We invest in your story.
Arclight is a publishing house built for web fiction. When you win, you don't just get a platform — you get a team. A dedicated editor. A commissioned artist. Weekly feedback before every chapter drops. We handle everything around the writing so you can focus on the writing.
What we do differently
Traditional publishing is slow, opaque, and stacked against new voices. Web fiction platforms give you reach but no support. Arclight sits in between — a genuine publishing partner for web-native fiction.
We handle editing, cover design, platform distribution, and marketing. You keep your IP — forever. You keep creative control. We split revenue fairly and transparently, and we never lock you into exclusivity.
We are in your corner for the entire run.
What every winner receives
- ▪Dedicated editor — assigned to you for the full serialization run
- ▪Professional cover art — commissioned specifically for your story
- ▪Commissioned illustrator — promotional art and visual assets for your story
- ▪Weekly editorial feedback — before every chapter drops
- ▪Promotion by Arclight — we market your story and your drop days across our channels
- ▪Platform-wide visibility — your story featured to every reader on launch
- ▪Monthly base pay — you're compensated from day one
- ▪IP retained forever — your story is yours, always
What winning looks like.
When you win the Inaugural Competition, Arclight goes to work. Your editor reaches out within the week. Cover art goes into commission. You build your chapter backlog with editorial support before a single word goes live.
When the platform launches, your story is ready. Your audience is already waiting — they voted for you.
You don't start from zero. You start with momentum.
The Arclight Inaugural Competition
Our first open call. Any genre. Any length. If it's web fiction and it's extraordinary, we want to see it.
Timeline
April 1, 2026 — Submissions open
June 30, 2026 — Submissions close
July–August 2026 — Editorial panel review
August 2026 — Shortlist announced, reader voting opens
Late August 2026 — 10 winners announced
September–October 2026 — Winners build chapter backlog with editorial support
Q4 2026 — Platform launches, winning stories begin serialization
Submission requirements
- — Title, synopsis, and 10 chapters (minimum 1,500 words each)
- — Original web fiction (not previously traditionally published)
- — Any genre welcome
- — One submission per author
- — Must be written by a human author
Submissions open April 1. Don't miss the window.