Full manuscript or an excerpt if the call asks for sample pages (check word counts).
- Any statement on rights you’re offering (exclusive first publication vs. reprint).
Use a readable file type (DOCX or PDF unless otherwise requested), properly labelled filename (Lastname_Title.docx), and ensure your opening lines are strong—the editor often skims first pages quickly.
Section 4 · Filling the Submissions Form
Step-by-step: from idea to Send
Tenebrous asks submitters to use their form (one form per story/entry). The practical steps below will help you finish a clean submission.
Read the current call carefully
Open the exact blog post or submissions page for that call and copy any required metadata (word count limits, eligibility rules, exclusive period, and any additional questions from the editor). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Prepare your short cover note and bio
Two or three lines: who you are, relevant publications (or “no prior publications” is fine), and one sentence describing the piece’s hook or where it fits (e.g., “A 3,500-word New Weird short exploring memory and fungus”).
Attach file & proof once
Export to DOCX (or format requested), open the exported file and read first 2–3 pages to verify formatting. Check for broken links (if you included any), and ensure images are embedded if requested.
Submit and note the date
Copy the form confirmation, save it, and add a calendar reminder to check for responses after the editor’s typical response window (they sometimes ask to wait; see their submissions page for timing expectations). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Section 5 · Rights, pay & expectations
What to expect and how to ask about money and rights
Small presses vary. Tenebrous sometimes posts pay details when they run art or special reprint calls (for example, an art reprint call listed a $25/piece note for some items). Always read the blog call for explicit pay/rights language and ask politely during contract negotiation if something is unclear. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Type of rights requested (first serial rights, exclusive period, worldwide rights).
- Payment amount and timing (on acceptance, on publication, etc.).
- Author credit and how reprints are handled.
- Any print/ebook distribution that requires special permission.
The submissions page and calls often note that response times can vary. If a specific timeframe is listed in a call, use it; otherwise allow a few months before sending a brief, polite follow-up. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Section 6 · Ethics, inclusivity & special calls
Respect the call: inclusivity & eligibility rules matter
Tenebrous runs themed calls that may be limited to certain communities (for example: calls open only to specific gender identities or BIPOC writers for particular projects). Read each announcement carefully: eligibility is not optional. Submitting ineligible work wastes your time and the editor’s. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Section 7 · Final pre-submission checklist
Micro-SOP: use this before you click Send
Section 8 · FAQ & resources
Quick answers and useful links
- Tenebrous Press – Submissions. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Tenebrous Press – Blog (announcements & calls). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Brave New Weird Volume 4 – call (example). :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Skull & Laurel call (example: BIPOC call). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- The Submission Grinder – Tenebrous Press entry. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Duotrope – Tenebrous Press. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Tenebrous Press – About. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}