Once Upon A Crime Anthology – Terms of Participation

Thank you for your interest in submitting to the upcoming Once Upon A Crime flash fiction anthology. Please read the following participation terms carefully before submitting your work.

Submission Eligibility

  • Submissions are open to Once Upon A Crime members only.
  • You must be a current, active member at the time of submission and at the time of publication.
  • Each member may submit one story.

Story Requirements

  • Theme: Gothic Mystery (must contain a clear crime element)
  • Word Count: Maximum 1000 words
  • Deadline: 30 September 2025
  • Stories must be original and previously unpublished.

AI Policy

  • AI-generated fiction is not permitted.
  • While AI may be used as a tool for brainstorming, outlining, or editing assistance, the creative writing itself must be entirely your own work.
  • Any stories found to be generated wholly or in part by AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Sudowrite, Claude) will be disqualified.

Publication Details

  • The anthology will be published via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
  • It will be available in digital (ebook) and print (paperback) formats.
  • The ebook will be enrolled in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited programme and thus exclusive to Amazon for 90 days.
  • After the 90-day exclusivity period:
    • The ebook will be taken down from Amazon.
    • The paperback will also be discontinued.
    • You will be free to reuse, republish, or resell your story as you wish.

Author Compensation

  • Participating authors will receive a single royalty payment, made within 30 days of the end of the 90-day exclusivity period.
  • The total royalties (from both ebook and print sales) will be divided evenly between all contributing authors, regardless of individual story length or performance.
  • No ongoing royalties will be paid beyond this one-off payment.

Communication and Payment

  • All communication regarding editorial feedback, publication updates, and payment will be conducted via email.
  • Authors will be asked to provide a PayPal address (or equivalent) to receive their royalty payment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a member of the Once Upon A Crime committee.

We look forward to reading your gothic tales of mystery and crime.