Calling All Writers!

 

Cleis Press is looking for short stories to be included in Best Women’s Erotica of the Year, Volume 12. Writers who have been previously published are preferred, but it is not a requirement. The theme for this volume is “erotic adventures.” Travel is a great way to not only escape everyday life, but letting go of one’s inhibitions. Whether globe-trotting, hiking a national trail, or mixing things up in the comfort of your own backyard, there is always a chance an adventure will unfold. While we are always pleased to see locales anywhere in the world, sometimes adventure can happen in a well-known place with a familiar partner, or even entirely in a character's own mind. We look forward to discovering what adventure means to you! Cleis Press likes stories that are inclusive and diverse, so characters on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, those that have disabilities, or represent a minority are always appreciated. We are seeking original ideas, and stories that have not been previously published via print and/or online. 

Cleis Press will not accept nor publish stories that contain the following themes/ tropes:

 

• Nonconsensual sex or activities (dub-con will be considered so long as consent is established beforehand, or used to fulfill a fantasy. If you have any questions, feel free to email us first)

• Stories involving underage characters or minors, grooming, or anything of the like (including age play)

• Incest (including pseudoincest), bestiality, necrophilia, racism

• Characters that resemble real public figures/ celebrities (including political figures) 

• Substance/alcohol/drug abuse that affect the character's willingness/ability to consent or make sane judgements and decisions 

• Infidelity or cheating tropes (polyamory and non traditional relationships are welcome so long as all parties are consenting).

 

How to submit: 

 

Deadline: July 15, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. EST (Unless otherwise noted, or an extension is granted, stories submitted after this time frame will not be considered.) Not every submission is guaranteed publication. We will try to respond no later than August 30, 2025, with decisions.

 

Format: 

• Word Doc (.doc or .docx) 1.5 - 2 double spaced (Do not paste in the body of the email)

• First page to include: your legal name (and pseudonym, if applicable), email address, and a biography (maximum of 50 words), written in the third person. 

• Times New Roman, 12-point, black font pages numbered 

• Header with story title (aligned left) and last name or pseudonym (aligned right) 

• Stories should be 2,500 - 5,000 words in length 

 

Submissions can be sent to acquisitions@cleispress.com /Attn: Ashley

The subject line should read as follows: BWE 12 Short Story Submission

 

The book will be published in December of 2026. Writers will receive a copy of the book, and a one-time compensation of  $100 USD. 

 

FOR ALL OTHER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES, CLICK HERE