Have you ever dreamed of getting paid to write science fiction and fantasy stories? Look no further than Clarkesworld Magazine! As one of the top literary magazines in the genre, Clarkesworld is known for publishing high-quality short stories that explore the depths of science fiction and fantasy. But not only do they provide readers with thought-provoking content, they also offer a unique opportunity for writers to get their work published and earn some serious cash in the process.
So, whether you’re a seasoned writer looking to expand your portfolio or a newcomer hoping to break into the industry, Clarkesworld Magazine is the perfect place to showcase your talent. In this article, we’ll explore what Clarkesworld is all about, what they’re looking for in a story, who can write for them, how much you can earn, and why you should consider submitting your work. So, let’s dive in!
What is Clarkesworld Magazine?
Clarkesworld Magazine is a monthly online publication that features science fiction and fantasy stories, essays, interviews, and reviews. It was founded in 2006 by Neil Clarke, a Hugo Award-winning editor and publisher, and has since established itself as one of the top venues for speculative fiction. The magazine has published works by many renowned authors, including Neil Gaiman, Ken Liu, N.K. Jemisin, and Aliette de Bodard, among others. Clarkesworld is committed to showcasing stories that push the boundaries of the genre and explore the human experience in new and innovative ways.
What is Clarkesworld Magazine looking for?
Clarkesworld Magazine, a prestigious publication in the world of science fiction and fantasy, is currently open to submissions in these genres. If you’re an author with a passion for creating imaginative worlds and compelling characters, this is your chance to showcase your work to a dedicated audience of genre enthusiasts. Clarkesworld has a reputation for publishing some of the most innovative and thought-provoking stories in speculative fiction, and the editors are always on the lookout for fresh voices and new ideas. Whether you’re an established author or a newcomer to the field, submitting to Clarkesworld could be the first step on a thrilling literary journey.
For fiction submissions, the magazine accepts works that fall within the science fiction and fantasy genres, with a word limit ranging from 1000 to 22000 words. The pay rate is 12¢ per word, and all international authors can receive payment through PayPal, check, or wire transfer. The publication claims first world electronic rights (text and audio), first print rights, and non-exclusive anthology rights for its annual Clarkesworld anthology.
While science fiction need not be “hard” SF, the magazine prefers stories that exhibit rigor. Fantasy can be folkloric, contemporary, surreal, etc., and though no particular setting, theme, or plot is discouraged, the magazine is unlikely to accept stories that feature zombies or zombie-wannabes, sexy vampires, wanton werewolves, wicked witches, or demonic children. Similarly, stories that depict rapists, murderers, child abusers, or cannibals as protagonists or where the climax depends on the spilling of intestines are likely to be rejected. The magazine is not interested in stories featuring talking cats or swords, or where FTL travel or time travel is as easy as it is on TV shows or movies.
The magazine will not accept stories that are written, developed, or assisted by “AI” writing tools such as ChatGPT. Simultaneous submissions are not allowed. All submitted stories must be well-written, convenient for on-screen reading, and suitable for audio. The magazine does not distinguish between “style” and “substance” or “story” and “writing.”
Who can write for Clarkesworld Magazine?
Clarkesworld Magazine is open to submissions from writers of all levels of experience, from emerging writers to established professionals. They encourage diversity and welcome writers from all backgrounds and cultures.
One thing to note is that Clarkesworld Magazine is primarily interested in science fiction and fantasy stories. They are looking for unique and imaginative stories that push the boundaries of traditional sci-fi and fantasy genres. They are also open to stories that blend other genres such as horror, mystery, and romance with science fiction and fantasy elements.
Clarkesworld Magazine values originality, creativity, and well-written prose. If you have a story that fits the bill, then you are encouraged to submit it to Clarkesworld Magazine.
How much can I earn writing for Clarkesworld Magazine?
Clarkesworld Magazine pays 12 cents per word for science fiction and fantasy stories. As their submission guidelines state, stories can range from 1,000 to 22,000 words in length. If you were to sell a story at the maximum length, you could earn up to $2,640 (assuming 22,000 words). However, keep in mind that payment rates can vary depending on the market and the individual story.
Payment for accepted stories is made via PayPal or check. International authors may request wire transfers. Payment is typically sent within 30 days of the story’s publication. The magazine also offers a bonus for authors who allow their stories to be podcasted – an additional one-time payment of $100. Additionally, they offer a reprint fee of 2 cents per word for non-exclusive reprint rights, or 1 cent per word for non-exclusive electronic reprint rights. Overall, Clarkesworld Magazine provides a competitive payment rate for science fiction and fantasy stories, as well as flexible payment options and potential bonuses for authors.
Why should I write for Clarkesworld Magazine?
Clarkesworld Magazine is a well-established and respected science fiction and fantasy publication that has been publishing award-winning fiction since 2006. With its focus on quality storytelling and a commitment to promoting diverse voices, Clarkesworld has become one of the top destinations for readers of speculative fiction. By publishing with Clarkesworld, you have the opportunity to reach a large and engaged audience of science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts, including fellow writers, editors, and publishers.
In addition to the exposure you’ll receive, Clarkesworld also pays professional rates for accepted stories, meaning you’ll be compensated for your hard work. Their payment rate of 12 cents per word is higher than many other publications in the industry, and they offer payment via PayPal or check, with the option of wire transfers for international authors. Additionally, Clarkesworld pays promptly, usually within a few weeks of acceptance, which is not always the case with other publications.
Another benefit of publishing with Clarkesworld is their commitment to helping writers succeed. In addition to publishing stories, Clarkesworld offers resources and advice for writers on their website, including interviews with established authors, articles on the craft of writing, and tips on submitting to publications. Clarkesworld’s editors are also known for their insightful and helpful feedback, so even if your story is not accepted, you may receive valuable feedback that can help you improve your writing.
Overall, writing for Clarkesworld Magazine can be a rewarding experience that offers both financial compensation and the chance to share your work with a dedicated community of science fiction and fantasy readers. Whether you’re a new writer or an established professional, submitting your stories to Clarkesworld is definitely worth considering.
How do you I submit my story?
Clarkesworld Magazine has a streamlined and efficient online submissions system for fiction submissions. They do not accept submissions via email or mail. To submit your story, you need to fill out their submissions form. This form requires your name, email address, cover letter, story title, word count, genre, and the file containing your story. The cover letter should adhere to their guidance on what to include and not include. The submitted story should be in standard manuscript format (modern preferred, classic accepted) and in .RTF, .DOC, or .DOCX format.
Once you have submitted your story, a tracking number will be displayed on the screen and sent to you via an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive this email within 24 hours, you can email them. The tracking number is important as it allows you to monitor the status of your submission via their website. Please note that some email services may treat their tracking emails as spam, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your spam folder.
Clarkesworld Magazine aims to respond to submissions within two days, but sometimes they may take longer. Authors should not send queries about pending submissions until two weeks have passed. The tracking number should be used to check the status before sending any query. Email queries should be sent to Neil at neil@clarkesworldmagazine.com. Revisions should not be sent unless they are requested, and authors should not submit another story for a period of seven days after receiving a rejection. Rejected stories should not be resubmitted, and authors should not query for permission or argue with rejection letters.
Clarkesworld Magazine maintains confidentiality of the author’s personal information. Only the editorial staff can access the author’s name, address, email, phone, or secret identity. Exceptions to this rule include if they are compelled by law, if threats are made against their staff by the author, if their narrators require assistance with pronunciation, if established year’s best editors would like to include the story in their anthology, or if the author has instructed them to do so. If the work submitted is determined to be plagiarized or not the author’s own work, it will not be considered.
