CHM will open for fiction submissions from March 1 until March 7, 2026, for our special tribute issue to CL Moore.
What do we want?
Fiction paying tribute to CL Moore under 5,000 words
What’s that mean?
Moore stands midway between [Mary Shelley and Ursula LeGuin] not only in her identification with the revengeful monster, but also in her criticism of the scientist who creates such a monster only to destroy it… by using metaphors of female alienation [which] are potentially powerful and far-reaching.
-Susan Gubar, “CL Moore and the Conventions of Women’s Science Fiction”
CL Moore was a pioneering writer of science fiction and fantasy, most famous for her weird sci-fi tales following recurring protagonist Northwest Smith and her borderline cosmic horror sword and sorcery works following another recurring protagonist, Jirel of Jiory. Her work was unique at the time for focusing as much (if not more) on the inner lives of her characters as their fantastic adventures.
Moore is speculative fiction royalty, but her work is not as widely read as that of her male contemporaries and friends. Good news, however, if you are entirely unfamiliar! With the gracious permission of her estate, CHM has recently republished two of Moore’s works, “Shambleau” (1933) and “No Woman Born” (1944) along with commentary, analysis, and suggestions for further reading from our editor. Many of the magazine issues her stories were published in are also available for free on Archive.org
Need more ideas?
Colonial arrogance and getting hoisted by your own petard, beauty (of any kind) that wraps around to horrifying/the sublime as horror, mistaking the superhuman for the subhuman, weird retellings, a complete lack of moral simplicity.
When do we want it?
March 1-8, 2026
How do we want it?
Other Stuff
Only one story per author, please.
We are especially interested in hearing from those whose voices are underrepresented in weird fiction. If comfortable, feel free to drop this information in your cover letter.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please withdraw immediately upon acceptance elsewhere.
We pay 3 cents (USD) per word for original fiction.
We do not take unsolicited reprints.
We do not take work created with the assistance of AI.
