Editorial policy
How we research, write, check and update our content.
Terrible Stories publishes original horror fiction: short stories, micro-horror and campfire tales. This policy explains how we write, rate and publish them.
Original work
Every story on Terrible Stories is an original work of fiction written for this site. Names, characters, places and events are products of imagination, and any resemblance to real people or events is coincidental. We never republish other writers’ work without permission and credit.
Content ratings
Each story states who it suits. Stories for children avoid gore, cruelty and hopeless endings. Stories for older readers may be darker, but we do not publish gratuitous violence, sexual content or hate.
Use of AI tools
We use AI tools to help brainstorm, edit and create some illustrations. Every story is shaped, edited and approved by a human editor, and images are labelled as illustrations.
Reader submissions
When we open submissions, stories will be published only with the author’s permission and full credit.
Concerns and corrections
If something we have published concerns you, email hello@terriblestories.com and we will review it promptly.