Submission

🔥 Call for Submissions

Stories of Resilience, Resistance, and Rebirth Wanted

📅 Deadline: August 31, 2025

Flame Arrow Publishing is expanding its speculative fiction catalogue and actively seeking bold, imaginative English-language novellas (40,000–60,000 words) and short novels (up to 75,000 words) by Canadian authors or permanent residents.

We publish stories of transformation — rooted in hope, rebellion, identity, and survival. We want to spotlight speculative fiction that challenges norms, blends genres, and reflects the diverse, evolving fabric of Canadian life.

What We’re Looking For

We are especially interested in:

  • Underrepresented voices
  • Thought-provoking stories with emotional or philosophical depth
  • Genre-bending, surreal, or boundary-pushing narratives
  • Canadian authors with something original to say

Accepted genres:

  • Fantasy
  • Science Fiction
  • Horror (if not central)
  • Romantasy
  • YA SFF & New Adult crossover
  • Urban Fantasy
  • Indigenous futurism
  • Hopepunk
  • Solarpunk
  • Afrofuturism
  • Magical realism
  • Speculative thrillers
  • Adventure & mystery

We are not seeking:

  • ✘ Pure horror, contemporary or literary fiction
  • ✘ Romance-only stories
  • ✘ Memoirs or biographies
  • ✘ Short story collections
  • ✘ Previously published work (including self-published)
  • ✘ Submissions from authors who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Submission Guidelines

Please send your submission to: submission@flamearrowpublishing.com

Include the following:

1. Query Letter (PDF attachment)

Your letter should include:

  • Your name and author bio
  • Relevant background (education, profession, writing experience)
  • Previous publications (if applicable)
  • Website and/or social media (optional)
  • 1-sentence story hook
  • A 250-word synopsis
  • Central theme(s)
  • What makes your story unique
  • Whether it’s a standalone or part of a series

2. Manuscript Sample (PDF attachment)

  • First 3 chapters (for novellas), or up to 50 pages (max 25,000 words)
  • Formatting: Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 spacing
  • No images, photos, or graphics
  • Please do not send your full manuscript unless requested.

3. Email Body

  • Your full name and contact information
  • Confirm that you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Why Submit to Flame Arrow?

We are a bilingual Canadian indie press publishing speculative fiction with a purpose. We believe in stories of resilience, resistance, and rebirth — stories that move readers and matter in the world.

FAQ

How long are the delays to receive an answer?

You should receive a formal answer from us between 3-6 months from the moment we send you a confirmation email that we have received your submission.

Do I need a literary agent?

We are currently accepting manuscripts from non-agented authors. However, this might change in the future. If you want to learn more about literary agents in Canada, you can look up the Omada Agency.

Are you are a traditional publisher?

Yes, we are! This means that the entire publishing process is on us (as it should be).

I am worried about my copyrights. What should I do?

It's normal to be worried when sending out your manuscript to people you don't know. This is one of the (many) reasons why we do not accept full manuscript submissions, to protect your information and privacy.

We suggest you take a look at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office website to learn more about how copyright protects you as an author.