PUBLISHING WITH HORRORSMITH

OUR HISTORY

The publishing journey looks different for everyone. And no one understands that better than Horrorsmith. We were founded by Lyndsey Smith, a freelance fiction editor who works with self-publishing authors, authors hoping to query traditional publishers, and larger traditional publishing houses who contracted their editing needs. With each project, she uses a wealth of expertise to guide authors toward their publishing goals.

But what she hoped to do with Horrorsmith Publishing was form a team of authors looking to immerse themselves in their genres, in their careers, and in their communities.

EXPECTATIONS

When considering a traditional publishing model, either through a small indie publishing house or one of the more established imprints, it's imperative for authors to understand what they're up against. Nothing about publishing normalizes "Get Rich Quick."

Even with larger publishing houses with deeper pockets and marketing budgets, the average novel sells approximately 3,000 books in their lifetime. Only 200-300 of these are usually sold in the first year after the novel's release. In comparison, the average self-published novel sells 250 books in its lifetime, but 90% sell less than 100 copies.

OUR FUTURE

These are realistic expectations, but our founder has inspired us to push our boundaries and think outside the box. It's our goal to elevate genre fiction across horror, thriller, young adult, and romance imprints and help our authors reach the upper echelon who persevere over “average.” We aren't just writing books; we're creating empires.

If you’re looking for a true team, a family of like-minded authors working together toward greatness, a group of individuals non-compliant with the normal restrictions of the publishing industry, then welcome to Horrorsmith.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

FEAR FORGE HORROR SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- All manuscripts must be 40,000 words or more in length.
- We consider reprints on a case-by-case basis, and we do accept simultaneous submissions.
- All sub-genres, except extreme horror, are being accepted at this time.
- Royalty share is currently 50/50, with other opportunities like external projects and merchandise for additional royalty accrual.
- Submit your query, a full synopsis (aim for one page), and first three chapters to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like this: Target Imprint - Project Title - Series or Standalone - Word Count.
- Synopsis and first three chapters can be submitted as Word .docx files or PDFs. Full manuscript requests must be submitted as Word .docx files.
Thrill Forge THRILLER Submission Guidelines
- All manuscripts must be 60,000 words or more in length.
- Releases will begin in 2025.
- We consider reprints on a case-by-case basis, and we do accept simultaneous submissions.
- Current preferred sub-genres are psychological, domestic, cozy, romantic, historical, disaster, or supernatural.
- Royalty share is currently 50/50, with other opportunities like external projects and merchandise for additional royalty accrual.
- Submit your query, a full synopsis (aim for one page), and first three chapters to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like this: Target Imprint - Project Title - Series or Standalone - Word Count.
- Synopsis and first three chapters can be submitted as Word .docx files or PDFs. Full manuscript requests must be submitted as Word .docx files.
TEEN FORGE YOUNG ADULT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- All manuscripts must be 40,000 words or more in length.
- Releases will begin in 2025.
- We consider reprints on a case-by-case basis, and we do accept simultaneous submissions.
- All sub-genres are being accepted at this time.
- Royalty share is currently 50/50, with other opportunities like external projects and merchandise for additional royalty accrual.
- Submit your query, a full synopsis (aim for one page), and first three chapters to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like this: Target Imprint - Project Title - Series or Standalone - Word Count.
- Synopsis and first three chapters can be submitted as Word .docx files or PDFs. Full manuscript requests must be submitted as Word .docx files.
SPICED FORGE ROMANCE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- All manuscripts must be 50,000 words or more in length.
- Releases begin in 2025.
- We consider reprints on a case-by-case basis, and we do accept simultaneous submissions.
- All sub-genres are being accepted at this time.
- Royalty share is currently 50/50, with other opportunities like external projects and merchandise for additional royalty accrual.
- Submit your query, a full synopsis (aim for one page), and first three chapters to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like this: Target Imprint - Project Title - Series or Standalone - Word Count.
- Synopsis and first three chapters can be submitted as Word .docx files or PDFs. Full manuscript requests must be submitted as Word .docx files.
FEAR FORGE ANTHOLOGY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Throughout 2022 and 2023, Horrorsmith Publishing produced the Fear Forge Anthologies. For 2024, we put these aside to focus our efforts on establishing our novel releases and our various imprints.

Look for more anthology open calls in 2025.
HORROR AND THRILLER SHORT STORY CONTINUOUS OPEN CALL
We are accepting horror and thriller short stories for publication in our monthly subscriptions and newsletters.

- Word Count - 3,000-10,000 words
- Theme - Open
- Flat Payment of $25 currently, though we hope to increase this amount soon, eventually to pro-paying levels.
- Must not be a simultaneous submission. Must not be a reprint.
- Submit stories to submissions@horrorsmithpublishing.com.
- Format the subject of your submission email like: Short Story - Project Title - Word Count.
- Story must be submitted as a Word .docx.