Black Library Open Submissions is your chance to impress the Black Library editorial team by writing a short, themed scene to a strict set of rules. This year, the theme is Clash – a meeting of two iconic characters in a situation of your choice, be that a vicious duel, a blazing argument, or a cerebral debate.
Once you’ve put together your submission, you can enter it through the form below.
All submissions must be submitted via the above form between Saturday 22nd February 2025 and Sunday 9th March 2025.
To help you along, we asked some authors whose Black Library journey began with a previous Open Submission for their top tips.
Rob Young – Longshot and Leontus: Lord Solar: I would write a moment of high tension or conflict between the two characters, where something ominous is happening that hints at a larger story. This way you leave the reader wanting more! We want to hear about epic characters doing epic things, not just sitting around discussing the weather on Caliban.
Jonathan D Beer – King of the Spoil and Dominion Genesis: A really strong opening line is key. You’ll want to grab the editors’ attention and pose a question or create a conflict that will be addressed throughout the scene. Also, don’t get hung up on the idea of these being miniatures – these are characters with their own motivations and flaws. Make sure to choose a pair of characters which will naturally generate conflict!
Denny Flowers – Outgunned and Above and Beyond: Don’t feel like you have to start at the beginning. 500 words isn’t a lot, so start where your scene gets interesting and write the best possible interaction between the characters you can think of. I wouldn’t necessarily pick the two biggest, most powerful characters in the setting, but lower agency characters with thematic links who would be more likely to interact. I didn’t succeed on my first try, so don’t be downhearted if you don’t get through this time – just keep trying!
Robert Rath – The Infinite and the Divine and Fall of Cadia: Remember that dialogue is a highly efficient storytelling tool, since even when a character is talking about someone or something else, you’re simultaneously learning about the character who’s speaking. You only have 500 words, so make every one count! Also don’t be afraid to write more than 500 and cut it down to the best ones. My original writing sample for Open Submissions was 750 words long, then I went in and cut every line that wasn’t a killer, leaving me with a stronger and more characterful sample.
These are the rules you need to follow:
Entries must be in English
The scene must not exceed 500 words
Your scene must only feature the two characters you have chosen
Both characters must have had a miniature made by Games Workshop at some point
No crossovers: both characters must be from the same universe
The scene must take place in one of the following settings: Vigilus, Commorragh, or Armageddon (Warhammer 40,000), and Hammerhal Aqsha, the Eightpoints, or Shadespire (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
There is to be only one entry per person, so make it a good one!
All work must be your own
And that’s it – everything you need to become the next Black Library star. Make sure to browse the extensive library of novels for inspiration, and concoct the greatest meeting of minds you can think of. Abraxia fighting spear-to-spear with Yndrasta? Lion El’Jonson comparing swords with Commander Farsight? Have at it!
As ever, terms and conditions apply.
