Call for Submissions:
Self-Help & Other Fantasies, a Magical Short Story Collection
Author H.L. Burke is putting together a new fantasy short story anthology under the Fellowship of Fantasy Banner with a theme of “Fantastical Self-Help and Self-Improvement.” This will be a collection of fictional tales that combine fantastical elements with an aspect of self-help, self-improvement, self-care, or personal discovery.
What types of stories are we looking for?
Maybe a story about a Goblin going to therapy. A Mimic starting a weight loss program. A woman who picks up a new daily affirmation not realizing it’s actually a spell. Someone taking up a new hobby that goes magically off the walls.
Potential story title examples
Time Management through Time Travel
Magical (literally) Habits
How to Declutter Your Dragon Hoard
Previous Fellowship of Fantasy Anthologies Include:
Fantastic Creatures
Hall of Heroes
Mythical Doorways
Tales of Ever After
Paws, Claws, & Magic Tails
Wags, Woofs, and Wonders
Looking for
3k-10k word short stories featuring fantastical elements combined with some element of self-help/self-improvement/.
Content level G to light PG-13 (no f-bombs, gory violence, explicit scenes.).
Edited manuscripts.
How will it be published?
The anthology will be financed via Kickstarter. Authors who submit to and/or are accepted to the anthology will not be required to or expected to contribute/support the Kickstarter. However, social media shares, or otherwise telling your existing audience about the Kickstarter, are appreciated.
Stretch goals to the anthology will include a special illustrated version, hardcovers, and an audiobook.
Kickstarter fees will cover all major anthology expenses.
Authors of Accepted Stories Get:
$30 for first publication rights.
1 Free paperback copy of the anthology
The ability to order additional copies at wholesale cost as long as the anthology remains in publication.
Note about Rights:
We are requesting first publication rights. Other rights remain with the owner while allowing the stories to be published in the anthology in perpetuity. Original characters and scenarios will remain the property of the writers. The anthology asks for a period of six-month exclusivity. If the Kickstarter funds to a level that allows for audiobook production, we will also ask for audiobook rights.
Deadlines & Submission Guidelines:
All submissions must be received by Midnight (Pacific) on July 31st, 2026.
Submissions and Inquiries can be sent as an email attachment to hlb @ hlburkeauthor .com
Please use the subject line: Self-Help Anthology Submission
All submissions must be received by Midnight (Pacific) on July 31st, 2026.
Please submit your story as an email attachment.
Please submit your story as a doc file and include your author name/email within the document itself.
Legible formatting is appreciated.
AI Policy:
The Fellowship of Fantasy prides itself on HUMAN-written stories. AI-Generated fiction will not be accepted. Please disclose any AI assistance so it can be assessed.
For the sake of clarity, we do not consider Spellcheckers or Grammar Checkers such as Grammarly to be a violation of our AI-free policy.
AI will not be used in editing the anthology, for any potential illustrations, or for cover design.
FAQ:
Can I write a story set in my existing fantasy world from my other works (published or otherwise) or with characters from other works?
Yes, as long as there is no conflict with previously existing contracts/rights ownership. We can even include a note at the end of your story that it takes place in your story world. However, count on the majority of readers of the anthology not being familiar with your world, so make sure the story can be read as a standalone without previous knowledge of your other books.
What do you mean by PG-13 or lower content?
We ask for the violence to be kept to a non-bloody/gory level. Ask for no sex scenes or strong innuendo. Swearing to be kept to a handful of medium strength words, no F-bombs, racial slurs, or sexually violent terms.
My idea for a story is a little dark. Is that okay?
If it still falls under a PG-13 umbrella, go ahead and submit it, but as we are going for a playful, funny tone, a story being too dark or depressing might be a reason for rejection. This doesn’t mean we’re requiring stories to be all sweetness and light, but we want an overall consistent tone, and having a single dark and dismal tale in the middle of a bunch of slapstick comedy and puns would probably contribute to a jarring reader experience.
How many stories will be published in the anthology?
Our goal publication length is ten stories, including one by author H.L. Burke. However, as long as we can get six or seven stories, it will be put into production. Also, if stories are truly excellent, I will admit to having a hard time turning them away. If we get more than twelve that I really really love, that’s when I start looking into splitting it into two volumes.
Can I submit a story that has been previously published elsewhere?
While original stories are preferred, we will consider previously published works provided that the contract with the original publisher allows for the work to be published elsewhere. Please note any previous publication of the story as well as current rights status when you submit.