All manuscripts submitted must contain an element of the speculative. As a genre, speculative fiction includes: science fiction, fantasy, supernatural, alternate history, magic realism, or any combination thereof--including stories that are difficult to define.  We are not interested in horror, due to our low resistance to gore and all it entails, or historical fiction in the classic sense.  We do not read submissions for screenplays, poetry, mysteries, thrillers, children's, chick lit, romance, erotica or nonfiction.

Meadowhawk Press is focused on speculative fiction that is intelligent and character driven. We want writing that appeals to adults, but is 'YA Accessible'. We are looking for characters that are 17 years or older, but will occasionally consider exceptions that are compelling enough to engage a broad range of readers. 'YA Accessible' to us means that while violence and sex may be part of the human condition, it does not have to be graphic or pornographic in the telling. We evaluate adult content based on what is crucial to plot or character arc, and edit accordingly.

We're open to all stories of speculative fiction (as stated in our novel guidelines) that would be appropriate for teen readers as well as adults, but each anthology has specific story requirements.  See our open anthologies for current themes.  Guidelines below apply to ALL anthologies:

• No stories that have been previously published.
• Please submit only one story per anthology at a time.
• Word count is from 1,500 - 15,000 words.  If your story is a little shorter or a little longer, you may send it.  If we love it, word count isn't so important.
• Rights purchased are First World Publication Rights.
• Due to the large number of submissions, if you haven't heard back from us in 6 weeks, please feel free to follow up (but please allow that giving each story its due attention takes time).

If you've got a completed manuscript you think we'd be interested in, please send a query letter in the body of an email and your first 3 chapters as an attachment (in RTF format) to the address below. Please use proper manuscript formatting*. Don't forget to put the word QUERY and the title of your project in the subject field--we'd hate to accidentally delete your query as spam. If you prefer, you may send us a postal submission.

Keep in mind that we really do read each submission, and it takes time to give each writer their due attention, however, if you do not hear back from us within six weeks, feel free to follow up.  And remember, whatever happens, keep writing.  Keep believing.

Address queries to: We are currently closed to queries, please check back at a later time.

* For further information about manuscript formatting, please refer to the SFWA website