Over at Bookriot, Amy Diegelman sheds some light on a handful of top-notch magazines that deserve more attention.

The old science fiction and fantasy magazines whose over-the-top covers and bizarre ads we often chuckle at were some of the first to publish names like Heinlein, [Asimov], and Butler. Today, some of the best new writers are being published in science fiction and fantasy magazines, which take chances on women, authors of color, and genre innovators who have more trouble breaking into large-scale publishing. The best part about this content, though, might just be how easy it is to access. Try these five science fiction and fantasy magazines to take your reading to the next level.

Amy is absolutely right — these magazines are publishing the breakout writers of today and tomorrow, and their content has never been easier to access. Here’s a few of my favorites among her choices. Check out the links to the sample stories she recommends.

[Click the images for bigger versions.]

On Spec

Quarterly, $14.99

Started by the oldest Sci-fi and Fantasy writer’s group in Canada, On Spec has been publishing new and exciting Canadian talent for years, including the artists who create their covers. The subscription price is a steal, and while free is always great, this money helps them pay well for the content they use. Digital and physical subscriptions are both available.

The On Spec website is here.

Shimmer

Bi-Monthly, Free

Shimmer is a physical and digital magazine focused on fantasy (though they do publish some exceptional sci-fi). Shimmer is impressive in its focused approach, pursuing a roster of creators who come from all walks of life and produce works that are as unusual as they are excellent. Most creative pieces they publish are available free online and a subscription gets you access to thoughtful interviews and editorials. (BONUS: Profits from their shop are currently being donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center.)

Try It: “Fallow” by Ashley Blooms

Check out Shimmer here.

Uncanny

Bi-Monthly, Free

Uncanny is a leader in the field of science fiction and fantasy magazines, with an ever growing list of awards to boast of. Of special note is their non-fiction, which is just as moving and beautiful as any fiction or poetry. This subscription is the priciest on the list at $23.88, but they pay their creators well and offer the entirety of the magazine for free online a few weeks after subscribers get it. This is definitely a magazine to watch if you want to get a jump on the next big names in science fiction and fantasy.

Try It: “City of Villains: Why I Don’t Trust Batman” by Sarah Gailey

The Uncanny website is here.

Our most recent coverage of each of these magazines is here:

On Spec – Fall 2009 by David Soyka
Shimmer – Issue 35, January 2017
Uncanny – March/April 2017

Read the complete article at Bookriot here.