Upcoming Deadlines: "UFO", "Penumbra" and "...For All Eternity"

One of the tools I've used sometimes to help myself get started on writing is writing towards prompts or themes for upcoming publications, either anthologies or themed issues of periodicals. Every Thursday, I'll be posting two or three such submission calls which I find of interest. There may be a somewhat heavy speculative fiction bent to these lists, but I'll endeavor to mix it up a bit for those who write mostly in other genres.

A quick reminder that the anthology of humorous speculative fiction for which I'm an associate editor has had its submission period officially open as of July 1st. "Unidentified Funny Objects" is open through August 31st, 2012 and pays 5 cents per word for stories of 500-4,000 words.

The eMagazine "Penumbra" runs calls for themed issues. They have not updated the page recently, however the "Utopia" theme just opened on June 1st and historically their calls have been open for at least a couple of months. Since Duotrope lists the prior month's call "Exploration" as being open through July 31st, you should still have a bit of time here. They pay 5 cents per word for stories of 500-3,000 words.

The second submission call for this week is from "...For All Eternity." This is an anthology put out by the people behind Bete Noire. They are looking for stories based on one and only one of the Seven Deadly Sins. The anthology will have one story for each sin. This submission call runs through July 31st, 2012 or when filled. They pay a 1 cent per word for stories between 3,000 and 6,000 words plus a copy of the anthology.

Please make sure to read the linked guidelines pages closely to ensure that you understand details of the submission guidelines, terms, payment information, etc.

Stop back next Thursday for more Upcoming Deadlines!