Submissions

Dark House welcomes submissions from both debut and previously published authors.

We are actively seeking exceptional horror, dark fantasy, speculative fiction and other dark narrative works from writers in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Our approach combines editorial assessment with commercial awareness. We look for distinctive voices, compelling storytelling, memorable characters and projects capable of standing out in a competitive marketplace.

Due to the number of submissions received, Dark House is highly selective in its representation decisions and is only able to offer representation to a small number of authors each year. Every submission is reviewed in accordance with our submissions process, although we are unable to provide detailed feedback on every project.

We are currently open to submissions in the following categories:

• Horror / Dark Fantasy Fiction
• Horror / Dark Fantasy YA Fiction
• Children’s books with subtle horror themes
• Horror / Dark Fantasy Screenplays for Film and Television
• Horror / Dark Fantasy Graphic Novels
• Horror Non-Fiction

Before submitting, please read the guidelines below carefully. For useful advice on preparing your covering letter, please click here.

What we look for

Although every project is different, we are generally seeking submissions that demonstrate:

• A distinctive and confident authorial voice
• Strong storytelling and narrative momentum
• Memorable characters
• Original concepts or fresh approaches to familiar themes
• Atmospheric world-building and immersive settings
• A clear understanding of the intended audience
• Commercial and publishing potential within the horror, dark fantasy and speculative fiction markets

We are particularly interested in projects that leave a lasting impression and have the potential to build a readership over the long term.

How to submit fiction:

Submissions are accepted via email only.
Please include your covering letter in the body of your email, including the manuscript’s word count.
Please attach a single Word document containing:
- A synopsis of the complete plot, including major plot developments and the ending (maximum two sides of A4).
- The first three chapters, or equivalent opening section, formatted in a standard 12-point font and double-spaced.
- For children's books of 3,000 words or fewer, please submit the complete manuscript.
Please format the file name as follows:
- [Manuscript title – Your full name]

Please send your submission to: submission@darkhouse.uk

How to submit non-fiction:

Submissions are accepted via email only.
Please include your covering letter in the body of your email and state the word count or projected word count.
Please attach the following Word documents:
- Proposal
- Short Synopsis
- Current CV
Please format the file names as follows:
- Proposal - [Manuscript title – Your full name]
- Synopsis – [Manuscript Title – Your full name]
- CV – [Manuscript title – Your full name]

Please send your submission to: submission@darkhouse.uk

Submitting a screenplay:

Submissions are accepted via email only.
Please include your covering letter in the body of your email.
Please attach a single Word document containing:
- A synopsis of the complete plot, including major plot developments and the ending (maximum two sides of A4).
- For standalone television screenplays - please submit the complete manuscript.
- For episodic television screenplays - please submit the complete pilot script only.
- For feature film screenplays - please submit the first 50 pages. Additional material may be requested if we wish to read further.

Please format the file name as follows:
- [Manuscript title – Your full name]

Please send your submission to: submission@darkhouse.uk

Further Enquiries

Please read these guidelines carefully and consult our FAQ before making an enquiry.

If you still have a question regarding submissions, you are welcome to contact us at: submission@darkhouse.uk

We look forward to hearing from you.