SCIFI.COM Fiction Writer's Guidelines

SCIFICTION is looking for literate, strongly plotted science fiction and fantasy stories between 2,000 and 17,500 words--on a variety of subjects and themes. We want to intrigue our readers with mind-broadening, thought-provoking stories. Characterization is crucial. Stories must be written in clear, understandable prose. Payment is 20 cents a word up to $3,500. Originals only; no reprints.

It is impossible for us to judge a story's quality without seeing the complete manuscript. If you have a story you think fits our requirements, submit it for consideration. But please do not send more than one story at a time; wait for a response on one before submitting another.

Note: we do not publish sword-and-sorcery or space opera. And we do not accept unsolicited poetry or simultaneous submissions. We will consider a self-contained story that is part of a novel, or may later be developed into one.

All stories must be typed, double-spaced, and on only one side of each page. Each page should be numbered and include title and author's last name. The author's full name and address should appear in the upper left-hand corner of page one; an approximate word count should appear in the upper right-hand corner. Do not staple and do not use unusual fonts. All italics must be shown by underlining. Please paper clip your manuscript. If you choose to submit photocopies, they must be clear and readable. We do not accept any form of electronic submission.

Please include an appropriately sized, self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE). Contributors residing outside the United States should include one (1) international reply coupon and a letter-sized envelope for reply. Foreign manuscripts will no longer be returned under any circumstances.

We usually respond within five to eight weeks after receiving a submission. Depending on numerous variables, however, it can sometimes take longer. Please give us ample time before inquiring about a submission's status.

All submissions should be sent to the attention of,
Ellen Datlow, Fiction Editor, SCIFI.COM
PMB 391
511 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
10011-8436.

Email the editor