Gothic Blue Books were short fictions popular in the 18th and 19th century. They were descendants of the chap book trade and are now a thing of the past. Burial Day Books will resurrect this art form with a new twist with its own Gothic Blue Book to be available this October 31st 2011.
What was a Gothic Blue Book?
Gothic Blue Books were abridgements of full-length Gothic novels. The subjects of the books fell into one of two categories; the first being set in a monastery or convent and the second being set in a castle.
In terms of the physicality of the book, they were three and a half to four inches in width and six to seven inches in height, with a page count of thirty-six to seventy-two pages in length.
These little pieces of terror were popular at the time because they were affordable, a sixpence or a shilling each. Their cost affordability led them to be nicknamed Shilling Shockers or Sixpenny Shockers.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a short story, about 3,500 words in length. If your story is longer but you feel it is fitting due feel free to submit for our review. We will also consider a poem. The story must have at least a mention or take place in either one of the following original Gothic Blue Book guidelines or New Burial Day Books Gothic Blue Book guidelines.
Original Gothic Blue Book guideline:
a) Setting in a monastery or convent
b) Setting in a castle
New Burial Day Gothic Blue Book guideline:
a) Setting in a cemetery, funeral home or morgue
b) Setting in a haunted house
In addition to the above, the story must be able to instill fear using a supernatural element – ghosts, ghouls, monsters, folklore or legend. No extreme violence, heavy science fiction themes, excessive sexuality, gore, or profanity.
For inspiration look to Edgar Allan Poe, H. P. Lovecraft , Jorge Luis Borges, Shirley Jackson, Emily Brontë, or even Neil Gaiman.
The collection will be published before October 31st 2011 in eBook and traditional book format.
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 13
LEGAL DETAILS
If accepted you are giving Burial Day:
A. The exclusive first right to electronically publish your story at www.burialday.com
B. The right to republish the story in or in connection with Burial Day, including electronic or hard copy form, including in promotional material or compilations – provided that authorial credit is given in every instance of reproduction.
After your story appears on Burial Day you are free to republish your piece elsewhere as long as you communicate to potential buyers that they are buying your story as a non-exclusive piece.
For more information, please visit: Burial Day Books
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