Question 1

What is Black Anchor Publishing Group?

Accepted Answer

Black Anchor Publishing Group is a family-owned independent publishing house based in Wichita, Kansas. Established in 2026, the company publishes carefully selected works through five distinct imprints, each serving a defined readership while operating under shared editorial, production, and publishing standards. Its publishing interests include original fiction, curated anthologies, rediscovered literary works, and educational materials. The company emphasizes thoughtful selection, respect for the written word, transparent publishing practices, and books worth keeping.

Question 2

What makes Black Anchor Publishing Group different from other publishers?

Accepted Answer

Black Anchor Publishing Group operates through a deliberately selective publishing model that prioritizes literary merit, creative vision, and editorial quality over publication volume. The company views its authors as creative partners, recognizing that each published work represents the author’s individual vision. Editorial collaboration emphasizes open communication, mutual respect, and the preservation of author voice while maintaining the professional standards expected of every Black Anchor publication. As a family-owned independent publishing house, Black Anchor maintains direct oversight of its publishing decisions, editorial direction, and production standards.

Question 3

What publishing imprints operate under Black Anchor Publishing Group?

Accepted Answer

Black Anchor Publishing Group operates five distinct imprints: Black Anchor Publishing™ for adult fiction; Black Wharf Press™ for young adult and teen literature; Slip 9 Books™ for children’s literature; Chartroom Editions™ for curated editions of classic literature, history, folklore, essays, and rediscovered works; and The Classroom Ledger™ for educational resources and classroom materials. Each imprint has a distinct editorial identity under shared company standards.

Question 4

Where is Black Anchor Publishing Group located?

Accepted Answer

Black Anchor Publishing Group is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, United States.

Question 5

Is Black Anchor Publishing Group an independent publisher?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Black Anchor Publishing Group is a family-owned independent publishing house that independently oversees publishing decisions, editorial direction, and production standards across its five imprints.

Question 6

Does Black Anchor Publishing Group accept manuscript submissions?

Accepted Answer

Black Anchor Publishing Group does not currently accept unsolicited manuscripts for general publication. Submissions are accepted for specific anthology projects during announced open-call periods. Each call establishes its own eligibility, deadlines, guidelines, and publication terms. Current opportunities are listed on the Submissions & Open Calls page.

Question 7

Does Black Anchor Publishing Group charge authors to publish their work?

Accepted Answer

No. Authors are not charged submission, reading, or publishing fees. Black Anchor does not charge accepted authors for editorial, formatting, design, or other production work performed as part of publishing their accepted material.

Question 8

Do authors retain the copyright to their work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Authors retain copyright ownership of their original works. The rights granted to Black Anchor are defined by each publishing agreement. Anthology contracts generally provide for a limited period of exclusive anthology publication rights, followed by a nonexclusive license allowing the work to remain in the original anthology. All rights not expressly granted remain with the author.

Question 9

Are authors paid for works accepted for publication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Compensation is governed by the applicable publishing agreement. Black Anchor currently pays $0.01 USD per word for short fiction accepted through its anthology open calls, unless an individual call establishes different terms. The company hopes to offer advances for eligible longer works if and when those publishing programs are introduced; advances are not currently guaranteed.

Question 10

How can authors find out about future submission opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Upcoming opportunities appear on the Submissions & Open Calls page and are generally announced on Black Anchor’s Facebook and Instagram channels. Newsletter subscribers may receive advance notice of new calls. Advance notice does not provide preferential editorial consideration.

Question 11

How can readers stay informed about new releases and upcoming publications?

Accepted Answer

Readers can follow the website, Facebook, Instagram, or the Black Anchor newsletter for release information and publisher news. The newsletter is the most direct source of announcements about publications, upcoming projects, and submission opportunities.

Question 12

Where can readers purchase Black Anchor publications?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Books & Catalog page. Each listing includes information about a publication and direct purchasing links where available. Retailers and formats vary by title.

Question 13

Are Black Anchor publications available in print and digital formats?

Accepted Answer

Formats are determined for each title and may include paperback, hardcover, ebook, or a combination. Check Books & Catalog for the available editions of a particular title.

Question 14

Can readers request review copies of Black Anchor publications?

Accepted Answer

Review copies may be available for selected titles. Use the Review Copy Request page to request a particular publication. Submission of a request does not guarantee a copy.

