Deadline: October 15th, 2025
Payment: $1000
Theme: Stories exploring a positive future on Earth with an emphasis on soil and agriculture in the winter
We are looking for original written and graphic works that have actionable soil-based technologies as their premise.
For our upcoming issues, we’re specifically seeking stories exploring a positive future on Earth with an emphasis on soil and agriculture in the winter, the productive role of ice and snow in the seasons, frost and permafrost, future fashion and style, entertainment and culture, the ocean and soil under water, soil as tech, soil as the origin of life and anti-apocalyptic futures. Literal or abstract, near term or on distant horizons: worlds can take inspiration from innovations or alternative practices in earth and material science, regenerative agriculture, food, microbiology, and more.
A perfect Tractor Beam story gets readers thinking: “What if this really could happen?” “What’s the soil science behind it?” “What do I need to learn to be a part of a thriving planet?”
Think optimism! Think cross-genre submissions. A soilpunk romance, spy thriller, coming of age story. Interrogate what it would actually mean for us to successfully take on the climate crisis. What would that world look like? What technology would have to exist? We’d love to see people look at the latest soil science and dream.
Deadline to submit for Issue 4 is October 15th.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
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We prefer submissions under 6,000 words for writing or 12-16 panels for graphic novellas.
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For written submissions: Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced, Microsoft Word format only
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For graphic novella submissions: PDF only
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Include your full name, email, and story title at the top of the document
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Submission file name should follow the following format: “AUTHOR FULL NAME_STORY TITLE”
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Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but please notify us immediately if your piece was accepted elsewhere so we can withdraw it and congratulate you!
Via: Tractor Beam’s Submission Form.
