Speculative Fiction Paying Markets
Sell your story, raise your profile!
Please note: This is by no means a definitive list! If you know of any other paying markets that belong on this page, please drop us an email. We are especially interested in publications that cover niche areas.
1. Aberrant Dreams
Who Are They?
Aberrant Dreams looks for writers who are capable of creating a story with a solid plot and brings new life to old themes. They accept writing in several genres, although their main focus is on Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Dark Fantasy.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi. Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
3¢/word ($100 max)
Click for Submission Guidelines
2. Abyss & Apex
Who Are They?
Abyss & Apex invite writers of fiction from all genres to submit their work. They are not particular as to the genre of your writing as long as it is in a speculative form.
What Are They Looking For?
All Genres
What Do They Pay?
US $.05/word (five cents a word) up to 1,500 words, and a flat payment of $75.00 for longer stories
Click for Submission Guidelines
3. Afterburn SF
Who Are They?
Afterburn SF enjoys action oriented Sci-Fi and Fantasy writing - swordfights and spaceships are highly regarded. They do not publish many stories in one issue so writers be aware that it may take some time for your submission to be featured.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$30.00/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
4. Alien Q
Who Are They?
Alien Q looks for writing which features aliens or alien encounters, as well as other staple themes of Sci-Fi. Writers should seek to broaden the mind and perspective of their readers.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi
What Do They Pay?
$50.00 on publication
Click for Submission Guidelines
5. AlienSkin Magazine
Who Are They?
Alien Skin looks for fiction writers in the genres of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. The basic principles of character, conflict, action and resolution must be upheld in submitted writing.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
0.5¢/word ($5 min)
Click for Submission Guidelines
6. Allegory Ezine
Who Are They?
Allegory Ezine focuses mainly on Sci-Fi and Fantasy writing. They look for compulsive fiction, their ideal writers giving their stories a quirky feel to them.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
0.5¢/word ($25 max)
Click for Submission Guidelines
7. Analog SF
Who Are They?
Eager to help new and up and coming writers to exhibit their work, Analog SF mainly welcomes writing in the genre of Sci-Fi.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi
What Do They Pay?
5 to 8¢/word (SFWA Pro)
Click for Submission Guidelines
8. Androids2
Who Are They?
Catering to a bit of a niche market, Androids2 looks for Sci-Fi writing in a somewhat old fashioned style. Writers will need to ensure their work is action driven with a strong plot, and, of course, androids
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi
What Do They Pay?
$25.00/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
9. Andromeda Spaceways Magazine
Who Are They?
An Australia-based science fiction / fantasy magazine, ASIM only accepts submissions in electronic form. Writers should note that ASIM looks for writing which is more 'fun' and lighthearted than dark and gritty.
What Are They Looking For?
Lighthearted Sci-Fi / Fantasy short stories
What Do They Pay?
1.25c/Word (Australian) — that's one and a quarter cents, not a dollar twenty-five — with a $20 minimum per piece. (POP)
Click for Submission Guidelines
10. Anotherealm
Who Are They?
Anotherealm welcomes writers to submit their Sci-Fi, Fantasy or Horror stories for a small payment. They also welcome 'harder' Sci-Fi, however they will not indulge gratituousness in submitted writing.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$10 (over 1000 words)
Click for Submission Guidelines
11. Apex Book Company
Who Are They?
The Apex Book Company produces a print magazine on a quarterly basis. They are looking for writers whose writing is of a darker, more horror-based Sci-Fi nature.
What Are They Looking For?
Dark, more horror based Sci Fi
What Do They Pay?
5.0 cents per word (made within 30 days of publication)
Click for Submission Guidelines
12. Asimovs
Who Are They?
Asimovs looks for Sci-Fi writing which is primarily concerned with the characters. They are looking for writing which meets with three main tenets - serious, thoughtful, and easily-accessible.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci Fi
What Do They Pay?
5 to 6¢/word for new authors (SFWA Pro)
Click for Submission Guidelines
13. Aurealis
Who Are They?
