Welcome.
In case this is your first time here, be sure to subscribe so you can receive new stories in your inbox every Thursday.
Cetera is a multi-genre magazine that believes fiction can be one of the best forms of surprise. Every Thursday, we deliver original short stories that challenge, comfort, and hopefully astonish. Tales that explore the unexpected corners of human experience and the worlds that shift without warning.
What We Publish
Our stories span multiple genres while maintaining a commitment to literary excellence. You'll find speculative fiction that bends reality, horror that creeps under your skin, sci-fi that expands your universe, fantasy that reimagines the familiar, and weird fiction that defies all categories. What unites these diverse tales are recurring obsessions: the slippery nature of memory, the quiet power of rebellion, the folklore that shapes us, and worlds that change without warning.
Each story comes complete with original artwork and detailed author notes that pull back the curtain on inspiration, process, and the wonderfully weird facts that spark imagination.
Our Philosophy
We believe in the irreplaceable value of human creativity. Every story we publish is written and edited entirely by human authors, without AI assistance of any kind. Each piece is crafted with care, intention, and the understanding that the best stories trust their readers' intelligence and aren't afraid to take risks.
What to Expect From Us
When you subscribe to Cetera, you're joining a community of readers who appreciate thoughtful, surprising fiction. Our ad-free reading experience in the Substack app lets you focus on what matters: the stories themselves.
Worlds Without Warning Podcast
About six months in, we expanded into audio with Worlds Without Warning, a weekly podcast where authors read their own stories aloud. There's something magical about hearing a story in its creator's voice, and the podcast adds a new dimension to the Cetera experience while maintaining the same commitment to quality and surprise.
Our Editors
Natalia Emmons curates each piece with an eye for stories that surprise, challenge, and move readers. Her editorial vision shapes Cetera's unique voice. One that values both literary craft and the element of surprise that makes fiction essential. Additionally, Jon Negroni offers editorial guidance as the founder and main writer of the magazine.
Community & Submissions
We're always looking for fresh voices and untold stories. Writers interested in contributing can find our submission guidelines on our submissions page.
And if you haven’t already, please consider subscribing and sharing Cetera with a friend.
