Welcome to “Talking with Strangers,” the third book in the “Universes at War” series. Both “Express Elevator to Hell” and “Running with Sharp Things” did really well, so we’re looking to put together a third volume.
Submission Guidelines
Please read this section carefully before submitting. All submissions should be made to chris.kennedy12@gmail.com. The deadline to submit is October 31, 2026.
Story Length
- 7,000 to 10,000 words
- Complete story (i.e., it has an “ending.” There may be more to tell, but it needs to be a “story,” not a prologue.)
- No excerpts from larger works
- No unfinished narratives
- Writing a story in one of your own universes is highly encouraged. The purpose of this anthology is to get readers to look at new universes they might not have checked out before.
Format
- Microsoft Word (.docx)
- Standard manuscript format
- 12-point readable font
- Double-spaced
- Include author name and contact information
Setting/Topic Requirements
Stories must be set within a science fiction universe of your choosing. The story must involve either a “first contact” story or a military science fiction story of fighting aliens.
As is the tradition for CKP, the anthology has five slots that are open for submission, with no publication history required. Experience doesn’t matter. Story does.
I’m looking forward to reading your story.
— Chris Kennedy, Editor