Question 15

How can readers submit reviews of Black Anchor publications?

Accepted Answer

Readers may share reviews through the Black Anchor Reviews page, Goodreads, or the retailer where a book was purchased. Honest reader reviews help other readers discover books and provide useful feedback to authors and the publishing house.

Question 16

Does Black Anchor Publishing Group have a beta reader or advance review copy (ARC) team?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Black Anchor maintains a pool of prospective beta readers and advance review copy readers for selected projects. Interested readers may apply through the Reader Team page. Applying does not guarantee selection or access to copies.

Question 17

What is the difference between a beta reader and an ARC reader?

Accepted Answer

Beta readers review manuscripts during development or production and may comment on readability, pacing, character development, continuity, and overall experience. ARC readers receive early access to a publication and may choose to post an honest, independent review after release.

Question 18

Are beta readers and ARC readers compensated?

Accepted Answer

No. Participation is voluntary and unpaid. Selected readers may receive complimentary access to a manuscript or advance copy for the assigned reading opportunity. ARC reviews are entirely voluntary; a review or favorable opinion is never required.

Question 19

How can someone contact Black Anchor Publishing Group?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Contact page and use the contact option provided there to send an inquiry.

Question 20

Who is eligible to submit to a Black Anchor anthology open call?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who meets the stated eligibility requirements for a particular anthology may submit. Each open call sets its own guidelines, including any age, theme, genre, length, and deadline requirements. Authors should read the full call before submitting.

Question 21

Do authors need previous publishing experience to submit?

Accepted Answer

No. New, emerging, and previously unpublished authors are especially encouraged to submit. Stories are considered on their merits and suitability for the anthology rather than the author’s publishing history.

Question 22

Can authors submit more than one story to an anthology open call?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multiple stories may be submitted while the call is open, provided that each manuscript is submitted separately and meets the applicable guidelines. Any additional restrictions stated in a specific open call apply.

Question 23

Does Black Anchor Publishing Group accept simultaneous submissions?

Accepted Answer

No. A story submitted for consideration must not be under consideration by another publisher at the same time. Authors may submit it elsewhere following a rejection or after formally withdrawing it from consideration.

Question 24

Does Black Anchor accept previously published stories or reprints?

Accepted Answer

Black Anchor generally seeks original, previously unpublished work. An individual anthology may allow previously published stories or reprints when its open call expressly says so. Authors should check the guidelines before submitting such material.

Question 25

Does Black Anchor Publishing Group accept AI-generated fiction?

Accepted Answer

No. Black Anchor does not accept AI-generated fiction for its anthology calls. Submitted fiction must be the author’s original creative work. Ordinary spelling, grammar, or proofreading assistance does not by itself constitute AI-generated fiction.

Question 26

How should authors submit manuscripts for an anthology open call?

Accepted Answer

Email submissions to submissions@blackanchorpublishing.com during the applicable open-call period. Send the manuscript as a DOC or DOCX attachment, with the subject line [ANTHOLOGY TITLE]: Your Story Title . Include the story title, author or approved byline, contact email address, and word count. A biography is not needed at the submission stage unless the call expressly requests one.

Question 27

Will authors receive confirmation that their submission was received?

Accepted Answer

Black Anchor typically sends an automated acknowledgment. It confirms receipt, not acceptance for publication or completion of editorial review.

Question 28

How long does Black Anchor take to review anthology submissions?

Accepted Answer

Review times depend on the anthology, submission volume, and production schedule. Black Anchor tries to read submissions throughout the open-call period to facilitate decisions soon after it closes, but no universal response deadline is guaranteed. Consult each call for its announced timeline.

Question 29

Will authors be notified if their submission is accepted or rejected?

Accepted Answer

Black Anchor makes every reasonable effort to notify all authors of editorial decisions. Accepted authors are contacted and provided an agreement according to the applicable anthology’s announced terms. Rejections are sent as promptly as practical, although volume and production needs can delay responses.

Question 30

Can authors withdraw a manuscript after submitting it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before executing a publishing agreement, authors may withdraw a story by emailing submissions@blackanchorpublishing.com with the anthology title, story title, and author name. After an agreement has been executed, withdrawal and termination are governed by its terms.

