15 Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazines to Read and Submit Work
Fantasy writing is a popular genre that combines elements of science fiction, horror and myth to create stories full of magic, adventure, and suspense. It often features elements like mythical creatures and supernatural powers, as well as grand settings such as otherworldly kingdoms or distant galaxies.
Fantasy writing has been around for centuries, with some of the most famous works being J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia and George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.
Today, fantasy writing is growing in popularity with stories ranging from traditional high-fantasy epics to urban fantasy and coming-of-age tales. If you’re a budding fantasy writer, good news!
There are many opportunities available to get your work published in magazines that cater specifically to this genre. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of magazine submissions and give you tips on what it takes to make your story stand out in science fiction and fantasy short fiction markets.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in to the nuts-and-bolts of it all...
Submitting Your Work to Fantasy Magazines
When it comes to submitting your work to magazines, there are a few key things you should keep in mind. The first is that you should always read the submission guidelines carefully before sending off your story.
Most magazines have specific requirements in terms of word count, formatting, and content. Failing to follow the guidelines could result in your submission being rejected before it’s even read.
Some accept simultaneous submissions while others don't, and many will only accept original fiction that has not been published elsewhere.
If a magazine is able to pay its writers, they will include the pay rate in their submission guidelines. It is a good idea to read their guidelines to make sure you understand what the editorial staff is actually looking for, if they accept nonfiction like book reviews or opinion pieces, or if they accept unsolicited submissions vs. have a submission period.
It’s also a good idea to include a cover letter with your submission. This is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and provide a brief description of the story you are submitting.
You can also explain why it would be a good fit for the magazine, as well as any previous writing or publishing experience you may have.
In addition, you should be sure to research the magazine you’re submitting to. Read some past issues and become familiar with their editorial style.
This will help you get a better idea of what kind of stories they’re looking for and increase the chances that your submission will stand out.
Finally, make sure you proofread your story carefully before submitting it. A sloppy or error-filled submission is unlikely to make it past the first round of editing, so take some time to make sure your story is as polished and professional as possible.
Finding Magazines to Submit To
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the basics of submitting to magazines, the next step is finding publications that are open to fantasy submissions.
The best place to start is online, where there are plenty of websites that list fantasy magazines with open calls for submissions. Some of the most popular include Duotrope, The Review Review, Submittable, and WritersMarket.com.
You can also look to print magazines as well as literary journals that might feature fantasy fiction alongside their literary fiction.
Many of these have online submission pages where you can send in your story directly. You can also look for local writing groups or organizations in your area that might be open to short story submissions.
Writing a Compelling Fantasy Story
Finally, if you’re hoping to get your fantasy story published, you need to make sure it’s compelling and unique. Most magazines are looking for great stories that are exciting, original and able to draw readers in from the very first line.
Be sure to leave plenty of room for character development and make sure your world building is well-crafted and immersive.
The key to writing a great fantasy story is finding the right balance between creativity and structure.
You want to make sure your plot is tight and focused while also leaving enough space for interesting twists and turns. It’s also important to make sure your characters are fleshed out and compelling.
Feel stuck? Take out your favorite fantasy story and take notes -- read it as a writer and dissect what you like about it, what works, etc. The thing about genre fiction like fantasy is that while it usually follows a format of some caliber, there is so much room to play and explore.
A great way to practice is by writing flash fiction which is very short snippets of stories that feel complete. Usually they're 500 words or less.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a story that fantasy literary magazines can’t resist!
15 Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazines To Read And Submit Work To
Daily Science Fiction
Daily Science Fiction is a digital magazine that is distributed online and via email. The magazine was founded in 2010 and publishes science fiction stories.
As per its name, it publishes daily throughout the week with its digital subscription. Daily Science Fiction accepts pieces from 100-1,500 words long, and they are looking for flash fiction especially.
Lightspeed Magazine
Lightspeed Magazine is an award-winning online publication dedicated to publishing science fiction, horror and fantasy stories. Founded in 2010, Lightspeed has quickly established itself as a destination for the best and most original stories from emerging and experienced writers alike.
