upcoming themes
Sterncastle Magazine is continually seeking fresh, thought-provoking themes for our quarterly issues. Themes that challenge, inspire, and provoke. Our upcoming themes appear below.
To suggest future theme concepts or to vote on upcoming themes, check out our community on Patreon.
q1 2026
Submission deadline: March 10, 2026
Theme: Tales of the Sea
Description: Tales From the Sea is a theme that seeks short fiction in which the ocean is essential—not a backdrop, but center stage. We’re interested in stories shaped by saltwater and weather, by myth, memory, and long horizons. Fishermen, sailors, pirates, shipwrecks, sea creatures, coastal lives, recreation, and ritual all belong here. Whether the sea is violent or still, wondrous or unforgiving, it should matter—leaving its pressure on the story and on everyone who enters it.
q2 2026
Submission deadline: June 10, 2026
Theme: TBD
Description: TBD, become a supporter on Patreon to vote on this and future themes.
Magazine submission form
If you are interested in submitting a work of visual art or short fiction to Sterncastle Magazine, please complete the form below and attach your files at the end. Do not use this form for book-length submissions to Sterncastle Publishing. Those can be submitted here.