The Artificial Muse is a horror & dark fiction anthology seeking human-authored stories created with generative AI assistance. AI use is required, but one-click AI fiction is not.

The Artificial Muse: Stories Born in the Dark is an independent horror and dark fiction anthology built around intentional collaboration between human writers and generative artificial intelligence.

We believe AI can be used as a creative tool without replacing the human storyteller. Contributors must use generative AI somewhere in the creation of their story—such as brainstorming, outlining, character development, research assistance, editing, revision, or exploring alternate ideas—but submissions must demonstrate meaningful human authorship, creative judgment, and revision.

Stories do not need to be about artificial intelligence. We welcome supernatural horror, psychological horror, gothic fiction, creature horror, cosmic horror, body horror, dark fantasy, weird fiction, and other dark speculative work.

Our goal is to provide a welcoming publication opportunity for writers who thoughtfully incorporate generative AI into their creative process while still treating storytelling as a distinctly human craft.

This is a one-time horror and dark fiction anthology rather than an ongoing magazine. Generative AI assistance is required somewhere in the creative process, but we are not accepting fully AI-generated, one-click fiction. Stories must demonstrate substantial human authorship, creative judgment, and revision. The anthology requires a minimum of 25 eligible paid submissions to proceed; if it is canceled, submission fees will be refunded.

The Artificial Muse

Seeking horror and dark fiction stories up to 5,000 words created through intentional collaboration between human imagination and generative AI. Stories must demonstrate meaningful human authorship and creative decision-making. Submissions must not be previously published. Submission fee applies. Best Story Award of $75.

Previously published work is not accepted. Generative AI must be used as a creative tool or collaborator, not as a replacement for the author. Stories generated almost entirely by AI with little human contribution are not eligible.

The Artificial Muse

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Stories Born in the Dark Horror & Dark Fiction Anthology