Aurealis is an Australian - based Sci-Fi. Fantasy and Horror magazine looking for writing with an Australian element to it. They are mainly looking for work from Australian writers, however they may consider writing from non-Aussies dependant on their publishing record.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$20-60AU/1000 words
Click for Submission Guidelines
14. Beneath Ceaseless Skies
Who Are They?
BCS embraces the genre of literary adventure fantasy and features fantasy writing from up and coming as well as established writers.
What Are They Looking For?
Literary adventure fantasy
What Do They Pay?
5¢/word
Click for Submission Guidelines
15. Blood, Blade and Thruster
Who Are They?
BBT looks for writer os Sci-Fi and Fantasy who take a lightly satirical view of the genre. They look for entertaining stories with a slight touch of the tongue-in-cheek evident in the writing.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi
What Do They Pay?
0.50¢/word
Click for Submission Guidelines
16. Borderlands Ten
Who Are They?
Seeking to promote Australian writers of speculative Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Submissions are limited to writers who are either Australian or Australian residents.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$AU25 to 7000 words; $50AU over 7000
Click for Submission Guidelines
17. Brain Harvest
Who Are They?
Brain Harvest is 'an almanac of bad-assed speculative fiction'. They are looking for writers with fresh ideas, who are not afraid to explore the weird and possibly disturbing in their writing.
What Are They Looking For?
Short and weird stories which push the boundaries of traditional short fiction.
What Do They Pay?
5 cents a word, up to $37.50 USD
Click for Submission Guidelines
18. Byzarium
Who Are They?
Looking for original writing in the genres of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror genres, Byzarium advises its writers not to get too caught up in the genre itself, more to focus on the characters and story in their work.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$5/story (up to 1500 words); $10/story (over 1500)
Click for Submission Guidelines
19. Chiaroscuro
Who Are They?
The primary concerns of the team at Chiaroscuro is that writing submitted must be dark in nature. This online magazine is not for the faint-hearted, invites writers of dark fiction - be it in the category of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, or plain old Horror to submit their work.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
7 cents per word (USD)
Click for Submission Guidelines
20. Clarkes World Magazine
Who Are They?
Looking for writing in a relatively wide-range of genres Clarkes World welcomes new and previously published writers to submit their work. They are wary of overused themes in any of these genres, welcoming fresh ideas.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
0.10¢/word
Click for Submission Guidelines
21. Coyote Wild Magazine
Who Are They?
Coyote Wild accepts writing of all genres, non-fiction and fiction, poetry and flash fiction. The general nature of its scope of writing should encourage writers who have not yet identified a definite direction in their writing.
What Are They Looking For?
Non-fiction and fiction of all genres, flash fiction and poetry
What Do They Pay?
$.01/word for fiction and non-fiction and a flat rate of $10 for poetry and flash
Click for Submission Guidelines
22. Creative Brothers Sci-Fi Magazine
Who Are They?
Welcomes fiction writing in several genres, with a proviso that the work has a 'black' theme to it. Writers must exhibit this through either featuring a black protagonist or involving 'black' culture.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$5 US per piece
Click for Submission Guidelines
23. Dark Tales
Who Are They?
As well as paying writers for their submitted work, Dark Tales also hosts a regular writing competition with lucrative prizes. They are looking for well written and entertaining Sci-Fi, Dark Fantasy and Horror stories in the vein of Stephen King and Michael Marshall Smith.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
£2.50 per 1000 words
Click for Submission Guidelines
24. Dark Animus
Who Are They?
Dark Animus looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy writing which is quite dark and gritty in nature. Its target audience is an adult one, so writers are free to include more mature themes in their writing.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
0.25¢AU/word
Click for Submission Guidelines
25. Darwins Evolutions
Who Are They?
A monthly speculative fiction journal, Darwins Evolutions looks for new science fiction and fantasy writing. Writers are welcomed to submit their work to this journal, which is offered for free, although users must register in order to be able to access the featured works.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy
What Do They Pay?
