Warhammer is accepting submissions from aspiring Black Library writers

In the world of Warhammer 40,000, the Black Library, guarded by ancient Harlequins, contains the galaxy’s most dangerous and forbidden knowledge. In our world, the Black Library is the clever title for Games Workshop’s publishing arm, which publishes novels and short stories about Orks, the Leagues of Votann, the Imperium of Man, and all the other factions that make up the madcap, grimdark future of 40K. The Black Library also covers works from Warhammer Fantasy and Age of Sigmar, for those who prefer the lore from the World-That-Was and the Mortal Realms.

Black Library is hosting an open submissions period for writing samples between Feb. 22 and March 9, and they’re looking for writers to submit a short scene featuring two characters either from 40K or Age of Sigmar. (So you can’t combine the settings — my apologies to anyone who was hoping for an Archaeon/Abaddon showdown.)

According to the announcement on Warhammer Community, authors can pick any two characters and depict them in “a duel, a conversation, or anything else you can imagine; and if you impress their discerning editors, you may even be invited to formally pitch.” Writers are only permitted one submission apiece. Note that the publisher will retain all rights to the samples: “Games Workshop will have the exclusive right to use your submission for any purpose in the future.”

The entries must be in English, not exceed 500 words, and only feature two characters. The scene must be set in Vigilus, Commorragh, or Armageddon if set in 40K, and Hammerhal Aqsha, the Eightpoints, or Shadespire if the story takes place in Age of Sigmar. Commorragh is a particularly interesting prompt, as it’s the home of the nefarious Dark Eldar, a faction of reavers and raiders who must constantly inflict agony in order to save their own souls from a hungering god.

Hopefully, there’ll be some submissions where Guilliman and the Lion finally meet and get to hug it out. Games Workshop will share more information on submissions on the Warhammer Community site on Feb. 22.

This is your chance to really let your creative juices flow. Black Library is on the lookout for clever character pairings, and writing that portrays these characters authentically. As ever, terms and conditions apply.