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Lightspeed (science fiction and fantasy magazine)

Lightspeed is an American monthly online magazine of science fiction and fantasy, edited by John Joseph Adams. It publishes original and reprinted short fiction, interviews, nonfiction, and a companion podcast.

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Overview

Lightspeed is a U.S.-based online magazine devoted to science fiction and fantasy short fiction. Founded and edited by John Joseph Adams, it appears on a monthly schedule and presents a mix of new stories and reprints alongside interviews and short nonfiction pieces. The magazine aims to reach both dedicated genre readers and casual visitors by offering much of its content freely on the magazine's website while also distributing each issue in commercial ebook formats.

Format and regular features

Each issue typically combines original work with previously published material, balancing fresh voices against notable reprints. Regular elements include interviews with authors, editorial commentary, and occasional essays or reviews related to speculative fiction. Lightspeed also produces an audio component in the form of a podcast that presents selected stories in narrated form.

  • Typical issue contents: several original short stories, several reprints, an author interview, and editorial notes.
  • Availability: full issue content is accessible on the website and sold as an ebook edition.
  • Audio: selected pieces are adapted for the magazine's free podcast.

Editorial approach and production

Under John Joseph Adams's editorship, Lightspeed has emphasized professional production values, clear editorial guidance for contributors, and an open-access component that increases visibility. The podcast is produced and narrated by professionals to bring selected stories to audio listeners. The magazine's mix of new fiction and curated reprints creates a broad reading experience reflecting both current trends and historical context in genre short fiction.

History and development

Launched in 2010, Lightspeed emerged during a period when online magazines were strengthening the short fiction market by combining digital distribution with ebook sales. Over time the title has become a recognizable venue for established and emerging writers in speculative genres, publishing a variety of styles from hard science fiction to contemporary fantasy and slipstream pieces.

Reception and significance

Lightspeed is noted for its consistent monthly schedule and its role in promoting short speculative fiction in multiple formats. Work published in the magazine has attracted attention from readers, reviewers, and awards committees, and the magazine is often cited as an accessible destination for discovering both new authors and overlooked classics through its reprint selections.

Questions and answers

Q: What is Lightspeed?

A: Lightspeed is an online fantasy and science fiction magazine published in the United States.

Q: Who edits and publishes Lightspeed magazine?

A: John Joseph Adams edits and publishes Lightspeed magazine.

Q: When was the first issue of Lightspeed magazine published?

A: The first issue of Lightspeed magazine was published in June 2010.

Q: How often is Lightspeed magazine published?

A: Lightspeed magazine is published every month.

Q: What kind of stories are published in each issue of Lightspeed magazine?

A: Each issue of Lightspeed magazine contains four new, original stories and four reprints of previously published works.

Q: Does Lightspeed magazine only publish fiction?

A: No, Lightspeed magazine also includes nonfiction content such as interviews with authors.

Q: How is the content of Lightspeed magazine made available to readers?

A: All of the content published in each issue of Lightspeed magazine is sold as an ebook and is also available for free on the magazine's website. Additionally, some stories are made available in a free podcast produced by Stefan Rudnicki.

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