Arkhelian is reopening short fiction queries on a limited basis.
At least for now, this will not be a wide-open submission period. To keep the process focused, selective, and manageable, Arkhelian is accepting query letters only rather than unsolicited full manuscripts. What follows here is a high-level overview. Full details can be found: here.
Writers with stories that fit the studio’s tone and niche are welcome to query. Indie writers are encouraged to apply.
What Arkhelian is looking for
Arkhelian is currently interested in short fiction in and around the following genres:
- science fiction
- cyberpunk
- post-apocalyptic fiction
- cosmic horror
- biopunk
- adjacent dark or grimdark speculative work that fits the tone and niche of the studio
The studio is especially drawn to character-driven stories with a strong sense of world, mood, tension, and perspective.
Queries may be sent for either:
- a finished short story
- a prospective short story concept still in development
Arkhelian is also interested in writers with a strong worldbuilding sensibility, especially those developing stories with a distinct setting, atmosphere, or larger fictional framework in mind. That said, a story does not need to be part of a larger universe to be considered. Strong standalone fiction is absolutely welcome.
Stories submitted for consideration should be:
- original
- self-contained
- clearly grounded in their genre
- aligned with the studio’s broader creative direction
What Arkhelian is not looking for
Arkhelian is not accepting:
- fan fiction
- AI-written stories
- serialized fiction
- incomplete or non-self-contained story concepts
Original stories only.
What to send
For this round, Arkhelian is accepting query letters only.
A strong query should include:
- the working title
- genre
- estimated word count
- a short pitch or synopsis
- a brief introduction to the writer (website, social links)
- a note on why the story is a fit for Arkhelian
Please do not send a full manuscript unless it’s requested. Inclusion of a manuscript will disqualify the query from consideration.
Where to send it
Queries should be submitted through the studio’s contact page (topic: creative): link
To keep the process organized, all queries should go through that channel.
Later, if a story is accepted
If a story is accepted, the author may receive access to parts of the wider Arkhelian community, including:
- writers group access (free)
- higher-tier Patreon access (free)
- invitations to virtual studio events (free)
- consideration for inclusion in the upcoming Arkhelian Bookstore, which will feature a curated selection of universes and fiction
This process is intended to support both publication opportunities and longer-term creative alignment with the studio ecosystem.
Final note
Arkhelian is keeping this process intentionally selective.
The goal is not about volume. The goal is fit.
If a story feels aligned with the studio’s tone, genre space, and direction—send a query.
