Good day Sapce Cadets! I wanted to let you know about a new anthology I have coming out through Three Ravens Publishing. It has twelve great Military Science Fiction stories. I am really excited about this book and hope you will love it!
We have stories by Rick Partlow, J. R. Handley, David Hensley, James Lockwood, Mark Mellon, Nathan Pedde, Dann Newcomb, C. W. Stevenson, A.M. Stevens, and Christian Riley.
Get Assault Team Volume 2 today–you won’t regret it.
Bayonet Books is proud to present seven new anthology projects, each delving into captivating themes across science fiction, fantasy, and thriller genres.
1) Chaos Theory: Biological Bedlam – Submission Date 15 July 2025
A short story set in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror or Thriller genre with a theme of genetic manipulation.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. The glory of man may be fleeting, but it does not stop them from playing God. Be it Dolly, or Dire Wolves, the pandora’s box of genetic experimentation is already opening, making now the perfect time to explore the wonders and consequences of playing Legos with the building blocks of life. We are looking for stories of the price of man messing with the genetic bonds of nature, be it scientific, magical, or divine. Stories in the tone of Jurassic Park, Frankenstein, or Bioshock. Give us Super soldiers, lab bred monsters, and resurrected beasts. Show us both the beauty and the bodies in tales of action, adventure, and/or horror.
2) Wreck the Halls – Submission Date 1 Aug 2025
A short story inspired by Santa as a military operative – science fiction or fantasy are fine, but we want plenty of action and adventure. Lots of probing questions about aliens or monsters are expected, with plenty of room for things to go belly up.
3) Chaos Theory: Cryptids – Submission Date 15 December 2025
A short story celebrating the mysterious and elusive creatures known as cryptids. Cryptids are defined as creatures or beings whose existence is suggested by folklore, anecdotal evidence, or unverified sightings but lacks scientific confirmation. From Bigfoot to the Chupacabra, Nessie to Mothman, we invite you to unleash your imagination and craft compelling tales that explore these enigmatic beings.
4) Hostile Skies – Submission Date 9 February 2026
A short story of alien invasions that thrust humanity into cataclysmic encounters with extraterrestrial forces, on Earth or in space colonies. These high-octane tales of action and adventure explore humanity’s fight for survival while grappling with profound questions about life, sentience, and our place in the galaxy. Expect plans to go spectacularly wrong, escalating the stakes and chaos.
5) Flames of Salvation – Submission Date 6 April 2026
Short stories about dragon redemption anthology. Unleash your imagination and dive into the heart of a battle as old as time—man versus beast, where fire-breathing dragons reign supreme. We’re seeking gripping, original short stories for a dragon’s redemption anthology that explores the raw, untamed power of dragons—not as gentle companions, but as ferocious, cunning predators who’d sooner devour you than offer mercy. Yet, in these tales, the dragon must rise as the unlikely savior, turning the tide in a clash of survival, betrayal, or sacrifice.
6) Fangs Out: Aerial Combat – Submission Date 9 June 2026
Strap in and take the controls—we’re seeking pulse-pounding science fiction stories for this anthology of dogfights that tear through Earth’s skies or blaze across the void of space. From futuristic jets screaming over dystopian cities to starfighters dodging asteroids in distant galaxies, we want tales of high-stakes aerial combat that capture the thrill, danger, and ingenuity of pilots pushed to their limits.
7) On the Fields of Honor – Submission Date 10 Aug 2026
Lock eyes with your opponent, draw your weapon—whether it’s a vibroblade on a rain-soaked Earth or a plasma lance in the weightless void of space or even a plain old sword. We’re seeking electrifying speculative fiction stories for this anthology of duels that pit skill, honor, and desperation against each other in one-on-one confrontations. From neon-lit streets to asteroid arenas, these are tales of personal stakes and deadly precision.
Bayonet Books Editing Team
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Hey Space Cadets, how’re y’all doing today? One of the authors I have worked with had a great idea for a new anthology! Since most of you know I love the short stories, I decided what the heck. What’s one more? For this anthology, we are going with Chaos Theory – things that humans can do whether they should or not – you know, like the Dire wolf. If this is up your alley, read below! We’ve got an open call for short stories for this anthology!
