Aftertongue™: Language Under Pressure Anthology I · Spring 2026 We’re opening submissions. This anthology is for work written under constraint, consequence, and clarity. Language that handles the strain when comfort drops. What we’re looking for: - Writing that already did the work - Pieces that stand without explanation - Language shaped by pressure, not performance What this is not: - Reaction writing - Spectacle - Prompt-chasing - AI-generated work AI policy: ✔️Use of AI is limited to minor edits only. ✔️Writing created with the help of AI beyond minor edits is not permitted. ✔️If a piece does not qualify for copyright under law, we won’t accept it. ✔️Submissions may be reviewed for compliance by human editors. Rights - Authors retain full copyright - First publication rights only - No AI training - Adaptations are opt-in Timeline: - Submissions open: January 15, 2026 - Submissions close: February 15, 2026 - Publication: late April 2026 How to submit: One piece. No explanation required. Submit via the form linked below. If you’ve been carrying something that’s been waiting for the right conditions… this is the window. — Aftertongue™ https://sites.google.com/view/language-under-pressure/home

I talked with some of you about the ISBNs and just wanted to give you a heads up. We extended the deadline for payment earlier this month, but in order to take advantage of the sale prices — payment must be made in full by December 31, 2025. Otherwise, they will be subject to the 2026 raised prices. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Membership has its privileges. Because of the faith and fire of the first 25, Zen Publishers is offering a private registry window: 25% off all ISBN packages through 11·25·25. Every number is sacred. Each ISBN seals your authorship into the archive. Your debut, your series, your press: marked and made official under the Zen seal. 🜂 Single Seal: 1 ISBN • $39 🜂 Dual Seal: 2 ISBNs • $70 🜂 Triad Record: 3 ISBNs • $101 🜂 Deca Registry: 10 ISBNs • $270 💰 To Secure Your Seal: Send payment via Venmo or Zelle using the note: Zen ISBN Registry + [your email] 🪙 Venmo: @StayZen 💵 Cashapp: $stayzenblends (Do you know how many you need? DM me and I can help you figure it out!) Your number awaits. Cycle closes soon.

The ink has settled. The decree is live. Each passage marks the crossing, vision into embodiment. Writers named here have moved from draft to doctrine. Illumination through Imperfection. Zen Publishers — Where the written becomes ritual.