1.25¢/word
Click for Submission Guidelines
26. Electric Spec
Who Are They?
Electric Spec focuses on the genres of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and the macabre. Writing submitted must not be too OTT and writers should not submit more than one piece of writing at a time.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy
What Do They Pay?
$20.00/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
27. EscapePod
Who Are They?
EscapePod is the science-fiction based sister site of PodCastle. Writers of science fiction short stories are invited to submit their writing to be turned into a podcast.
What Are They Looking For?
All genres of science fiction
What Do They Pay?
$100/short story (2000-6000 words), $20/flash piece (<2000 words)
Click for Submission Guidelines
28. Fantasy & Science Fiction
Who Are They?
Easygoing site looking for writers to submit work in the genres of Sci-Fi and Fantasy. In particular, they appreciate good character and plot driven Sci-Fi writing.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi. Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
6.00 to 9.00¢/word (SFWA Pro)
Click for Submission Guidelines
29. Greatest Uncommon Denominator
Who Are They?
Published biannually, GUD appreciates writers with a good sense of form and style. They will accept writing in any genre as long as it it captivating, well written and fresh.
What Are They Looking For?
All Genres
What Do They Pay?
3¢/word ($5 min) plus royalties
Click for Submission Guidelines
30. Heliotrope
Who Are They?
Heliotrope look for fiction writing in a number of genres. New writers are welcome, as are fresh ideas and themes.
What Are They Looking For?
All Genres
What Do They Pay?
0.1¢/word
Click for Submission Guidelines
31. Infinitas Newsletter
Who Are They?
Infinitas looks for shorter pieces of writing which will fit into two columns across a side of A4 paper. With this restriction, writers need to ensure that their writing maintains the important balance between background and action - as it does not pay to get too caught up in either in such short pieces of writing.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$20AU/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
32. Kaleidotrope
Who Are They?
Welcoming writers of all genres, Kaleidotrope looks for writing which will have a definite effect on the reader, be it tears, mirth, or goosebumps.
What Are They Looking For?
All Genres
What Do They Pay?
$5.00/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
33. Khimairal Ink
Who Are They?
Khimairal Ink is a speculative fiction site which caters to writing which features a lesbian interest, whatever the genre of the work may be, Writers must feature a lesbian protagonist.
What Are They Looking For?
All Genres / Lesbian Interest
What Do They Pay?
$5.00/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
34. Leading Edge Magazine
Who Are They?
Semi-pro magazine which concentrates on the publication of new and up and coming writers. Writing being submitted to this must be written with a sense of traditional morality and respect for traditional values.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi and fantasy short stories, short novels and poetry
What Do They Pay?
1 (one) cent per word, $10.00 minimum. Two contributor copies are also provided.
Click for Submission Guidelines
35. Lone Star Stories
Who Are They?
A bimonthly magazine which welcomes submissions of speculative fiction writing. Writers are advised to access a current issue in order to get a feel for the sort of thing they are looking for.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$20.00/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
36. Lorelei Signal
Who Are They?
Lorelei Signal look for Sci-Fi and Fantasy writing which features strong female characters. For writers, this does not mean that the protagonist or nemesis in your story must be female, but they do frown upon images of 'shrinking violets' or 'damsels in distress' .
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy
What Do They Pay?
$5 advance on royalties ($2 for flash)
Click for Submission Guidelines
37. Merciless Vixens
Who Are They?
Merciless Vixens caters to a niche market for speculative fiction, it being paramount that writers submitting work feature female on male tickling torture in their writing.
What Are They Looking For?
All Genres / Female on male tickling torture special interest
What Do They Pay?
$35.00/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
38. Midnight Street
Who Are They?
This is a UK-based tri annual magazine which encourages writers of Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy. The writing submitted must maintain a definite connection with 'this world'.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi , Horror and Fantasy short stories, short novels and poetry
What Do They Pay?