Strange Horizons
Strange Horizons is an online magazine dedicated to publishing speculative fiction in all its forms. From fantastic tales of adventure to thought-provoking stories about society and culture, Strange Horizons has something for everyone.
The magazine welcomes submissions from both new and experienced authors, offering a unique platform for showcasing their work to the world. With thoughtful reviews, interviews with authors, and more, Strange Horizons is the perfect place to submit your original short stories or essays.
Asimov's science fiction
Asimov's Science Fiction is a speculative fiction magazine that started in 1977 and has published iconic stories from iconic writers, from award-wining authors to first time writers alike.
Fun fact: George R.R. Martin's Daenerys Targaryen first appeared in print in Asimov's magazine! Still going strong, this magazine has established itself as one of the best magazines for science fiction writers to cut their teeth on and play their cast of wonders out, and it now publishes bi-monthly.
Analog Science Fiction & Fact
Analog Science Fiction & Fact is an award-winning science fiction magazine dedicated to publishing stories of all kinds. Founded in 1930, Analog has been the go-to publication for some of the most influential authors in science fiction.
With a mission to bring readers “the best stories from the past, present and future of science fiction,” Analog is sure to have something for every fan of speculative fiction. If you’re looking to submit your fantasy story, be sure to check out this iconic magazine today!
Apex Magazine
Apex Magazine is an award-winning online magazine dedicated to publishing science fiction, fantasy and horror stories.
Their first issue debuted in 2005, and since then Apex has quickly established itself as one of the most respected venues for speculative fiction, offering readers a unique platform for discovering new authors and stories.
Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge is an award-winning science fiction magazine dedicated to publishing stories of all kinds. Founded in 2012, Galaxy’s Edge has quickly established itself as one of the premier venues for speculative fiction, offering readers a unique platform for discovering new authors and stories.
Beneath Ceaseless Skies
Beneath Ceaseless Skies is an award-winning online magazine dedicated to publishing literary adventure fantasy and science fiction stories.
Founded in 2008, Beneath Ceaseless Skies has quickly established itself as one of the best venues for speculative fiction, offering readers a unique platform for discovering new authors and stories.
Clarkesworld Magazine
Clarkesworld Magazine is an award-winning online magazine dedicated to publishing science fiction, fantasy and horror stories.
Founded in 2006, Clarkesworld has quickly established itself as one of the most respected venues for speculative fiction, offering readers a unique platform for discovering new authors and stories.
Interzone
Interzone is an award-winning science fiction magazine dedicated to publishing stories of all kinds. Founded in 1982, Interzone has quickly established itself as one of the premier venues for speculative fiction, offering readers a unique platform for discovering new authors and stories.
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is a digital magazine focused on publishing beautiful, well-written, intelligent science-fiction and fantasy stories for adults.
They have a preference towards stories that are vegan-friendly, but that is not a submission requirement. They publish new issues monthly.
Three-Lobed Burning Eye
Three-Lobed Burning Eye (3LBE) is an online magazine of speculative fiction that publishes three times per year digitally with a print anthology every-other year. They focus on the stories that are "of horror, wonder, and the weird."
The Dark
The Dark is a magazine for horror and dark fantasy. They publish digital issues each month. They are seeking original fiction that is 2,000-6,000 words, no reprints.
Uncanny
Uncanny Magazine is an award-winning online Science Fiction and Fantasy magazine featuring passionate Science Fiction and Fantasy stories, poetry, gorgeous prose, and provocative nonfiction.
With a deep investment in the diverse SF/F culture, each issue contains stories and poems that will make you feel and think hard.
Factor Four Magazine
Factor Four is a monthly flash fiction magazine with a focus on speculative fiction. They got their start in 2018 and have 19 issues published to date.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to finding and submitting your fantasy story to magazines.
With a bit of research and hard work, you’ll have a great chance of seeing your work published!
For more resources, support, and empowerment, check out the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (formerly known as Science Fiction / Fantasy Writers of America). Happy writing!
