Entropy - Volume 1 - A Dark Anthology

ENTROPY, VOLUME 1 A Dark Literary Anthology from Garden of Neuro Press

Reading Period: April 20 -- August 30, 2026

ABOUT THIS ANTHOLOGY

Entropy is Garden of Neuro's dark literary anthology, published through Garden of Neuro Press, the publishing arm of Garden of Neuro Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing writers and the craft of writing.

Volume 1 launches with a simple premise: we want writing that stares into the abyss and does not look away. Dark literature with intelligence, craft, and nerve. We are looking for work in mystery, thriller, suspense, horror, sci-fi, and speculative fiction -- genre work that takes itself seriously without taking itself too seriously. Gothic atmosphere, noir instincts, existential dread, absurdist humor in the dark. If it unsettles us and earns it, we want to read it.

We value craft, originality, and emotional truth above all. We welcome emerging and established writers alike.

Selected works will be considered for Pushcart Prize nomination.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

Standard Submission -- $5 Editorial consideration for publication in Entropy, Volume 1. Includes all genres listed above.

Teaching Program Submission Package -- $35 Includes a developmental editorial feedback report on your submitted work, consideration for publication, and -- if accepted -- complimentary developmental editing during the revision process, two complimentary copies of the anthology, promotion through Garden of Neuro marketing channels, and Pushcart Prize consideration. Make inquiry at Susan.Brearley@gardenofneuro.org.

Garden of Neuro Learning-Writing Cohort Members -- Free All submission fees are waived for writers currently enrolled in a Garden of Neuro Learning-Writing Cohort. Cohort members receive the full benefits of publication if selected.

WHAT WE ACCEPT

Genres: Mystery, thriller, suspense, horror, sci-fi, speculative fiction, dark fantasy, noir, gothic, absurdist, existential. Cross-genre and hybrid work welcome.

• Poetry: Up to 3 poems per submission. Each poem no longer than 2 pages. Dark, weird, strange -- welcome. Longer works or sequences: query first.
• Fiction: 1,000 to 5,000 words. Flash fiction under 1,000 words accepted. Must be self-contained. No novel excerpts unless fully standalone.
• Creative Nonfiction, Memoir, Essay: 1,000 to 5,000 words. True crime adjacent, survival narrative, literary journalism with dark edge, hybrid forms -- all welcome. No academic papers.

One piece per genre per submission. Writers may submit up to three pieces per anthology (one poem, one fiction, one nonfiction). The same piece may not be submitted to more than one Garden of Neuro anthology simultaneously.

WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR

We are not looking for gratuitous gore, shock for its own sake, or darkness without purpose. The best dark writing earns its horror. If the only thing your piece has going for it is how disturbing it is, it is not for us. Craft is non-negotiable.

FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

• File format: .docx or .doc preferred; .rtf accepted. No PDFs or Google Docs links.
• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
• Prose: Double-spaced. Poetry: Single-spaced acceptable.
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides
• File name: LastName_Title.docx
• Word count below the title on the first page

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED WORK

We accept only unpublished, original work. This includes work not previously published on blogs, social media, personal newsletters, or other platforms. If you are a Garden of Neuro EIC or regular contributor and your work has appeared in a Garden of Neuro publication, contact us before submitting.

COVER LETTER

Include a brief cover letter (100 words maximum) with:

• Title and word count
• One sentence describing (not summarizing) your piece
• Genre
• Previous publications, if any
• Confirmation the work is unpublished elsewhere

FEE WAIVERS

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accessibility is central to our mission. Full and partial fee waivers are available for writers experiencing financial hardship. To apply, send a brief email to Susan.Brearley@GardenofNeuro.org with the subject line Fee Waiver Request. No detailed financial documentation required. Requests are reviewed promptly and kept confidential.

No writer should be turned away because of finances.