Call for Submissions on Theme of "Through the Frosted Glass": Belladonna's Garden

WINTER Issue 2- January 2026

THEME: Through the Frosted Glass - Winter Horror

Deadline: Nov. 15, 2025

Step inside… but keep the lights on.

Our winter issue theme, Through the Frosted Glass, is inspired by frost-covered windows, retro 70s/80s aesthetics, and gardens that feel just a little… off. We’re looking for fiction, poetry, and art that evoke the uncanny, the eerie, or the quietly unsettling. Whether through domestic spaces, winter landscapes, or fleeting glimpses of strange gardens.

While works that touch on the theme are encouraged, we also welcome standout pieces that capture the haunting, whimsical, or nostalgic spirit of Belladonna’s Garden.

Please read our guidelines below.

If Duosoma isn't accessible to you for any reason, please submit a .doc or .docx file via email to belladonnasgardenlit@gmail.com. You may also send to sharileewilder@gmail.com if you receive an error with the previous email.

Cost:

Free! We do not charge for general submissions. We do accept tips through Duosoma's tip jar feature or Ko-fi.

We especially welcome:

• Magical realism

• Cozy or soft horror

• Folklore and fairytale-inspired pieces

• Nature-infused work, such as wildflowers, moonlight, old trees, and forgotten gardens.

• No erotica or gore.

Submission Guidelines: Please send only unpublished work. Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but let us know right away if your piece is accepted elsewhere.

Genres & Length

• Poetry: No line limit (up to 3 poems per submission).

• Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words.

• Short Stories: 1,000–5,000 word

• Creative Nonfiction: 1,000–5,000 words.

We especially welcome:

• Magical realism

• Cozy or soft horror

• Folklore and fairytale-inspired pieces

• Nature-infused work, such as wildflowers, moonlight, old trees, and forgotten gardens.

• No erotica or gore.

Formatting

Short stories, flash, and nonfiction: Double-spaced, 12pt, standard font (Times New Roman, Garamond, or similar).

Submit as a .doc or .docx file. PDFs are acceptable if needed.

Cover Letter

Keep it simple. Please include:

• Your name (and pen name, if applicable).

• The title(s) of your work.

• Word count.

• Optional: You’re welcome to share what drew you to Belladonna’s Garden, but it’s not required.

Multiple Submissions

• Up to three poems at a time.

• Or one submission in two different categories (e.g., one poem and one short story).

Rights & Payment

We ask for first-time publication rights. All other rights remain with the contributor. At this time, we are unable to offer payment.

Generative AI Policy

We publish only original, human-written content. Any use of AI is grounds for immediate rejection.

Art Submissions

• We welcome art that fits the mood of the garden: soft magic, cozy hauntings, folklore, and quiet mystery. Think magical realism, gentle gothic horror, wildflowers, folklore, and fairytales.

• Submit up to five pieces as separate .jpg or .png files (illustration, photography, collage, watercolor, or mixed media).

• No erotica or gore.

• No images of identifiable people. We honor consent, mystery, and ambiguity.

• At this time, we are unable to offer payment.

Submission Caps

To ensure every submission receives careful attention, we have implemented submission caps.

Just so you know, submissions may close early if the cap is reached, even before the official deadline. We encourage early submissions to make sure your work is considered. These caps help us read each submission thoughtfully and give every contributor the attention their work deserves.

Welcome, and thank you for wandering into the garden.

Submit your work here.