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.

What We’re Looking For

• Genre: Speculative fiction, aerial combat.
• Theme: Stories must center on intense dogfights-air or space battles between skilled pilots in aircraft or starships. Focus on the adrenaline, strategy, and human (or alien) cost of combat.
• Setting: Earth-based (present or future) or extraterrestrial (space stations, alien planets, interstellar fleets). Make the environment as vivid as the action.
• Tone: Gritty, cinematic, and immersive. Capture the chaos of battle, the stakes of survival, and the fleeting moments of camaraderie or rivalry.
• Length: 6,000 to 10,000 words.
• Originality: No fan fiction or reprints. We want bold, original stories that make readers feel the G-forces.

Submission Guidelines:

• Stories must be original, unpublished works of fiction between 5,000 and 10,000 words.
• ” We welcome a variety of genres-fantasy, science fiction, mystery, or blends-provided the story centers on aerial combat as defined above.
• Submissions should be in English, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, and saved as a .rtf file.
• Dividers between sections need to be “***” centered.
• Include in your document your name, contact information, story title, word count, a short blurb (150 words or less) and a short bio (150 words or less) in your document.
• Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify us immediately if your story is accepted elsewhere.
• Multiple submissions are not permitted; please submit only one story per author.

Deadline: Submissions must be received by close of business on June 9, 2026.

How to Submit:

• Email to anthologies@jrhandleyinc.com with the subject line with the subject line: Alien Invasion – [story name], [author name]. Example: Alien Invasion – story submission, Jill Author.
• We aim to respond to all submissions within 12 weeks of the deadline.

Compensation:

• Accepted stories will receive an author share as described in our contract.
• Publication is planned for May 2026 in both print and digital formats.

Why Write for our Dog Fight Anthology? Picture a lone pilot outmaneuvering a swarm of drones in a neon-lit megacity, or a squadron facing impossible odds against an alien armada in a nebula’s glow. These are the stories that will grip readers, blending heart-stopping action with the spark of human defiance. Your tale could redefine the dogfight for a new era, leaving readers craving the next loop and dive. We can’t wait to read your work!

Bayonet Books Editorial Team