About Us
At Dark Harbor Magazine: Where Horror Comes Home, we are dedicated to publishing the strongest voices in commercial horror fiction while upholding the values of literary citizenship. We champion short stories and flash fiction that thrill, unsettle, and endure.
Mission
To elevate both emerging and established authors while giving back to the horror community—strengthening the field through professional integrity, ethical practice, and a commitment to shaping the future of horror writers and publishers alike.
Vision
Dark Harbor Magazine: Where Horror Comes Home will stand as the world’s premier destination for commercial horror fiction—recognized as the publication writers dream of joining and readers trust for the genre’s most compelling work.
Driven by literary citizenship, we will act as stewards of the genre: supporting authors, partnering with universities to cultivate both future horror writers and publishing professionals, and building an enduring institution that contributes to the long-term growth of horror as a cultural force.
Much like the stories we publish, our legacy will endure long after the final page.
Meet the Editors
Jimmy Blakemore
Editorial Director
I started Dark Harbor Magazine as a means for giving back to the horror and literary communities. My love for the horror genre started when I was only a small child, watching silver-screen creature-features and 90s horror-themed kid's shows, and telling spooky stories to other children at go-kart dirt tracks while my father raced in competitions across the East Coast. Later, nearing my thirties, I decided to earn a BA in Creative Writing and English, which led me to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing. My influences as a writer include Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and Richard Matheson. I am a member of the Horror Writers Association, Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, and founder of the American Horror Society.
Currently, I am in my final term of my MFA in Creative Writing program at SNHU, my conferral set in December. And I am applying to PhD in English programs.
Alexis Samuels, MFA
Editor-in-Chief
I’m a poet who loves to dabble in short stories too. My writing centers around grief, loss, and nature which led me to have a deep appreciation for the horror genre. I have a poem published in CHILL MAG and a flash fiction piece in On Concept’s Edge. My debut poetry collection, Turbulence Ahead, is self-published via KDP/Amazon. When I’m not exploring the intricacies between hard truth poems and stories, I enjoy going on adventures with my dog, Boulder, and my partner, Joe. I’ve also earned my MFA in Writing from Lindenwood University in late 2024.
Meet Our Readers
At Dark Harbor Magazine, our beta readers are the first line of engagement between raw fiction and refined publication. Each beta reader brings a sharp critical eye, a deep understanding of narrative craft, and an unflinching commitment to literary integrity. Their feedback probes structure, voice, pacing, and emotional resonance, helping us shape every story into its strongest, most compelling form.
Their insights sharpen our vision; their rigor keeps us honest.
- Manny Blacksher
- Elizabeth Nalepa
- Chris Gering
- Kathryn Green
- Jonathan Helland
- Timothy Hoffman
- Eddy Laughter
- Savannah Schmidt
- Scott Manger
- Michaela McGrath
- Vickie Navarra
- Elaina Parsons
- Mackenzie Pierce
- Kate Pond
- Jaden Weiss
- Tom Foster
- Will DeWitt
- Mackenzie Pierce
- Sophie La
- Mikki Schulz