Bear West Books publishes fiction that celebrates the west coast of Canada. We publish primarily Canadian authors, and we encourage submissions from members of diverse communities.
At this time, we do not publish children’s books, cookbooks, memoirs, non-fiction, or self-help books.
Bear West Books is currently accepting submissions for an upcoming anthology of short fiction stories.
BEAR WEST ANTHOLOGY
Bear West Books is reviewing submissions for a new anthology of short fiction that blends gothic mystery with West Coast locations and themes. Think dark, brooding forests; foggy midnight meetings; shipwrecks and winter storms; and phantoms drifting through mossy glades. We’re looking for tales of wonder and suspense, with perhaps a dash of supernatural terror. This anthology will be published in print and e-book in 2026.
Please read through these guidelines before sending us your work:
- Bear West Books is committed to providing a platform for diverse voices and experiences. We encourage new writers, women, people of colour, Indigenous people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others from under-represented, marginalized communities to submit their works and perspectives to the Anthology.
- At this time, our editorial board is only prepared to accept English submissions for the Anthology.
- We accept simultaneous submissions, but if your work is accepted elsewhere, please notify us as soon as possible to withdraw your submission.
- We do not accept stories written by AI tools such as Chat GPT. At Bear West Books, we want to celebrate human experiences, hear your authentic voice, and delight in your unique perspective!
How to format your work:
- All submissions should be typed, 12 pt. Times New Roman.
- If your submission is longer than one page, please paginate your work.
- Submit as a .doc or .docx file. Works should be a maximum of 4000 words; please double-space your work.
How to send us your work:
- To submit your work, please email hello@bearwestbooks.ca
- The subject line of your email should be: Submission [Title] [Surname]
- Multiple submissions are permitted; each writer can submit up to 3 times. Please write a separate email for each submitted work.
- Bear West Books cannot guarantee that we will provide feedback for every submission.
- Please attach your work to the email. In the body of your email, please include: your name, contact information, and a brief biography (50-100 words).
Submissions close on October 31, 2025.
