09/12/2025
Appalachia Book Company Opens Submissions for Groundbreaking Speculative Fiction Anthology
"These Dreaming Hills" Seeks to Reimagine Central Appalachia Through Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Fabulism
Lowmansville, KY – August 15, 2025 – Appalachia Book Company announces the opening of submissions for These Dreaming Hills, a groundbreaking anthology of speculative fiction set to publish in 2026. The collection will feature original stories that reimagine the cultural and physical landscape of central Appalachia through the lenses of science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism.
The project is funded in part by South Arts as one of the inaugural Literary Arts Grants for publishers, recognizing the anthology's significance in expanding regional literary representation.
Edited by acclaimed author Christopher Rowe, a Kentucky native and finalist for every major award in science fiction and fantasy, These Dreaming Hills represents a significant contribution to both Appalachian and speculative literature. The anthology addresses a notable gap in contemporary regional writing by providing a platform for innovative storytelling about a region often portrayed through limited historical or socioeconomic perspectives.
"The future happens everywhere, and all who lay their head to rest dream dreams," said Rowe. "We're seeking stories that honor the rich culture, complex history, and extraordinary landscape of central Appalachia while exploring alternative futures, magical pasts, and parallel presents."
The anthology will feature approximately 12 original short stories from both established and emerging writers with strong connections to central Appalachia. Stories may explore themes central to Appalachian identity—connection to land, community resilience, industrial legacy, and cultural preservation—while incorporating speculative elements such as time travel, post-apocalyptic scenarios, folklore-inspired fantasy, and technological innovation.
Submission Guidelines:
Submission window: August 15 – November 15, 2025
Word count: 1,000-6,000 words
Payment: $0.08 per word for first English world anthology rights
Requirements: Original fiction by authors with strong ties to central Appalachia
Submissions: Via Appalachia Book Company's Submittable page
The project emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, recognizing that Appalachian culture draws from Indigenous, African, and European traditions, as well as contributions from people around the world who have shaped the region's ongoing cultural evolution.
"This anthology will challenge stereotypes about Appalachian literature and culture while attracting new readers through the broad appeal of speculative fiction," noted the publisher. "By bringing together these genres, we're documenting how current generations imagine the region's future and reimagine its past."
These Dreaming Hills continues Appalachia Book Company's mission to preserve and promote the literary culture of central Appalachia by empowering authentic regional voices. The publisher's previous projects include the "Made in Appalachia" chapbook series and various community engagement initiatives focused on educational partnerships and cultural preservation.
Authors interested in submitting should include a brief cover letter explaining their connection to central Appalachia. The anthology maintains a strict policy against AI-generated content, requiring all submissions to be original human-authored works.
The finished anthology will be professionally designed as a trade paperback featuring original cover art commissioned from an Appalachian artist, along with author biographies and editorial commentary contextualizing the works within both Appalachian and speculative fiction traditions.
About Appalachia Book Company Appalachia Book Company is a nonprofit publishing company dedicated to preserving and promoting Appalachian literary heritage through authentic regional voices, educational partnerships, and community engagement in central Appalachia. The company publishes works that reflect the diversity and complexity of the region while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
About Christopher Rowe Christopher Rowe was born and raised in Adair County, Kentucky, where he continues to live today. A finalist for every major award in science fiction and fantasy, his work has been published, reprinted, and translated worldwide for over 25 years.
Media Contact: Appalachia Book Company
Email: [email protected]
Submission portal: https://appalachiabookcompany.submittable.com/submit/197197/these-dreaming-hills-speculative-fiction-anthology
Editor Contact: Christopher Rowe
Email: [email protected]
For questions about Appalachia Book Company's mission and other publications, visit www.appalachiabook.co or contact [email protected].
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