5 literary magazines for sci-fi and fantasy readers

There are two main types of readers: those who read so voraciously that there aren't enough stories to keep them satiated, and those who feel too intimidated by thick books with over fifty chapters to ever start. There's a solution that could satisfy both of these readers, and I'm happy to use it as an excuse to shout out more amazing stories.

You could have genre literary magazines delivered to your mailbox or inbox every week, month, season, or year. Each issue typically consists of a handful of self-contained stories ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand words. Most literary magazines publish short stories, but some may contain a novelette or a novella. There's a literary magazine for every genre out there, and if one doesn't exist yet, it no doubt will once that audience grows. From high fantasy to cyberpunk, weird fiction to slasher horror, there are so many options out there that you'll eventually find something you wouldn't mind subscribing to.

Below is a list of reputable magazines that publish consistently and pay their contributors, so you can feel good about supporting them. This list includes some long-standing publications and a few indie zines. All of them have periodic open submissions, so if you happen to be a fiction writer, you can consider submitting a short piece to any of them as well.

1. Clarkesworld

Starting with one of the most popular on this list, Clarkesworld publishes monthly issues of thought-provoking science fiction and fantasy fiction and articles. They also publish an annual anthology of their favorite works. Its first issue was published on October 1st, 2006, so its 20th anniversary is coming up soon!

As a beacon of literary talent, Clarkesworld has featured emerging writers as well as accomplished authors like Joe Abercrombie (The Devils, The First Law). They simply look for engaging speculative fiction, or art for their breathtaking covers. For its publishing quality, positive relationship with authors and artists, and responsible business practices, Clarkesworld has won three Hugo Awards, a British Fantasy Award, and a World Fantasy Award, as well as a slew of additional awards for its editor Neil Clarke. You're unlikely to be disappointed with an issue of Clarkesworld, with a massive backlog to randomly choose from, and a consistent monthly publishing schedule.

2. Uncanny Magazine

Uncanny Magazine is another Hugo and British Fantasy Award-winning literary platform founded by Lynne M. Thomas and Michael Damien Thomas. They've been publishing online bimonthly for over 10 years, beginning on November 4th, 2014. Its issues typically contain stranger-than-usual science fiction and fantasy, including essays, poetry, and interviews. As far as cover design goes, I believe they're right behind Clarkesworld, with strikingly beautiful artwork. Uncanny is a great space for diverse creatives, and has published authors like C.L. Clark (Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf, The Unbroken) multiple times. Uncanny Magazine is great for those readers looking for a variety of fiction that'll make them feel something real and weird, in the best of ways.

3. Grimdark Magazine

If you're into the darker side of speculative fiction, then look no further than Grimdark Magazine. They've been publishing gnarly fantasy and science fiction since 2016, featuring genre greats like Adrian Tchaikovsky (Children of Time, Shadows of the Apt) and Scott Lynch (The Gentlemen Bastards). While they specialize in grimdark fiction, they also cover horror and the like, as long as there are speculative elements, and it's unapologetically bleak and morally grey.

Grimdark Magazine publishes, online and in print, quarterly issues of quality stories, but also produces novellas and anthologies. Their recent run of novellas has included Essa Hansen's Graven story, Casthen Gain, and an Empire of the Wolf story from Richard Swan titled The Scour. There aren't a whole lot of spaces dedicated to dark fiction, let alone give authors the sort of support that GDM does. In a sea of magazines that want fantastical, uplifting fiction about the modern day, Grimdark Magazine is like a black hole in the starry void. It's not on everyone's charts, but you'll never escape once you dive in.

4. Foofaraw Press

Anyone can start a literary journal, but it takes dedication and care for one to prosper and grow into something with potential. Foofaraw Press is an independent zine of surreal storytelling and worldly observations. Though there is an argument to be made that all of the magazines on this list are "independent," Foofaraw Press stands out for their accessibility to emerging authors. They're not picky about genre, as they are open to speculative fiction, experimental, poems, prose, comics, essays, and reviews.

Foofaraw welcomes the weird in the ordinary. Their first long read, single-story publication released recently: D.H. Parish's The Bodies. Without spoiling much, it's a weird fiction detective story. It was like Jules Verne met Lovecraft-lite. The mystery was gripping from start to finish, and could be read in one sitting. I'm looking forward to seeing what Foofaraw Press can put out next, as they've just closed their first short story competition and are expecting to put out an anthology.

5. Cosmic Horror Monthly

Cosmic Horror Monthly, as the straightforward name implies, publishes cosmic horror, Lovecraftian fiction, and eldritch horror, monthly in both print and online. The've earned the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Edited Anthology, and two Brave New Weird Vol II Awards for Best Magazine and Best Anthology. Cosmic Horror Monthly has been a tenctacle-caressed haven for weird fiction enjoyers, and for authors submitting their short works of untold terrors. What I like most about CHM is their consistently eye-catching covers, evoking the fun energy of the genre and its awe-inspiring horror at once. The stories each issue holds will unravel your mind with dark intrigue. Because just when you thought you'd seen it all, the next tale will humble you.

It's a short list, but these are a few literary magazines I'd recommend for those new to this ecosystem. There are so many more out there, dipping into genres stranger than these, but with one or two mags in your mailbox you'll never be short on short fiction to devour.