Imagination is the fuel for thought. The mind feeds upon thoughts of endless possibilities. Science-fictional publications are perfect companions. Such publications feature articles about fantastic ideas and the supernatural which is fascinating and intriguing.
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If you’re someone who has an active fantasy life and wants to write about it, these science fiction magazines might be perfect for you.
25 Science Fiction Magazines That Pay Writers
Here is a list of top science-fictional publications that pay their authors for speculative stories with specific guidelines:
1. Sci Phi Journal
Payment: One cent per word
This magazine accepts short fiction (between 2000–7000 words) that has a strong philosophical outlook. It expects them to be written by authors who write sci-fi.
Also, we’d recommend going through their submission guidelines before submitting anything.
2. The Dark Magazine
Payment: 3 cents per word
It’s a monthly magazine featuring short fiction (1,000-6,500 words) by authors who write horror and dark fantasies.
You’d get paid when someone accepts your offer.
3. Shimmer Zine
Pay: $5 per word
This magazine publishes speculative fiction including fantasy and sci-fi. They prefer short pieces (4000-word maximum) but they’re open to longer ones if needed.
Finally, we recommend you read their submission guidelines carefully. They have specific requirements for submissions. You may be paid upon publication if you meet their criteria.
4. InterGalactic Medicine Show
Pay: $6 per word
This magazine publishes both science-fictional and fantastical works. Its submission guidelines are quite specific. You’re encouraged to read them carefully before submitting your work.
You’d be paid once we publish the post.
5. Pseudopod
Payment: $6 per word.
This magazine is for short stories (novels) in the genres of dark and horror fiction. It expects submissions to be no longer than 6000 words.
6. Beneath Ceaseless Skies
This publication focuses on short fiction (stories) written for children and young adults. Stories must be between 1,500 and 15,000 words long.
You’d get paid for publishing an article. There are specific submission guidelines, so we recommend you read them carefully. And you’d be paid once the article was published.
7. Scout
Pay: $0.08 per word
Most of their articles combine journalism and sci-fi. They often seek articles between 250 and 2000 words related to emerging technology that can have a social effect.
A fantasy magazine
Payment: $7-$12 per word
This magazine includes articles related to sci-fi and fantasy. They’re usually between 25,000 and 50,000 words long.
9. Blind Spot
Payment: $8 per word
We’re looking for original science fiction and fantasy short story manuscripts between 10,000 and 20,000-word length.
10. Lightspeed
It’s an award-winning sci-fi/fantasy literary journal. They’re looking for original sci-fi and fantasy stories.
In order to ensure that your story stands out from the rest, we recommend you keep it short (between 500-1,000) and sweet (no longer than 10,000). You can also write about something you know well, such as yourself, your family, friends, hobbies, experiences, or any other subject matter you feel comfortable writing about. Remember to include a hook so readers will stay interested.
11. Daily Science Fiction
Stories must be between 100-1,500 words long.
Furthermore, they have specific submission requirements. We’d recommend you familiarize yourself with them before submitting anything.
12. Asimov’s Science Fiction
Payment: $8-$10 per word
It focuses on sci-fi stories. It accepts short stories up to 20,000 words long.
13. Analog
This book contains articles about sci-fi. Submissions must be between 2,000 – 7,500 words. Queries should precede full drafts.
They also have specific guidelines for submissions. It’s best if you read them carefully before submitting anything. You will get paid after publication.
14. Clarkesworld Magazine
Cost: $10 per hour
It’s an award-winning science-fictional and fantastical literary publication that publishes short stories, essays, interviews, and audio fiction.
They’re looking for fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and short stories at the moment.
Furthermore, they have specific submission requirements. We’d recommend going through them carefully.
15. Tor.com
If you’re willing to pay $25 for every 1,500 characters, then you could expect to pay $15 for each 500 characters.
It prefers pitch submissions before full manuscripts.
16. Fiyah
Price: They charge a flat fee of $150 per story up to 2,500 words; they charge $300 for longer stories.
FYI is a quarterly speculative fiction publication featuring stories by and about black people from across the globe.
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17. Alien Dimensions
Pay: $10
We’re looking for short stories (3,500-5,00 words) that fit into our theme.
18. Spirit’s Tincture
pay: $10 per poem.
They’re currently looking for poems that feature some sort of fantastical element.
Moreover, they have specific submission rules. We’d recommend going through them carefully.
19. Arsenika
Price: 30 dollars for poetry, 60 dollars for prose
This magazine accepts short stories up to 1,000 words long. It likes them if they contain some kind of speculation.
20. Mad Scientist Journal
Pay: $100
This magazine caters to sci-fi, fantasy, and horror stories. It expects submissions between 500 and 8,000 words long. Payment for published works is made after acceptance.
21. Heroic Fantasy Quarterly
It’s an online magazine focused on heroic fantasy fiction (both in prose and in poetry). We accept manuscripts up to 10,000 in the total word count. You may submit up to 50,000 additional characters if you wish.
22. Giganotosaurus
It publishes short story collections once a month. They accept submissions from authors who submit between 5,000 and 25,000 words.
Furthermore, we would recommend you read their terms carefully before submitting. You may want to check out our blog post for details on the requirements.
23. Betwixt Magazine
Pay: $225
This magazine accepts short stories between 4,000 and 7,000 words long.
24. Fiction Vortex
Pay: $300
This publication focuses on sci-fi, horror, supernatural and alternative histories. It publishes content between 3,000 and 4,000-word articles.
25. Aurealis
Pay: $60 (Australian)
This Australian magazine publishes science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal short stories. They’re looking for submissions between 2,000- 8,000 words.
You may want to check out these top travel magazines that pay freelance writers.
Science fictions are both interesting and entertaining to read and they’re also informative too. They have a small group of loyal readers who eagerly await new issues and submissions.
If you’re looking for a place to submit your writing, we hope this comprehensive guide has helped you to choose the best magazine for your needs.
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