In the world of Warhammer 40,000contains the Black Library, guarded by ancient Harlequins, the most dangerous and forbidden lore in the galaxy. In our world, the Black Library is the clever title for the publishing arm of Games Workshop, which publishes novels and short stories about Orcs, the Leagues of Votann, the Imperium of Man, and all the other factions that make up 40K’s mad, grim future . The Black Library also includes works from Warhammer Fantasy and Age of Sigmarfor those who prefer the knowledge of the World-That-Was and the Mortal Realms.
Black Library is hosting an open submission period for writing samples between February 22nd and March 9th, and they are looking for writers to submit a short scene featuring two characters from 40K or Age of Sigmar. (So you can’t combine the settings – my apologies to anyone who was hoping for a showdown between Archaeon and Abaddon.)
According to the announcement on Warhammer Communityauthors can pick any two characters and portray them in “a duel, a conversation, or whatever you can think of; and if you impress their critical editors, you may even be invited to formally pitch.” Writers may submit only one entry per piece. Please note that the publisher retains all rights to the samples: “Games Workshop shall have the exclusive right to use your submission for any purpose in the future.”
Entries must be in English, contain no more than 500 words and contain only two characters. The scene must be set in Vigilus, Commorragh or Armageddon if set in 40K, and Hammerhal Aqsha, the Eightpoints of Shadespire if set in Age of Sigmar. Commorragh is a particularly interesting prompt, as it is home to the nefarious Dark Eldar, a faction of marauders and raiders who must inflict constant pain to save their own souls from a hungry god.
Hopefully there will be some entries where Guilliman and the Lion finally meet and can hug. Games Workshop will share more information about entries on the Warhammer Community site on February 22.
This is your chance to really get your creative juices flowing. Black Library is looking for smart character combinations and texts that authentically portray these characters. As always, general terms and conditions apply.