Hope is Not Passive

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​​What We’re Looking For

We are especially interested in stories that explore:

• Survival as a deliberate choice

• Preservation of culture, memory, magic, language, or identity

• Found families and chosen communities

• Futures shaped by ordinary people, not only epic heroes

• Light that must be actively maintained

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What We’re Not Looking For

• Romance-forward narratives (subplots are fine)

• Passive hope or external “rescue” solutions

• Grimdark nihilism with no spark of possibility

• Stories relying solely on violence as resistance

• Anything that used generative AI in the making

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Submission Guidelines

• Genres: Science Fiction and/or Fantasy

• Word Count: 6,000 words

• Audience: Adult or Upper YA

• Original, unpublished work only

• No previously self-published or publicly posted work (including blogs or Wattpad)

• One submission per author

• Simultaneous submissions are allowed (please notify us if accepted elsewhere)

• Submissions must be made via Duosuma

• Anonymous submissions are not accepted

• We strongly encourage women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and minorities to submit their stories.

Please include a short author bio (50–100 words).

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Compensation

Hope Is Not Passive is a benefit anthology.

Contributors will receive:

• A contributor copy of the anthology

• Promotion across Quills and Cosmos Press and anthology platforms

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Transparency & Accountability

​In the interest of transparency and accountability, this page will be updated with:

• The names of recipient organizations

• The total amount donated

• The timing of donations

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Updates will be shared once funds are distributed.

(Please note it can take an addition 90 days for us to receive money from our distributors.)

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​​​​FAQ

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How political do submissions need to be?

Stories should be firmly rooted in science fiction or fantasy. Thematic resonance should emerge through speculative settings, characters, and conflicts rather than direct reference to contemporary events or institutions.

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Will stories receive editorial feedback?

Accepted stories may receive light editorial suggestions. We will primarily choose stories that only need light proofreading.

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Can my story be dark?

Yes — but stories should ultimately engage with hope as an active force. Grim or tragic elements are welcome as long as the story does not resolve into nihilism.

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When will contributors hear back?

Responses will be sent out the week of April 19, 2026. We appreciate contributors’ patience during the review process.