Story Submissions

Connor Reads Books

About the Podcast

Connor Reads Books is a podcast dedicated to bringing short fiction to life through narration. The show focuses on immersive, voice-driven storytelling that works especially well in an audio format—stories that grab attention early, carry strong momentum, and leave a lasting impression.

What I’m Looking For

I’m currently open to short story submissions across a range of genres, with a particular interest in:

  • Horror

  • Fantasy and Science Fiction

  • Mystery and Suspense

Previously published stories are welcome and may receive slight preference, as they often require less editing for audio. But don’t be discouraged, every submission is evaluated on its own strengths.

Horror Genre Preferences

I love stories that can balance humor, heart, suspense, and terror; the lighthearted and the bleak.

And while I like to get gritty, gory, and a bit twisted - atmosphere, tension, and originality matter more than shock value.

Absolutely NO Scenes of Sexual Abuse or Sexual Violence.

Other than that - I run a lose ship.

Other Non-Fits

  • Self-help or instructional content

  • Religious proselytizing or overtly moralizing narratives

  • Stories that rely heavily on visuals rather than narration (Such as maps in a grand fantasy world)

Audio-Friendly Storytelling

Strongly Preferred

  • Clear narrative voice

  • Engaging opening within the first 1–2 minutes

  • Dialogue that’s easy to follow when heard aloud

  • Clean, well-paced structure

Please Avoid

  • Overly dense or difficult-to-follow prose

  • Large casts of characters introduced in rapid succession

  • Heavy exposition dumps

  • Detailed geographical talk that necessitates a visual map

Length Requirements

  • Word count: 1,500 – 4,000 words

  • Estimated audio length: ~10–30 minutes

  • Stories outside this range may be considered in rare cases, but shorter, tighter pieces are more likely to be accepted

Submission Format

File Type:

.docx or .pdf

Standard Formatting:

(12pt font, double-spaced)

Include:

Title, Author name or pen name, Word count

What to Include

Each submission should include

  • Your short story

  • A brief author bio (50–100 words)

  • Contact information

  • A confirmation that: “This is my original work and I have the rights to submit it.”

Optional but appreciated

  • Content warnings (if applicable)

  • Pronunciation notes for unusual names or terms

  • Social Media or Website

Rights & Usage

Submitting your work does not grant Connor Reads Books any rights to use, record, or distribute your story.

If your story is selected, we will move to a second step: a simple written rights agreement that both of us will review and sign before any recording or publication takes place. This ensures we are fully aligned and that you remain in control of your work.

What to Expect if Accepted

The agreement will outline:

  • A non-exclusive license allowing Connor Reads Books to narrate, record, and distribute your story as part of the podcast

  • You will retain full ownership of your work at all times

  • The podcast will retain the right to keep the recorded episode available on podcast platforms in perpetuity (unless otherwise agreed in writing)

No use of your story will occur until this agreement is finalized.

AI & Voice Protection Clause

The agreement will also include clear protections for both parties:

  • Your work will not be used for AI training or generation

  • The narrator’s voice (Connor’s voice, or any additional voice actors who appear) may not be replicated, synthesized, or used in AI-generated content under any circumstances

Editing Policy

Accepted stories may undergo light editing for:

  • Clarity in spoken format

  • Flow and pacing

  • Minor grammar adjustments

You will be contacted for approval before any meaningful changes are finalized. No major edits will be made without your consent.

Compensation

At this time, this is an unpaid project.

Neither the podcast nor contributing authors are receiving compensation. The goal is to build a platform for sharing great stories and reaching new audiences. All authors will be fully credited.

Response Time

  • You can expect a response within 2–6 weeks

  • Due to volume, not all submissions may receive detailed feedback

Final Notes

Connor Reads Books is a curated podcast with a specific tone and style. Submissions that align closely with the preferences above are far more likely to be accepted. Thoughtful, well-crafted stories designed with audio in mind will stand out.

I’m excited to hear your work!

Submit Your Story