***NOTE: Open Call for this year’s anthology ended February 15! Guidelines for how to enter next year are below; check our FAQ before sending questions. Do not contact editorial via social media. ***

There have been countless iterations of the myth of the reanimated dead with a blood lust and a fashionable pallor. But of all the novels, films, television series, and comics, of all the romance and horror and mystery and sparkling, one has reigned supreme above them all.

Dracula.

Bram Stoker’s 1897 monster was not the ur vampire, but he remains the exemplar. Many of the quintessential elements of vampire lore can be traced to this novel, and many of the characters beyond the title beast have had vibrant literary lives all their own, especially the redoubtable Mina Harker (neé Murray), the deliciously twisted Renfield, and of course, everyone’s favorite hero (why else would the author give him his own name?), Abraham Van Helsing.

Whether you’re bonkers for Buffy, swoon over Sookie, or like to keep it “real” with groups like the New Orleans Vampire Association, the fact is that you owe it all to the mesmerizing Count Dracula. Don’t agree? Well, Bite Me.

For the ninth annual Red Stylo Presents anthology, we will be staking a collection of fresh comic stories inspired by Bram Stoker’s beloved epistolary novel, Dracula. The comic anthology Bite Me will explore the twists and turns of this gothic classic, taking sideways looks at smaller characters, diving deep into throwaway moments, and twisting on the original in new ways. Edited by returning RSM editor, Genevieve Trainor.

As in past years, we’re looking for you to provide us with your own interpretation of some aspect of the source material—show us your vision of this tale, its cultural impact, or the histories and folklore that inspired it. Let Stoker’s novel be the soil your story requires to retain its strength: travel as far as you like from the source, but you must carry some bit of it with you. Wow us with your ingenuity and charm, make it impossible for us to look away, and we will find a place for you. Vignettes are also welcome.

Some things to consider when formulating your story ideas:

• Return to the source. As mentioned, a lot of other properties have spun out of Dracula lore, and these characters have appeared elsewhere. While any character, setting, or backstory within Stoker’s tale is fair game for inspiration, be sure that you’re grounded in the original, while at the same time giving us a story of your own making. If you haven’t already, check out our past comic anthologies to get an idea of how previous contributors have taken on similar challenges.
• The original Dracula was an epistolary novel, written as a series of letters. This is by no means a requirement, but it sure would be fun if a couple of pieces played with this idea!
• Do you have to read the book? Yes, damnit. At the very least you have to trick us into believing you did. A story that strays too far from the core of that tale, no matter how brilliant, won’t make the cut.
• Any genre is welcome, and there is no restriction on the setting/time of your story. Modern, historical, comedy, horror, tragedy, farce, sci-fi…the more “out there” the idea is, the more we want to see it.

You may not enter without an invitation.

You must be invited BEFORE you pitch for this anthology. To make our list, writers and artists should use the form below to send a query as a comic team (writers and artists together) or as an individual open to being assigned to a creative team. Special emphasis: Do not send a pitch or attachment without being invited. Pitches sent without invitation will be deleted without reply—sorry!

WRITERS, please format your query as follows (no more, no less): Send a message through the form below with your name, brief bio, and a link to a portfolio or sample of your work—links only, no attachments. First-time comic writers and students welcome, but you should at least have some kind of creative work available online for us to peruse. Tell us if you are a team or an individual.

ARTISTS, please format your query as follows (no more, no less): Send a message through the form below with your name, brief bio, and a link to your online portfolio or website. Again, first-timers and students welcome, but you MUST have a link to samples of your work online, no exceptions. Tell us if you do sequential work or will only do covers/prints/vignettes. Please note that vignette artists will still be asked to complete between two and four pieces. Inkers and Colorists are welcome to apply as well!

*** FORM IS CLOSED! ***

Everyone can expect a reply within two weeks of receipt. Haven’t heard from us? Please check our guidelines and send again. Fuzzy on anything? Check out our FAQs page here. Good luck, everyone!