UK: GBP 2.50/1000 words for fiction and articles; GBP 2.50 / poem. NON-UK: by negotiation
Click for Submission Guidelines
39. Mindflights
Who Are They?
Mindflights looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy writing, with the proviso that it must be speculative fiction. Writers are advised to submit pieces which are 'vivid, fresh, and well crafted…and compatible with Christian principles and traditional values'.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi. Fantasy
What Do They Pay?
1/2¢/word ($5 minimum)
Click for Submission Guidelines
40. Mytholog
Who Are They?
Primarily looking for fantasy writing with a mythical element to it, Mytholog accepts work from writers from all backgrounds, established or not.
What Are They Looking For?
Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$3 (flash) / $5 (longer)
Click for Submission Guidelines
41. Neo-Opsis
Who Are They?
Neo-Opsis looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy writing. They do not set a lot of ground rules for their writers - as long as the piece reads well and keeps the reader involved, they are likely to be interested.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy
What Do They Pay?
2.5¢CA/word ($125CA maximum)
Click for Submission Guidelines
42. New Ceres
Who Are They?
New Ceres is a society created by the owners of this website - writers are encouraged to submit pieces which are in some way involved with this society/world. Writers may submit writing whether they are new, up and coming or established.
What Are They Looking For?
All Genres
What Do They Pay?
5AU¢/word ($300AU max)
Click for Submission Guidelines
43. New Witch
Who Are They?
New Witch is an online magazine dedicated to young pagans and wiccans and they are looking for writing in the corresponding genres of fantasy and dark fantasy, as well as essays, commentaries, anything in line with their subject matter. Writers should keep the audience in mind when creating pieces for this publication.
What Are They Looking For?
Fantasy, Dark Fantasy
What Do They Pay?
Variable
Click for Submission Guidelines
44. Niteblade
Who Are They?
Niteblade is hungry for new fantasy and horror writing. They will accept pieces of most lengths from their writers, provided that their chosen genres are accomodated.
What Are They Looking For?
Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$1.00/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
45. Orson Scott Card Intergalactic Medicine Show
Who Are They?
Well known writer Orson Scott Card invites up and coming writers to submit their writing for publication in this web based magazine.
What Are They Looking For?
Science fiction/fantasy stories
What Do They Pay?
6c (US) per word for the first 7,500 words, 5c(US) per word thereafter
Click for Submission Guidelines
46. PodCastle
Who Are They?
PodCastle are constantly looking for new short stories in the fantasy genre. Writers note that as this is an online audio magazine, their writing must, quite literally, read well.
What Are They Looking For?
All genres of fantasy - urban, magical realism, high fantasy.
What Do They Pay?
$100/short story (2000-6000 words), $20/flash piece (<2000 words)
Click for Submission Guidelines
47. Quantum Muse
Who Are They?
A monthly web beased magazine, Quantum Muse looks for the best in new science fiction and fantasy writing. They welcome submissions from writers be they established, new or up-and-coming.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror
What Do They Pay?
$10 On Publication
Click for Submission Guidelines
48. Talebones
Who Are They?
Talebones is a quarterly digest magazine which encourages established and up and coming writers to submit their work. Writing should be within the genres of dark fantasy and science fiction.
What Are They Looking For?
Short stories which are quite dark in nature, good character development and an avoidance of the mainstream themes of their chosen genres.
What Do They Pay?
1-2 cents per word
Click for Submission Guidelines
49. The Great Beyond
Who Are They?
This is another online audio-magazine which invites writers to submit their work to be translated into a podcast. Writing submitted should be upbeat and exciting and must translate well into an audio format.
What Are They Looking For?
Sci-Fi, Fantasy
What Do They Pay?
$25.00/story
Click for Submission Guidelines
50. The Nautilus Engine
Who Are They?
Writing of any genre is accepted by the Nautilus Engine, as long as it is entertaining for their readers. Writers of all levels are welcomed by this online magazine.
What Are They Looking For?
All Genres
What Do They Pay?
$10.00/story
