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ARCANE TOMES
Arcane Tomes / ArcaneTomes.org is an indie fantasy bookstore (of sorts) sponsored by Peasant Magazine and serves to promote Indie Fantasy Books, and also serves to promote Peasant Magazine itself.
Joining Arcane Tomes is free and the only requirement is that authors must have self-published at least one book. Literary magazines/journals that publish fantasy stories by indie authors are also acceptable.
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Defunct Fantasy and Historical Fiction Magazines
Fantasy and historical fiction magazines, despite their dedicated readership and cultural significance, often face challenges that lead to their eventual closure. Several factors contribute to the demise of these publications:
Financial Constraints: Many fantasy and historical fiction magazines operate on tight budgets, relying on subscription fees and advertising revenue to cover production costs. However, declining readership and competition from digital media platforms can strain financial resources, making it difficult to sustain operations in the long term.
Changing Market Trends: The publishing industry is constantly evolving, with reader preferences and market trends shifting over time. Fantasy and historical fiction magazines must adapt to changing tastes and preferences to remain relevant. Failure to anticipate and respond to these shifts can result in declining readership and eventual closure.
Competition from Online Platforms: The rise of online platforms and digital publishing has transformed the way readers consume content. Fantasy and historical fiction magazines face stiff competition from online publications, e-books, and web serials, which offer instant access to a wide range of content at affordable prices. Failure to establish a strong online presence or adapt to digital publishing trends can put traditional print magazines at a disadvantage.
Limited Audience: While fantasy and historical fiction have dedicated fan bases, they may not always attract enough readers to sustain a magazine's operations. Niche genres like alternate history or historical fantasy appeal to a specific subset of readers, limiting the potential audience for these publications. As a result, fantasy and historical fiction magazines may struggle to attract advertisers or secure funding to support their continued publication.
Editorial Challenges: Maintaining a high standard of quality and diversity in content is essential for the success of fantasy and historical fiction magazines. However, editorial challenges such as finding and retaining talented writers, selecting engaging stories, and managing editorial workflow can pose significant obstacles. A decline in the quality of content or editorial vision can lead to a loss of reader interest and eventual closure.
Editorial Time Constraints: People's lives change, as does their availability and free time. Eg. They get married, have kids, their work circumstances change, and the next thing you know they no longer have time they retire from the magazine publishing business. It is essentially an inevitable fact of life.
Despite these challenges, fantasy and historical fiction magazines continue to play an important role in the literary landscape, providing a platform for emerging writers, fostering creativity, and preserving the rich tradition of speculative storytelling. While some magazines may cease publication, their legacy endures through the stories they've published and the impact they've had on readers and writers alike.
Abyss & Apex (speculative fiction, including fantasy and historical) - Ceased publication in 2021.
Beneath Ceaseless Skies (literary adventure fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2021.
Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine (speculative fiction, including fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2020.
The Future Fire (speculative fiction, including fantasy and historical) - Ceased publication in 2020.
Mythic Delirium (speculative fiction, including fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2020.
Not One of Us (speculative fiction, including fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2020.
Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show (speculative fiction, including fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2019.
Space and Time Magazine (science fiction, fantasy, and horror) - Ceased publication in 2019.
Shimmer Magazine (fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2018.
Tales of the Unanticipated (speculative fiction, including fantasy and historical) - Ceased publication in 2017.
Ideomancer (speculative fiction, including fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2017.
Expanded Horizons (speculative fiction, including fantasy and historical) - Ceased publication in 2015.
Fortean Bureau Magazine (weird fiction, including fantasy and historical) - Ceased publication in 2015.
Dark Valentine Magazine (dark fantasy and horror) - Ceased publication in 2014.
Weird Tales [revived version] (fantasy, horror, and science fiction) - Ceased publication in 2014.
Goblin Fruit (fantasy and mythic poetry) - Ceased publication in 2014.
Crossed Genres Magazine (speculative fiction, including fantasy and historical) - Ceased publication in 2013.
Electric Velocipede (speculative fiction, including fantasy and historical) - Ceased publication in 2013.
Jabberwocky (fantasy and science fiction) - Ceased publication in 2013.
Lenox Avenue (historical fiction) - Ceased publication in 2013.
Fantasy Magazine (fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2012.
Reflection's Edge (speculative fiction, including fantasy and historical) - Ceased publication in 2011.
GUD Magazine (speculative fiction, including fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2011.
Black Gate (fantasy and adventure fiction) - Ceased publication in 2011.
Necrotic Tissue (dark fantasy and horror) - Ceased publication in 2010.
Realms of Fantasy (fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2010.
Paradox Magazine (historical fiction) - Defunct since around 2009.
The Historical Novels Review (historical fiction) - Ceased publication in 2009.
The Sword Review (fantasy) - Ceased publication in 2008.
Amazing Stories (Science Fiction and Fantasy) - 2005.
Fantastic (Fantasy and Science Fiction) - 1980.
Wonder Stories (Science Fiction and Fantasy) - Ceased publication in 1955.
Startling Stories (Science Fiction and Fantasy) - 1955.
The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction (Fantasy and Science Fiction) - Ceased publication in 1954 (later resumed under new ownership and is currently still publishing).
Weird Tales [original version] (fantasy, horror, and science fiction) - Ceased publication in 1954.
Black Mask (Crime and Adventure Fiction) - Ceased publication in 1951.
The Strand Magazine (Fiction and Adventure) - 1950.
Unknown Worlds, aka Unknown (Fantasy and Science Fiction) - Ceased publication in 1943.
Argosy All-Story Weekly (Adventure and Fantasy) - Ceased publication in 1943.
Fantastic Novels (Fantasy and Science Fiction) - 1941.
Note - If any of the above magazines get revived do please let us know and we shall remove them from the above list. Alternatively, if you know of a defunct magazine that should be on this list please let us know.
Last Updated: August 28th 2024.
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