ADVANCE NOTICE (Full Call Will Be Posted When Available): Views From The Overlook

Open Window: Looks to only be February 1st, 2026
Payment: 2k ahead of royalties
Theme: Stories set in the Overlook Hotel from 1910-1949, prior to The Shining
Note: *THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE STORY ACCEPTED*

So, this one is really an advanced notice as the ‘official’ call hasn’t been released as of yet. However, over at Chuck Palahniuk’s Plot Spoiler, we’ve learned that Jamie Flanagan’s upcoming ‘Views From the Overlook’ anthology is going to be filled not just by the invited authors, but will be taking submissions as well. We’ve only got limited details to go on so far, but I wanted to share what we have before the official call comes out so that you can start brainstorming.

Details about the book:
Screenwriter Jamie Flanagan is putting together an anthology based on the infamous hotel from Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’ and it already features work from: Michael Bailey, Chelsea Cain, Johnny Compton, Mike Flanagan, Christopher Golden, Justina Ireland, AI Jiang, Alma Katsu, Brian Keene, Daniel Kraus, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Chuck Palahniuk, and more with Ellie Pritchett editing.

I would buy a copy for the existing lineup alone, and they are going to be taking submissions for more! We don’t have all of the details yet, but we do know the following:

From the organizer, Jamie…

Submission cap: we’ll consider the first 500 entries submitted, first come first served, beginning at whatever time you feel is best.

As for length…

Word count: 3,000 to 5000 words, max.

Compensation: 2k ahead of royalties; same contract as our invited contributors.

As for historical period…

Story parameters: We’re looking for stories set in the Overlook Hotel, prior to events of King’s The Shining. Stories must take place between 1910 and 1949, and adhere to established lore found in the original novel, as well as King’s since published prologue, Before the Play.

(We’re heavy on stories that take place between 1950 and 1970, hence the limited scope for submissions)

As for a deadline…

The submission window for the open call will be the same day as the deadline for first drafts from invited contributors (February 1, 2026).

Those are the basics. A more formal and complete set of guidelines will be out soon. Jamie has dissected The Overlook Hotel down to its smallest detail, so Jamie’s guidelines are rather impressive.

Jamie added:

Hi all. Jamie Flanagan (they/them), editor of Views from the Overlook here. Stopping by to say thank you to Chuck for hosting this open call. And to fall on my sword and announce that there will only be one available slot. Chalk it up to a first time editor falling short of the mark. Chuck fought valiantly for more, and has championed this call from the start. While I understand the odds can be dispiriting, I hope folks still feel motivated to submit work. For my brief tenure as caretaker of the Overlook, I’m grateful to any and all of you that check in. And I look forward to reading your work. Best wishes. Happy writing. And happy spooky month.

So, get your thinking caps on and start writing. We’ll be following up with the official call ASAP!