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Literary Journal

Secret Horror

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About the magazine

Secret Horror is an online literary magazine dedicated to publishing unsettling, atmospheric horror fiction that often defies conventional genre boundaries. Founded with an ethos of embracing the weird, the eerie, and the psychologically disturbing, the magazine provides a platform for stories that linger in the mind long after reading. Its curatorial focus is on work that prioritizes mood, ambiguity, and existential dread over explicit gore or shock value, aligning it with the tradition of literary horror exemplified by authors such as Robert Aickman and Shirley Jackson. By maintaining a discerning eye for the subtly terrifying, Secret Horror has cultivated a readership that appreciates horror as a mode of philosophical and emotional inquiry.

Submitting your work

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Writers should familiarize themselves with the magazine's aesthetic by reading several published stories before submitting. Secret Horror favors narratives that build unease through suggestion and atmosphere rather than explicit violence. Stories that blend genre elements with literary sensibilities, explore existential or psychological themes, or employ innovative structures are particularly welcome. Standard manuscript formatting is expected, and simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, though prompt notification of acceptance elsewhere is appreciated. Given the magazine's focus, avoid tropes such as gratuitous gore, stock monsters, or twist endings that undermine the story's atmospheric coherence. Response times vary, but patience is advised as each submission receives careful consideration.

Submission calls

1 listed
OpenDeadline · 2026-12-16

Secret Horror Short Story Submission

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