For our third annual anthology, Novelitics presents Midnight in the Garden, a collection of stories exploring the timeless fascination and complexities of the seven deadly sins: Pride, Greed, Wrath, Envy, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth.

Each author who wishes to write and submit to the anthology will be randomly assigned one of these sins to center their story around. You must confirm you will be submitting by November 13. All assignments will be made and presented at Writers Well that evening.

You must be an active Novelitics member to be eligible to submit.

Submission Requirements:

Content Guidelines: 

Stories should be between 4,000 - 8,000 words, set in a garden at midnight, and appropriate for a mainstream audience (PG-rated content akin to Murdoch Mysteries rather than Game of Thrones). We’re looking for mystery, intrigue, and drama—no overt sex, graphic violence, or political themes. Your story should evoke atmosphere and moral tension without crossing into R-rated territory.

Deadline: March 30, 2025 (strict). Late submissions will not be considered.

Format Requirements:

• Submit your story as a Microsoft Word document.
• Use Times New Roman font, 12-point, with 1" margins.
• Double-space your document, indent the first line of each paragraph, and do not add extra space between paragraphs.

Evaluation Process:

This anthology is a curated collection open to active Novelitics members. Submissions will be reviewed in April and May, with acceptance, revision requests, or rejections communicated during that period. Not all submissions will be accepted, so please submit your polished best.

Writer Support:

Writers’ Well will be open in February and March for peer critiques and guidance as you prepare your submissions. Take advantage of this opportunity to fine-tune your story and align it with our anthology’s standards.

Timeline and Production: 

• Final Edits: All accepted stories will complete the editing phase by mid-June 2025.
• Volunteer Opportunities: As with past anthologies, we welcome volunteers to help with production and marketing efforts, particularly during July and August, as we prepare for a September 15 release date. This timing is designed to capture the Halloween season for optimal exposure.

Ready to Submit?
Send your manuscript, formatted according to the guidelines, to kim@novelitics.com. Let the sins begin!