Weird Tales Book Cover Contest
Design the face of the strange.
Weird Tales Book Cover Contest
Design the face of the strange.
Will your artistic eye define this first-of-its-kind anthology?
We’re looking for a cover that captures the uncanny spirit of Weird Tales from Waves End Retreat—our upcoming anthology set in a fictional North Carolina beach trailer park, where each strange tale unfolds in a different trailer and a different genre.
From alien abductions to backwoods ghost stories, it’s a collection full of mystery, magic, and salt-cured suspense. Learn more.
What We’re Looking For
Think vintage paperback meets Southern Gothic Weird.
Think sun-bleached Airstreams, cryptic signage, storm-drenched postcards, flickering porch lights, and that one trailer with something not quite right inside.
We welcome both literal and abstract interpretations. You do not need to design the cover layout. The judges will consider artwork only. We will finalize the actual design layout in-house.
Artists are encouraged to read the Lot 1 story first draft (released May 1) to get a feel for the tone of the anthology.
Contest Guidelines
- Format: Front cover design only (final printed size: 11″ x 17″)
- Submission deadline: August 15, 2025
- Medium: Digital or high-res scanned physical artwork (minimum 300dpi)
- Artwork should incorporate space for title Weird Tales from Waves End Retreat
- Submit artwork as: PNG, JPG, and PDF
- Limit: One submission per artist
- Include a short artist bio with your submission
Questions? Reach out to [email protected].
What You Get
Winning design will be the official cover of the anthology (Winter 2026 release)
Plus,
- Artist bio and credit on the back cover and in all promotional materials
- Honorarium of $200
- Featured placement in the Alternate Covers zine debuting at WeirdFest 2025
- Admission for two to WeirdFest 2025
Finalists will be showcased in the zine and will receive admission for one to WeirdFest 2025.
1969, Vintage Avon
A Walk With the Beast by Charles M. Collins
1945, Black Mask
Multiple Authors
1939, New Directions
Henry Miller's The Cosmological Eye
Tips for a Strong Submission
- Let your design suggest a story, but don’t try to tell the whole plot.
- Weird doesn’t mean chaotic—choose a mood and build tension.
- Consider textures: sun-faded paint, rust, mist, motel neon, old postcards.
- Take inspiration from retro horror, DIY zines, or classic sci-fi paperbacks.
- Coastal is key. Sand, sea, heat, isolation—let the setting do work.
- No need to include characters—implied presence can be creepier.
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