FLASH OF THE DEAD: X-MAS ’26
Anthology of Christmas/Holiday-themed Horror Flash Fictions
Wicked Shadow Press is now open for submissions for Flash of the Dead: X-Mas ’26 (Expected publication: December 2026), the new installment in our Flash of the Dead series, set to feature Christmas and winter holiday-themed horror flash fictions. We’re seeking the darkest, weirdest and most twisted takes on Christmas and the holiday season; stories that plunge the spirit of the festive season into the dark realm of wicked shadows.
Feel free to interpret the theme broadly: Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, Krampusnacht, New Year’s, the solstice, office holiday parties, family gatherings gone wrong, or any holiday tradition you can think of is fair game for a dash of wicked corruption.
Whether you’re a seasoned horror author or a first-time submitter, if you’ve got a story that will make readers lock their doors a little tighter on Christmas Eve, we want to read it.
The final date of submission is November 18, 2026
WE ARE ACCEPTING
Flash Fiction: (between 100-1500 words) Please send no more than TWO flash fictions
We are considering TRANSLATED WORKS as well. Submission of translated works must be accompanied by a statement declaring that the translator has obtained the author’s permission and their publisher’s, if required.
Simultaneous Submissions are welcome but the author must inform us by e-mail as soon as the submitted piece is accepted elsewhere. Pieces cannot be withdrawn once Wicked Shadow Press informs the author of its acceptance for publication.
We consider reprints but generally do not publish them unless they are exceptional. Please mention in the mail body in case your submission is a reprint.
At present, we are unable to pay our contributors. Each contributor shall receive a COMPLIMENTARY DIGITAL COPY of the anthology as soon as it publishes.
Manuscripts should directly be sent to WickedAnthology@gmail.com
Please write Submission for FOTD XMAS in the subject line of your submission email.
Please submit your files in the following formats: .doc /.docx /.txt. DO NOT submit PDFs.
Wicked Shadow Press uses non exclusive rights to publish in its anthologies. Authors are free to republish their work anywhere else once it has been published.
Please submit only original pieces. Wicked Shadow Press or the editor/s of the anthology shall not be responsible for any disputes arising due to plagiarism or copyright infringement.
Each piece MUST be attached with a short bio of the author, preferably within 100 words, and if possible, a photograph of the author to go along with publication.
NOTE: We typically reply within a month after receiving submissions. However, replies can be delayed under unforeseen circumstances.
