UPDATE: I’m short entries, so I have to extend the deadline! Earlier is better as I will start reading and selecting beginning March 1^st, but if I don’t get what I need, I will hold out for a few great entries until March 22d.

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I have a brand new call for short story submissions for a collection that will be published by Cleis Press. It’s the follow-up to Cowboy Lust! Please pass the word along to all your writer friends. The deadline’s the first of March, but if you get the story into me early, there’s a better chance I’ll have time to read it and give you the opportunity to make changes, if it’s not quite what I need. ~DD

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COWBOY HEAT
Editor: Delilah Devlin
Publisher: Cleis Press Deadline: March 1, 2013

COWBOY HEATis open to all authors.

Editor/Author Delilah Devlin is looking for hetero cowboy stories for a romantic erotica anthology tentatively entitled COWBOY HEAT.

Following the success of COWBOY LUST, Delilah’s ready to construct the next delectable anthology of cowboy heroes. They may ride into the sunset, but cowboys never go out of style. They embody the fiercely independent, earthy alpha male and a hero who isn’t afraid to show the gentle, nurturing side of his complex nature when he’s faced with a woman or an animal in need.

Even when he’s coated with dust from riding behind a herd of cattle, or up to his knees in mud freeing a calf from a wallow, his image doesn’t tarnish. A woman’s imagination sparks, filling in the details—the scent of horse, cow, and crisp, clean sweat; the sight of sun-leathered skin and crows feet; the feel of work-hardened thighs and arms; and the sound of a deep-voiced, drawl.

COWBOY HEAT will seek stories that satisfy the reader who craves the romantic idea of that gruff, capable man while exploring stories set in the American West with a few exotic International settings thrown in for fun! The stories will be primarily contemporary with the possibility of a few historical Westerns. While traditional themes will be featured, writers are encouraged to dream big to create tales that surprise.

Be sure to check the descriptions of stories already featured in the previous volume, COWBOY LUST (https://cowboylust.net/about/). Delilah doesn’t want repeats. She’s seeking unique stories from authors with unique voices, and above all, she’s looking to be seduced by tales filled with vivid imagery and passion.

Published authors with an established Western world may use that setting for their original short story.

This is erotic romance, so don’t hold back on the heat. Stories can be vanilla or filled with kink, but don’t miss describing the connection between two strong-willed individuals learning to trust and love one another. A deep sensuality should linger in every word. And just think about the sexy possibilities of a cowboy’s accoutrements. They have to know their wicked way around ropes, buckles and spurs. Not to mention how sexy one might look in just his chaps…

Exotic locations and scenarios are welcome. Keep in mind there must be a romantic element with a happy-for-now or happy-ever-after ending. Strong plots, engaging characters, and unique twists are the ultimate goal. Please no reprints. We are seeking original stories.

How to submit: Prepare your 1,500 to 4,500 words story in a double-spaced, Arial, 12 point, black font Word document with pages numbered (.doc, NOT.docx) OR rich text format. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch and double space (regular double spacing, do not add extra lines between paragraphs or do any other irregular spacing). US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) is required.

In your document at the top left of the page, include your legal name (and pseudonym, if applicable), mailing address, and 50 words or less bio in the third person and send to cleiscowboyheat@gmail.com. If you are using a pseudonym, please provide your real name and pseudonym and make it clear which one you’d like to be credited as. Authors may submit up to 2 stories. Delilah will respond in July 2013. The publisher has final approval over the stories included in the manuscript.

Payment will be $50.00 USD and two copies of the published book upon publication.

Delilah Devlin is an award-winning author of erotic romance with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing edgy stories with complex characters. Ms. Devlin has published over a hundred stories in multiple sub-genres and lengths with Atria/Strebor, Avon, Berkley, Black Lace, Cleis Press, Ellora’s Cave, Kensington, Kindle, Running Press, and Samhain Publishing. In January 2013, she’ll add Montlake Romance to her list of publishers when SHATTERED SOULS releases! In Fall 2011, she debuted her first anthology with Cleis Press, GIRLS WHO BITE. Since then, she has published SHE SHIFTERS and COWBOY LUST. In July 2013, SMOKIN’ HOT FIREFIGHTERS will release.

Direct any questions you have regarding your story or the submission process to Delilah at cleiscowboyheat@gmail.com.