Continue reading “Chaos Theory: Biological Bedlam – J. R. Handley Anthology”
Hey Space Cadets, how’re y’all doing today? While I’m dealing with real life issues, I needed a hobby. So, as one does, I had such a great result from my first Christmas anthology, I thought I would do it again. For those of you who don’t know, the idea centered around a picture of Santa as a knuckle dragging, door kicking, Grade-A Operator. It started with just joking around. One email friend egged me on – then another, and now here we are. So, after talking to my admin staff (you know, the boss) we decided to go for it. If this is up your alley, read below! We’ve got an open call for short stories for this anthology!
Title: TBD
Cover Designer: TBD
Editor: Bayonet Books Publishing
Submission Due Date: August 1, 2025
Story Acceptance Date: September 15, 2025
Projected Publication Date: November 4, 2025
Revision of Rights: 1 year after publication, then non-exclusive rights return to the author.
Requirements: 6,000 – 10,000 words – an original, unpublished story. All stories must be in a final edited state.
Publisher: Bayonet Books Publishing
Concept: A short story inspired by Santa as a military operative – science fiction or fantasy are fine, but we want plenty of action and adventure. Lots of probing questions about aliens or monsters are expected, with plenty of room for things to go belly up.
We will be accepting a limited number of submissions via open call. Please submit your story in the following form:
document formatted in .rtf, 12pt Times New Roman, with a single space after periods. Indicate a scene break with three asterisks, centered, with a space in between, like this: *** Nothing else! Preface your story with your name, the title, your email address, and the word count as well as a short blurb and short bio (about 150 words each).
NOTE: Stories not in .rtf will not be accepted.
If your story is chosen, we will send you a contract that spells out all the details. It should be noted that we only use Kindle Unlimited for 90 days – then publish wide unless we are getting good sales from KU.
Please send all submissions to Bayonet Books Publishing at this email address: anthologies@jrhandleyinc.com. The subject line should have Santa Operator story submission followed by your name: ex: Santa Operator story submission, Bill Author.
Again, please preface your story with your name, the title, your email address, and word count. All of this makes your story easier to read, then quickly format for publication. Also, please provide a short bio and a blurb for your story.
Until next time, stay frosty and don’t forget to keep your powder dry!
J. R.
->As usual, all images came from the Google’s “labeled for reuse” section or are screen grabs taken by JR Handley for use under the Fair Use Doctrine.
Good day Sapce Cadets! I wanted to let you know about my latest book. As with my last anthology it is being published by Three Ravens Publishing. It is just the thing for you if you love Military Science Fiction. .
Ghostship: Derelict, you can get it now. Continue reading “GHOSTSHIP: DERELICT RELEASE!”
Hey Space Cadets, I want to you with a sweet sale at Audible – I am really excited about it! I wanted to let you know that my Sleeping Legion series is part of the sale:
Good day Sapce Cadets! I wanted to let you know about a new anthology I have coming out through Three Ravens Publishing. It is just the thing for you if you love Military Science Fiction. .
Contested Landing Volume 1, scheduled for release June 21st, 2024, and will be available for pre-order. Continue reading “Contested Landing Volume 1 Release”
My fellow space cadets… it is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you. Yesterday the world lost a gaming legend, and it is a darker place for his absence. My friend, my co-writer, and my partner in crime, James M. Ward, has rolled the dice for the last time. I will miss him, I will mourn him, and I will celebrate his legacy.
I still remember the first time I had the privilege to game with him. I knew about Dungeons and Dragons, but I’d never Continue reading “A FINAL FAREWELL”
Hey Space Cadets, how’re y’all doing today? I just wanted to remind you about our next anthology. Get your stories in! I am really looking forward to seeing all the fabulous stories that get submitted for this anthology. Remember the cut off date is coming soon – June 15th to be exact.
Hey Space Cadets, how is everyone doing today? I’m doing well, enjoying the warmer weather. Though now, I’m sweating during my daily walks and wishing for winter again! Ahh, the circle of life. The good news is that I get to listen to books as I take these strolls through nature! I’ve just finished binge reading the entire 
J.R. Handley's Blog 