Exploring Science Fiction Publication: Two Paths and Perspectives, Revealed by a Seasoned Science Fiction Writer
Unleash Your Sci-Fi Dreams
Getting a fiction book published? Here's a gist of the process:
This guide covers publishing science fiction, science fiction publishing companies (including science fiction publishers accepting submissions in 2024), and the benefits of going wide. 🤘🏽
Top Takeaways:
- You can publish via an aggregator (like this sweet site of ours) to reach a global audience or contact traditional sci-fi publishing houses.
- Go wide to broaden your reader base and create new revenue streams, all while maintaining control over your terms.
A. Be Your Own Publishing Hero: Aggregator Method
Self-publishing empowers you to make all the calls – from owning rights to collecting hefty royalties. Our awesomely straightforward subscription-based aggregation helps you get your book out there across major platforms, even tricky ones such as China. Skipping the science fiction publishers' hoops, you can hit the market.
Here's what self-publishing entails:
- Write your savage story
- Edit it till it's stellar
- Design an eye-catching cover and pixel-perfect fonts
- Format files for print, ebook, or audiobook
- Publish and distribute to stores
Couldn't be any simpler! 🤯
🔥 If feeling unsure about this route, use our slick Royalty Calculator to see if subscription-based aggregation suits you better.
Gear up for the marketing phase by delving into:
- How to create a wicked book marketing plan
- How to market your badass self-published book
- How to slay with digital marketing
- 7 book marketing tactics
Taking the Nerdy World by Storm: S.E. Smith Shares Her Journey
S.E. Smith, a New York Times, USA TODAY, and sci-fi romance bestselling author, shares her publishing journey, which began in 2012. Back then, things were different, and subscription services were yet to dominate the landscape.
Despite the shift in the landscape, Smith maintained a broad presence for her work to avoid alienating readers stuck on their favorite platforms. Here's what she had to say about her decision to go wide:
"Self-publishing allowed me to choose the platforms I wanted to target, ensuring my work was accessible to anyone, anywhere. By taking this approach, I've had the amazing opportunity to connect with a diverse range of readers, many of whom actively seek science fiction romance. When I started out, the genre was largely unexplored terrain, providing me with the chance to open doors for new readers eager to embark on the SFR adventure.
our site offered the much-needed support I needed to navigate the complex publishing world and grow my readership, especially in previously inaccessible markets."
With our worldwide network of partners, Smith was able to expand her readership and now boasts a portfolio that spans 16 book series, numerous translations, and her works being accessible in four languages – French, Italian, German, and Spanish.
"Our site is more than just a vessel for authors to distribute their books; it connects readers and authors in a harmonious, symbiotic relationship that enriches both parties. It's proof that collaboration and a sense of community are powerful forces in the literary world-a true win-win situation for all involved!"
Check out more about S.E. Smith on her website or Goodreads.
Benefits of Going Wide
Go wide to tap into multiple reader communities and create new revenue streams. Your book becomes discoverable on more platforms, boosting its chances of landing on eager SF fans' screens.
When going wide, authors can manage pricing, promotions, and branding tailored to their target audience, versus sticking to a single store's strict policies.
Here's why going wide is the way forward:
1. Reach a Global Audience
Publishing wide means getting your work on more platforms, translating into more potential readers. By distributing your work through an aggregator, new worlds open up to you!
Our site has a global network of over 400 stores and an impressive reach of 240,000 digital libraries, making it possible for you to connect with readers globally.
See the revenue share between Amazon and other stores. Authors limited to Amazon miss out on about 40% of their potential audience. Better get that book of yours out there! 💡
Learn more about Amazon's dominance on our site here.
2. Embrace Flexibility
Platforms grant authors the power to experiment with various pricing models and promotional strategies, allowing you to flex your creative muscles and target specific reader preferences.
B. The Traditional Path: 9 Science Fiction Publishing Companies
While the world of indie publishing is fantastic, some authors might still yearn for the traditional publishing path. If you're looking to submit science fiction short stories or novels, there are several publishing options.
Here are some SF/Fantasy publishers, including those accepting submissions in 2024.
Harper Voyager Publishing
A HarperCollins UK imprint, Harper Voyager Publishing focuses on science fiction and fantasy. This science fiction publisher holds a strong reputation for publishing acclaimed authors and nurturing up-and-coming talent.
Talos Press
An imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, Talos Press specializes in publishing fresh fiction from emerging authors and revisiting timeless classics.
Tor/ Forge
If you're a fan of the SF publisher adorned with a mountain peak logo, that's Tor Books – a sci-fi book publisher recognized for its award-winning titles.
While Tor accepts agented submissions, it currently has submission windows closed.
DAW Books
DAW Books was the first publishing company to focus exclusively on science fiction and fantasy. With over 2,000 titles in its portfolio, it is renowned for discovering and publishing top talents.
Titan Books
Titan Books has a robust catalog of graphic novels, science fiction, and fantasy titles. Established in 1981, it has honed its focus on bringing a carefully curated selection of classics and new voices to its devoted readership.
Uproar Books
Uproar Books began accepting submissions in 2018 and released its first title in 2019. As of 2023, it has changed hands and suspended its submission process. Check their website for updates.
Orbit Books
Orbit Books has teams in the US and UK and has released four Hugo Award-winning works, including Ann Leckie's Ancillary Justice, recipient of all major awards in its category, and N. K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy.
Orbit accepts agented submissions.
Quirk Books
Quirk Books is a noteworthy sci-fi publisher, having published top-sellers like Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Grady Hendrix's horror novels, and Pride & Prejudice & Zombies.
Quirk Books accepts agented submissions.
Rebellion Publishing (Solaris, Abaddon)
Rebellion Publishing is a multiple award-winning science fiction publisher and part of game development giant Rebellion. Solaris and Abaddon, its imprints, focus on publishing fiction by both prestigious authors and rising stars.
Rebellion encourages submissions for works of fiction written without AI assistance.
In conclusion, whether you decide to go the traditional publishing route or remain on the wild side with indie publishing, the choice is yours. However, remember that our site offers both the global reach and unparalleled freedom that you dream of for your Sci-Fi masterpiece!
So, are you ready to begin your publishing journey? Time to unleash your sci-fi writing beast and make your mark in the literary world! 🦓🔥
Remember: The world of traditional SF publishers is continually evolving. Notable publishers like Harper Voyager, Tor, DAW, and Orbit require submissions to come through literary agents rather than accepting unagented, unsolicited manuscripts directly from authors.
For independent or smaller presses that do accept direct submissions, here are a few options:
- Harvard Square Editions
- Bella Books
- Three Ravens Publishing
- Literary Wanderlust
- Water Dragon Publishing
- The Story Plant
- Uproar Books (check website for current calls)
- Rebellion Publishing (Solaris, Abaddon) (often open for anthology submissions)
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive list, visit resources like Jones Novel Editing or Authors Publish, which maintain regularly updated lists of SF publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts. Happy writing! 🥳🚀
- Leveraging technology such as our site's subscription-based aggregation can help you reach a global audience by distributing your science fiction book across various platforms.
- By going wide and publishing your book through multiple platforms, you can access more reader communities and opportunities, opening doors to new revenue streams with the flexibility to manage pricing, promotions, and branding tailored to your target audience.
