Submissions open
Les oiseaux du mal — An Anthology of Rot
Welcome to Les Oiseaux du Mal
[lez‿wazo dy mal]
The Birds of Evil
For our inaugural anthology, Nightingale Press invites explorations of the sinister.
We are looking for work that inhabits the space where morality fails. Submissions must center on themes of revenge, violence, or the various masks of evil. Whether your interpretation is psychological or visceral, we seek stories that embrace a state of total corruption, however you choose to portray it.
You may submit writing and/or art. Please read the relevant guidelines for your submission below. We only accept works that have artistic merit.
Writing Contest Guidelines
What We’re Looking For
- Flash fiction, short fiction, or poetry responding to the anthology theme. To be judged as a single pool.
Prizes
- 1 of 7 remaining slots in this anthology.
- Prize of $250 upon your work’s publication in the anthology.
Word Count
- Under 3,500 words.
Entry Fee
- Free.
How to Submit
- The only eligible way to submit your work is through our submission form below.
- Please submit one story, one poem, and/or one piece of art per person; no more than three submissions per person in total.
- Each work has to be submitted separately.
- No reprints. First English translations are accepted, provided you hold the rights. Simultaneous submissions are fine. Please let us know immediately if your submission gets picked up elsewhere.
- Please do not put your name in the submission itself. This will assist us in blind judging.
Optional Paid Feedback
- We offer a $75 Story Doc for any submission, which is a structured developmental critique from our editorial team.
Publicity
- You will retain copyright of your work. However, in submitting your work, you give us permission to promote the work worldwide and to use your name (or pseudonym, if provided) and the work’s title in publicity.
No AI
- We do not accept submissions that have been created through any use of generative AI. Any exceptions, with the intention of balancing AI and accessibility, are noted below:
- We are comfortable if you use generative AI for research if that research can be replicated with your use of Google or another research tool.
- We understand if you use AI-supported translation (like DeepL), as long as you only use it for individual words, sayings, or idioms.
- We will screen submissions for AI use and, if your submission is a top choice, we will reach out to you requesting an interview about your writing process. You are encouraged to keep your writing notes for this interview. By submitting, you agree that we may reach out to you. Our experience has shown us that this is an important step, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
- This AI policy may be updated for future competitions as the use of AI develops.
Monetary Prize Conditions
- Winners of monetary prizes accept to receive transfers by PayPal, except in unusual circumstances, in which case alternative arrangements can be made.
- Prizes are not transferrable.
PRIVACY NOTICE
- By submitting work, you acknowledge receipt and review of our PRIVACY POLICY, which can be accessed at https://nightingale.press/privacy-policy/.
Prize winners for publication will be offered a standard publishing agreement, which will include additional terms and conditions. We are open to discussing and negotiating all agreements.
Art Contest Guidelines
What We’re Looking For
- Visual art that we believe best represents the anthology, to be judged based on quality of composition, creativity, originality, and theme fit from the perspective of the viewer. Visual art may include, but is not limited to, traditional or digital paintings, photo manipulations, and collages.
Prizes
- Become the cover image for this anthology.
- Prize of $250 upon your work’s publication in the anthology.
Entry Fee
- Free.
How to Submit
- The only eligible way to submit your work is through our submission form below.
- Please submit one story, one poem, and/or one piece of art per person; no more than three submissions per person in total.
- Each work has to be submitted separately.
- The work must be previously unpublished (via physical or online mediums).
- You must own the rights to the submitted work, including all materials used in any submitted photo manipulation or collages.
- Please do not put your name in the submission itself if possible. This will assist us in blind judging.
Publicity
- You will retain copyright of your work. However, in submitting your work, you give us permission to promote the work worldwide and to use your name (or your pseudonym, if provided) and the work’s title, if applicable, in publicity.
No AI
- We do not accept submissions that have been created through any use of generative AI. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- The use of generative AI to brainstorm or create ideas for the submitted work;
- The use of generative AI to create sketches or outlines of the work; and
- The use of generative AI to create any portion of the work, including any material used in photo manipulation or collages.
- We will screen submissions for AI use and, if your work is a top choice, we will reach out to you requesting an interview about your creative process. You are encouraged to keep any notes and sketches for this interview. By submitting, you agree that we may reach out to you. Our experience has shown us that this is an important step, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
- This AI policy may be updated for future competitions as the use of AI develops.
Prize Conditions
- Winners of monetary prizes accept to receive transfers by PayPal, except in unusual circumstances, in which case alternative arrangements can be made.
- Prizes are not transferrable.
PRIVACY NOTICE
- By submitting work, you acknowledge receipt and review of our PRIVACY POLICY, which can be accessed at https://nightingale.press/privacy-policy/.
Prize winners for publication will be offered a standard publishing agreement, which will include additional terms and conditions. We are open to discussing and negotiating all agreements.
Contest Timeline
May 15: Submissions open at 12:01 AM EST
June 15: Submissions close at 11:59 PM EST
July of 2026: Winners announcement
Fall of 2026: Anthology publication
CONTACT
Please use our website’s contact form for any questions.