Selling Stories to Dark Holmes Publishing

An Interview with Kerry Holmes

My latest sale was for the third issue of Ethereal Nightmares, one of the dark ventures created by Dark Holme Publishing. Doomdel, the Creepy Clown has finally found some pages to terrorize.

The website promises:

Welcome to Dark Holme Publishing, where every shadow hides a story and every tale lingers long after the last page. Dive into a world of spine-tingling horror and haunting dark fantasy. Whether you're a reader seeking unforgettable nightmares or a creator ready to share your own twisted visions, this is your gateway to the extraordinary.

Kerry Holmes and her crew provide more than a place to publish dark tales; she builds a community for lovers and creators of horror.​

Explore chilling anthologies, connect with like-minded souls in our Forbidden Forum, and uncover the secrets waiting in the darkness. Dare to step inside—your journey begins here.

I connected with her (as I often do) when she asked me if she could buy Doomdel for the third issue of Ethereal Nightmares. Here is a photo of Kerry, who also offers editorial services.

AF: Please share the origin story and inspiration for Dark Holme Publishing.

KH: Dark Holme Publishing was born not only from a passion for horror and dark fantasy but also from a desire to amplify diverse and non-mainstream voices. While researching for a paper during a Master's in Publishing, it became clear that there was a distinct lack of publishers dedicated to championing unique, marginalized, and unconventional storytellers.

Dark Holme Publishing was created to fill that gap—a space where chilling, thought-provoking narratives could thrive, regardless of whether they fit traditional publishing norms. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and the darkly imaginative, the mission remains to bring these voices to the forefront, offering both established and emerging writers a platform to share their most haunting tales.

AF: You are creating a few streams of content. There's the Dark Descent paid websize, Ethereal Nightmares, and more. Can you explain them?

KH: Yeah, we’ve got a few different things going on, all tied together by our love for horror and community-building.

At Dark Holme, we want to create a space where everyone feels welcome. That’s why we offer multiple ways for people to engage with our community for free—our forums for open discussions, our blog for deep dives into horror, and ShadowSphere, our main horror community group where people can connect over books, movies, writing, and all things dark.

For those who want to take things further and help support Dark Holme, we have Dark Descent, our paid subscription. This includes Whispers From Beyond, our exclusive webzine filled with horror fiction, deep-dive features, and insights into the genre. Subscribers also get access to Nightmare Narratives, where they can submit their own work and participate in the Readers’ Choice voting, with winning stories being featured in an upcoming anthology. We don’t believe in locking everything behind a paywall, so we keep the subscription cost low while making sure it’s packed with rich content.

Then there’s Ethereal Nightmares, our anthology series that highlights both emerging and established horror voices, pushing the boundaries of the genre. And for Dark Descent subscribers, we have Dreadbound Society, an exclusive space for deeper discussions, engagement, and behind-the-scenes content.

At the end of the day, Dark Holme isn’t just about publishing books—it’s about building a real community where horror lovers can connect, grow, and share their passion for the eerie and unsettling.

AF: Why horror?

KH: Horror has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I don’t really read or watch much outside of the genre—it’s what I love. That passion comes from my dad, who’s also a huge horror fan. Some of my best childhood memories are staying up late on Saturday nights to watch Hammer Horror movies with him. It was our thing, and it shaped my love for the eerie, unsettling, and macabre. Horror isn’t just entertainment for me—it’s something I’ve always been drawn to, something that feels like home.

AF: Can you give us some hints about which stories are most likely to be successful?

The best advice I can give is to write something that truly unsettles or lingers with the reader. Stories that tap into deep fears, whether psychological, supernatural, or something more grounded in reality, tend to do well. Originality is key—if it feels like something we’ve seen a hundred times before, it’s less likely to stand out.

I love stories that build tension, have strong atmosphere, and leave me thinking about them long after I’ve finished reading. Twisted endings, unique perspectives, and fresh takes on horror tropes always grab attention. And, of course, good writing matters—tight prose, compelling characters, and a sense of dread that pulls the reader in will always make a story stronger.

AF: What do you see too much of?

KH: One thing I see a lot of is stories that rely too heavily on overused horror tropes without adding anything fresh. Things like "it was all a dream," creepy children with no real depth, or a character moving into a haunted house and ignoring all the obvious red flags—they can work, but only if there’s a unique twist.

Another common issue is stories that tell rather than show. Horror is all about atmosphere, tension, and the slow build of dread. If everything is spelled out too quickly or relies too much on exposition, it loses its impact.

And then there are the stories that go for shock over substance—just throwing in gore or disturbing imagery without real purpose. True horror sticks with you because it taps into something deeper, not just because it’s gruesome.

AF: What is your number one piece of advice for new writers?

KH: Write what truly scares you. The most effective horror comes from something personal—fears, anxieties, or unsettling ideas that linger in your own mind. If it creeps you out, there’s a good chance it’ll have the same effect on readers.

Beyond that, focus on atmosphere and tension. Horror isn’t just about the big scares; it’s about the slow, creeping unease that builds over time. And don’t be afraid to take risks—unique perspectives and fresh twists on familiar fears will always stand out.

AF: Tell us about your writing journey and what you create?

KH: My writing journey started back in school when I was around 14. I had an incredible English teacher who really encouraged my writing, and that stuck with me. Later, I went on to study Creative Writing for my undergrad, but when it came time for my Master’s, I was torn between Creative Writing and Publishing. Ultimately, I chose Publishing because it encompasses all things creative, and I wanted to be involved in the bigger picture of the industry.

I write horror short stories, which is why I’ve leaned towards anthologies rather than novelettes or novels. I’ve always felt that short stories are underrated in mainstream publishing, and I want to help bring them more into the spotlight. There’s something powerful about telling a complete, chilling story in a short space—it forces every word to matter, and when done well, it can leave just as much of an impact as a full-length novel.

AF: What's next for Dark Holmes publishing and what are you seeing the more success with?

KH: Right now, Dark Holme Publishing is focused on growing its community and expanding opportunities for horror writers. Dark Descent is steadily gaining traction, and we’re seeing a lot of engagement with our exclusive webzine and submission opportunities like Nightmare Narratives. The response to Ethereal Nightmares: An Anthology of Twisted Tales has also been fantastic, which reinforces our belief that horror anthologies still have a strong place in the market.

Looking ahead, the goal is to keep building on this momentum—expanding our anthology projects, strengthening our ShadowSphere community, and continuing to give a platform to both new and established horror writers. We’re also refining our editorial services and exploring new ways to support indie authors. The more we grow, the more we can push the boundaries of horror publishing and create a space where dark fiction truly thrives.

This next section is for paying subscribers only… where you can learn why I wrote this story (hint: it was a requested submission). And why Kerry ultimately chose to purchase Doomdel.

ENTER… If you dare…