StoryTime Publishing, known for their impact on the African sci-fi scene with the publication of the AfroSF anthology series in 2010, announces a new publishing project called ZamaShort.  They are currently seeking submissions.

This new platform will publish short stories as “standalone” pieces that can be “read and enjoyed and savored fully as” independent publications. The idea is to celebrate “the amazing powerhouse in the single short story.”

StoryTime Publishing was launched in 2007 and have since championed short writings with StoryTime magazine and the African Roar and AfroSF series of anthologies. The new initiative is still helmed by Zimbabwean writer Ivor Hartman, editor of the anthology series.

Learn more in the publisher’s remarks and see the submissions guidelines below:

“ZamaShort is solely focusing on the amazing powerhouse that is the single short story. We believe in giving each short story its own exclusive publication so that it may have its own spotlight. To be read and enjoyed and savored fully as a standalone publication rather than jumping to the next and the next until they start to blend. As per the StoryTime Publishing mandate initialized in 2007, with ZamaShort we continue to champion and add to the ever-growing canon of African literature excellence and diversity.”

Submission guidelines 

Short stories may be submitted in any and all genres such as literary fiction, science fiction, contemporary fiction, fantasy, romance, historical fiction, etc. as long as it is within the following terms.

  1. Only verifiable African writers are eligible (writers born in Africa, or having domiciled in for over 10 years, and/or holding citizenship in an African country, or having at least one parent who was born in Africa).
  2. The submitted work must be an original work of the submitting author, nothing that infringes the copyright of, or is derived from, another author’s work of fiction (this includes AI-generated content), is pornographic, hate speech, etc.
  3. Must be unpublished (not previously published in print or online).
  4. No simultaneous submissions (only submitted to ZamaShort and no other publications).
  5. No multiple submissions (submit only one work at a time, if it is accepted or rejected you can then submit a different work).
  6. Single works with multiple authors will not be considered.
  7. Submission format: Microsoft Word .doc/.docx (or Rich Text Format .rtf) UK English, double spaced, Font: Microsoft Word current default: Aptos 12pt.
  8. Word Count: Minimum: 2000 Words, Maximum: 10k Words. For this type of publication, the sweet spot may be around 4-5k words but submissions in the range indicated will be considered.
  9. Currently this is an open call so there is no deadline for submissions.
  10. To be edited by Ivor W. Hartmann and published by StoryTime, for any problems or queries please contact: [email protected]
  11. All AI-generated submissions will result in a permanent black-listing.
  12. All works to be submitted to: [email protected]

Email header titled: Zama Short Submission: (Author Name) (Story Name)

Email body:

    1. Name of Story
    2. Name of Author
    3. Genre of story (multiple if cross-genre)
    4. Author Bio (100 words max)
    5. Anything you might want to add about your submission or otherwise (500 words max)

Email attachment:

    1. Your short story in .doc .docx or .rtf in above submission format
    2. Proof of eligibility/background as per term one. Preferably in .pdf format, or a photo image of an official document (Birth Cert/National ID/Passport/etc.) of yours and if required additionally the same for at least one parent. Submissions that fail to align to this format and the terms may be discarded.

For more details, go to publisher’s website here and follow ZamaShort on Facebook and X (Twitter).