Create a Cascadian Cryptid Anthology

This submission call is for our Cascadian Cryptids anthology, separate from our annual literary journal. The call: write a short story that includes a brand-new cryptid of your creation based in the Pacific Northwest. The story could be an origin story of the creature, a story of a person interacting with the creature, or any other plot of your choosing but it must be centered around your created cryptid. Must include a clear physical description of the creature. Story must be between 3,000-6,000 words. Do not submit stories about existing cryptids (Sasquatch, Pacific Tree Octopus, Jackalope, etc). You may submit other work to the literary journal simultaneously. We are not accepting simultaneous submissions for this anthology, but you're welcome to submit your story elsewhere if we don't accept it. We are only accepting short fiction, no poetry. We are looking for one illustrator to bring these cryptids to life--if interested please submit a sample piece of a creature of your choosing and any other art samples and/or a link to your online portfolio. Writers with accepted pieces will receive a one-time payment of $50, the illustrator will also receive a one-time payment, amount TBD. We would love to see stories that include: impact of humans on nature, meaning behind the creature's appearance and behavior, creatures that make sense for the area in which they live (a coastal creature should be very different from an Alaska tundra creature, for example).