Accepting agented and unagented submissions for novelettes and novellas from July 6-August 30th.

Augur Press publishes speculative literature that breaks down walls between literary and sci-fi/fantasy spaces. We seek work across genres: poignant dark fantasy, crisp science fiction, lush secondary world adventures, contemporary gothic, quiet myth-building, and dreamy realism.

We especially encourage work that defies easy categorization – “too speculative” for literary venues or “not speculative enough” for genre publishers. However, our mandate includes the full spectrum of speculative works from the barely-speculative to the extremely campy. Give us a try.

As always, Augur Society strongly encourages submissions from creators across marginalized intersections, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, queer, trans, intersex, disabled, mad, neurodivergent, and/or immigrant writers.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Novelettes & Novellas

• Novelettes of 12,500-20,000 words
• Novellas of 20,000-40,000 words
• Lush worlds, complex characters, riveting relationships, incisive commentary, impeccable craft

Authors We Love: Fonda Lee, Premee Mohamed, Neon Yang, Nghi Vo, Robin Hobb, Becky Chambers, A.D. Sui, Tamora Pierce, Nalo Hopkinson, Amal El-Mohtar, Larissa Lai, Ai Jiang, Martha Wells, Khadija Abdalla Bajaber, Hiromi Goto, N.K. Jemisin, Indra Das, R.F. Kuang, Eden Robinson

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Format

• Modern manuscript format
• .doc or .docx files only
• 12pt Times or Times New Roman font
• Include content warnings under your title

What to Include

• Cover letter with: 1-paragraph project description, author bio (incl. previous publications), intersections if comfortable, note if manuscript is under consideration elsewhere
• 1-page (500-800 words) synopsis – NOVELLAS ONLY
• Full manuscript
• Citizenship relation: Canada/Turtle Island [CND/TI], International to Canada [INT] (including the United States), or Other [OTH] (e.g. temporary residence, ex-pat, etc.) for grant purposes

WHAT WE DON'T PUBLISH

• Gratuitously violent work
• Horror using neurodivergence as the horror element
• Comedy that punches down
• Work minimizing trauma as plot device
• Casual bigotry or insensitive content
• AI-generated or AI-assisted submissions

PAYMENT & PROCESS

We offer advances competitive with small Canadian presses and work closely with authors on developing and marketing their works. Our boutique approach means you’ll be in a cohort of 2-3 books per year, ensuring dedicated attention to each project.

Response time: 12-16 weeks from August 15th

Questions about fit? Read Augur Magazine and Tales & Feathers Magazine to learn what we love.

Submit through our Moksha system. Verification email will be sent within 24 hours.