Question 31

Does Black Anchor provide editorial feedback on rejected submissions?

Accepted Answer

Personalized editorial feedback is not generally provided because of submission volume. An individual editor may offer comments at their discretion. Any feedback given represents that editor’s professional assessment and opinion, not necessarily the official position or collective opinion of Black Anchor Publishing Group. A rejection or lack of feedback is not a judgment on the author’s overall potential.

Question 32

How does Black Anchor select stories for its anthologies?

Accepted Answer

Story selection is entrusted to the editor or editors responsible for each anthology. They exercise editorial judgment to build a collection consistent with its vision. Black Anchor’s position is that the quality of the story should carry the greatest weight, ahead of publishing history, reputation, credentials, or other considerations unrelated to the work’s merits. Eligibility alone never guarantees acceptance.

Question 33

Can an author resubmit a revised manuscript after receiving a rejection?

Accepted Answer

Additional submissions are allowed while the call remains open, but Black Anchor generally discourages submitting the same previously rejected story again for that anthology, even after revision. Authors are encouraged to consider future calls when the revised story meets their requirements.

Question 34

What happens after a story is accepted for an anthology?

Accepted Answer

Accepted authors receive notification and a publishing agreement setting out publication rights, compensation, and other terms. They may be asked for contributor information such as a biography. Once required agreements are completed, stories proceed through the anthology’s editorial and production process. Deadlines and procedures are communicated for each project.

Question 35

Will authors review editorial changes before publication?

Accepted Answer

Black Anchor seeks to preserve each author’s voice, style, and creative vision while making minimal changes required by editorial, formatting, and production standards. Routine copyediting, proofreading, formatting, and minor textual corrections are generally covered by the publishing agreement without separate approval. Manuscripts needing substantial rewriting are generally not accepted. If substantial changes become necessary after acceptance, the author’s written approval is required before publication.

Question 36

Do anthology contributors receive complimentary copies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each contributor receives a complimentary ebook edition of the published anthology. Complimentary print editions are not part of the standard contributor arrangement. Any additional provisions depend on the anthology’s specific terms.

Question 37

Can authors republish their anthology stories elsewhere after publication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The agreement normally provides for an initial exclusive publication period of at least six months after the anthology is published, although the actual period is set by the contract. During that period, authors withhold separate publication of the story. Once exclusivity expires, authors may republish it elsewhere without additional permission from Black Anchor. Under the agreement, Black Anchor may continue to distribute the story nonexclusively as part of the original anthology.

Question 38

How and when are anthology contributors paid?

Accepted Answer

Contributor payment follows the individual publishing agreement and any applicable anthology-specific terms. As a general practice, Black Anchor endeavors to pay within 30 days after the fully signed and executed agreement has been returned to the author. Where the agreement sets a different schedule or method, those written terms govern.

Question 39

How are anthology contributors credited?

Accepted Answer

Each contributor receives an approved author byline with their story, according to the publishing agreement. Biographies or other contributor information depend on the anthology’s editorial and design requirements. When such material is needed, Black Anchor requests it when issuing the agreement.

Question 40

Can anthology contributors use a pen name or pseudonym?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Authors may choose their publication byline, including a pen name, provided it does not infringe another party’s trademark or other applicable intellectual property rights. The approved byline is established under the publishing agreement.

Question 41

Can authors submit mature, disturbing, or controversial fiction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mature themes, graphic violence, unsettling imagery, and controversial ideas are assessed in the context of the story and the anthology’s editorial vision. Black Anchor generally excludes sexual content involving minors, sexual violence, erotica or pornography, fan fiction, unauthorized use of protected characters or settings, and AI-generated fiction. Individual calls may impose further restrictions. Previously published work is generally excluded unless a call permits it.

Question 42

Are there restrictions on story length for anthology submissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Word-count limits and other manuscript requirements are determined by each anthology’s open call. Submissions must comply with those published guidelines.

Question 43

Does Black Anchor accept submissions in languages other than English?

Accepted Answer

No. Black Anchor currently reviews and accepts English-language manuscripts only. This may change if its editorial capabilities expand.

Question 44

Can authors living outside the United States submit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. International authors are welcome unless an individual anthology open call states otherwise. All authors must meet the applicable submission requirements and be able to comply with the publishing agreement and payment arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions