Books & Short Stories

Explore published books, upcoming releases, and praise from fellow authors and editors.

The Butterfly's Stroke and Other Stories

Whether you think you’ve seen a Cryptid or are a skeptic, inside this anthology are twenty stories. from a variety of authors, featuring all kinds of cryptids, be it the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, or some you might not have even heard of, along with those who study them and hunt them. While the anthology contains a variety of genres including fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, and more, all are family friendly. Additionally, each story has to utilize an epistolary element in their story, which could be a text message, vlog, or even old fashioned letter writing. My story is titled “How to be Friends with a Human.” All proceeds go to fund the Superstars Writing Seminars Scholarship Program

Available At: Amazon Barnes & Noble Other ways to Buy

Weird Wilderness: A Cryptid Bestiary (An Anthology)

Available At: Amazon Barnes & Noble WordFire Press

The Problem with Control (A Short Story in Sally Port Magazine)

You can find my short story “The Problem with Control” in the July 2025 issue of Sally Port Magazine. It’s a fantasy story about the importance of choices and the agency to make our own. Featuring the compassionate Phineas, who spends his life dealing with the monsters and aliens that most people know nothing about, along with his sarcastic sidekick Bellicose, who has the privilege of being the only monster Phineas allows in his home.

I was honored that Sally Port Magazine chose my story to be the first one they’d ever illustrated.

Sally Port offers single issue and yearly subscription: Sally Port Magazine

Coming Soon

Marked by Magic - Coming 2026

My middle-grade fantasy/steampunk mash up is coming! Here is what the publisher has to say:

Annmarie brings her award-winning talent for science fiction and fantasy to her thrilling new Middle Grade series, Marked by Magic.

In a world ruled by machines and devoid of magic, twelve-year-old Leif’s life is upended when a mysterious rune marks him as a magic-bearer. Armed with emerging magical powers, an unlikely group of allies, and a fierce determination to uncover the truth, Leif embarks on a dangerous quest to find his missing father. But as magic and machines collide, Leif must navigate a world where every choice could cost him everything.

With unforgettable characters, high-stakes adventure, and a world teeming with secrets, Marked by Magic promises to captivate readers of all ages!

Stay tuned for updates, sneak peeks, and release dates for this magical new series.

“I have known Annmarie SanSevero from her work with Superstars Writing Seminars, and also from her submissions to Writers of the Future, where she consistently places in the upper tier of results. I have also critiqued some of her stories, and so I trusted her enough as a writer that I hired her as a development editor for “Maxwell’s Demons,” a new science fiction mystery novella in my Blue Collar Space universe.

She performed above my expectations, taking care to document and reinforce the voice and mannerisms of seven different protagonists. She also tracked and followed the clues to make sure that they added up to a solution, and she documented my jargon and pointed out where it might be unclear to new readers. She provided me with detailed editing notes, and she discussed the points with me.

It is important that I launch this series with a strong entry, and I have a better story because of Annmarie’s work. I plan to engage her again for future episodes.”

MARTIN L. SHOEMAKER - Author of The Last Dance

*I had the privlege of editing Jonathan’s upcoming story for Into the Deep, Dark Woods. I will admit to being intimidated a bit, not because of anything Jonathan did. It was my first time editing in the horror genre, and he’s Jonathan Maberry, one of the best horror/thriller writers there is. I put some work in ahead of time by attending some horror genre workshops to make sure I understood the trope before diving in.

I turned it in tremulously. Jonathan gave a one sentence reply that allowed me to breathe again:

“Good edit notes!”

I had not asked him for a testimonial, but did ask permission to put his response here.

JONATHAN MABERRY

I had the pleasure of working with Annmarie SanSevero for developmental editorial help on a recent short story. Her feedback provided useful insights into improving my narrative structure and character development. Annmarie was adept at identifying the core strengths of my story while also gently steering me through areas that needed improvement. Importantly, she never tried to alter my voice and demonstrated a keen understanding of the mood and mindset I was aiming for in the story.

Annmarie’s professionalism and encouragement made the revision process both productive and enjoyable. Thanks to her exceptional guidance, my short story has evolved into a compelling piece that I am proud to share with readers. I highly recommend Annmarie SanSevero to any writer seeking thoughtful editorial assistance that respects their individual style.

JENNY PERRY CARR - Author of “The Solution to Everything is Disco” in Rhapsody of the Spheres

I’ve worked with Annmarie SanSevero over the course of two books now, and I have to say that she did a stellar job! Her work as a developmental editor was precise, nuanced, and very thorough. It takes a meticulous mind to understand how important detail is to setting, but a great capacity for imagination to understand how to weave it into a story. Annmarie has both, in addition to a genuine enthusiasm.

If you want someone who advises without being pushy, improves your work without changing the voice or atmosphere, and helps you fine-tune the story you have in your head into something spectacular on the page, then this is the dev editor for you! I highly recommend Annmarie’s work, and hope to work with her again soon.

Trisha Ray, author of The Girls Behind the Gunfire (HarperCollins Publishers India)