Sex workers don’t get enough credit.

These folks see it all. And, they know how to keep a secret. Mystery is a key part of the job, and they know when to share vital information and when to keep their mouth shut. There’s a reason why detectives seek these people out when trying to solve a case. Now, we’re shining a spotlight (or streetlight) on these unsung heroes, giving them a chance to prove to the world that they not only provide a vital service, but that street smarts can be just as good as book learning.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

1. Your work must include a sex worker as the heroine…or hero! After all, both women and men can be sex workers.
2. The sex worker aspect must be a vital piece of your story. It can’t just be a passing reference. It’s got to be one of the reasons why and how the case is solved. Likewise, the crime aspect must be well-written and thought out.
3. The sex worker in the story must be written in a positive light. No strung out meth addicts, alcoholics, etc.. We’re looking for characters that do what they do for good reason but also depicts them as everyday people who have chosen these professions. We’re looking to fight stereotypes here.
4. We’re not against erotic scenes, but probably nothing above a “R” rating as we don’t want to have to label the book as “erotica” and put it behind restricted areas at retailers.
5. LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC characters and authors very, very strongly encouraged. Be authentic!
6. All works must be original to this publication and cannot have been published or self-published previously. However, characters from existing series or other stories are welcome as long as your contract with your other pub allows you to do so.
7. We’re perfectly ok with simultaneous submissions to other publishers, but please let us know if you’d like your story withdrawn from consideration.

TECHNICAL GUIDELINES

1. We’re looking for typical short story length (3000-5000 words) but we’re open to longer stories where appropriate.
2. All submissions need to be in DOC, DOCX or Pages format. Everyone knows by now that we don’t care about fonts and spacing and all that other stuff.
3. All entries should be sent to jhartman@mistimedia.com with H&H in the subject heading. All entries will be acknowledged. Please understand that email is not checked daily, so there may be a few days after you send your submission before you receive acknowledgement. If you have concerns, you can always contact Misti Media through Facebook.
4. All submissions need to be received no later than 11:59PST, September 30th, 2026. Decisions will be made by October 31st, 2026. We will do our best to notify authors early if their work is not accepted, but they cannot be resubmitted. Estimated publication is January 2027.
5. This anthology will pay ongoing royalties, with all contributors splitting 50% of the net proceeds equally. All contributors will receive an ebook copy and one free print copy, with further author copies available at deep discounts.. Our anthology agreement gives us exclusive rights for six months from publication date, then non-exclusive rights thereafter, meaning that contributors are free to reuse their story in any manner they wish after the first six months of publication.
6. Original stories only, no reprints.
7. The anthology will be limited to no more than 12 stories.
8. This anthology will be published under the White City Press imprint of Misti Media.

Please direct all questions to anthology editor Jay Hartman at jhartman@mistimedia.com.