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Sometimes it's nice to set down the thick doorstopper epic you're working through and enjoy a quick, but satisfying short story. Aside from anthologies, there are numerous speculative fiction magazines out there, many of them catering to specific genres and tastes within the SF umbrella. Here is a rundown of ten such magazines (an alphabetical order) that are well worth your time and money:
1. Abyss & Apex - Magazine of Speculative Fiction. A&A is currently in their 30th issue, and also has a Best of Apex & Abyss Vol. 1 compilation available through Amazon.
2. Analog - Science Fiction and Fact. An established and acclaimed magazine, Analog focuses on real, hard science, both in its fiction, as well as articles that address how science is changing our world today.
3. Asimov's - Science Fiction. Another giant in the SF magazine industry, Asimov's is an award-winning publication that features some of the biggest names around, in both their selection of authors and editorial staff.
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4. Black Gate - Adventures in Fantasy Literature. A leading fantasy magazine, Black Gate focuses on adventure, imagination, horror, and fun, while also providing numerous reviews, essays and author interviews.
5. Ideomancer - speculative fiction. An artistic and often strange mix of fantasy, slipstream, horror, flash fiction, poetry, and science fiction.
6. Leading Edge. Published out of Brigham Young Univerisity,Leading Edge sets itself apart by producing high quality speculative fiction which often showcases new authors and artists.
7. Strange Horizons. Published weekly, this online speculative fiction magazine covers everything from science fiction to fantasy to slipstream to magical realism, and a host of other sub-genres. Check them out for short stories, poetry, articles andreviews.
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8. Shimmer - Speculative fiction for a miscreant world. With a recently revamped website, Shimmer is a gorgeous online and print magazine that highlights contemporary fantasy which is "frequently dark or darkly funny, and always gorgeous."
9. Talebones - A magazine of science fiction and dark fantasy. Up-and-coming writers are featured here alongside more established writers, all of them providing top-notch stories of the strange worlds and realities.
10. Weird Tales - The unique, fantastic, and bizarre. This magazine was launched with the intent of hosting the stories that were so shocking and far out that no one else would publish them. You want monstrous? Gothic? Horrifying? Find it here.
There are many more magazines to explore, both online, in print, and around the globe, so keep an eye out here for future lists.
Comments
I am aware of some but not all of the above magazines.
I was recently published in the US:
www.StrategicBookPublishing.com/ScienceFictionandAlternateHistory.html
and would like to get my work reviewed. I shall certainly be taking a look at some of the above sites.
Cheers
I was just about to post a comment after reading the article and then I read David's comment above. I was about to say pretty much the identical thing except my book can be found on www.Strategic Book Publishing.com/RandolphsChallenge.html
Good article Josh. Thanks, I'll certainly be having a look at some of those you list.
Chris Warren
Author and Freelance Writer
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