The landscape of science fiction and fantasy literature is constantly evolving, with a burgeoning number of short stories, novelettes, and novellas being published across a diverse array of magazines, journals, and online platforms. For dedicated readers and aspiring writers alike, keeping abreast of this rich and often fragmented output can be a significant challenge. Recognizing this need, Locus magazine, a venerable institution in the SFF community, has announced the launch of a new anthology series, Locus Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year. The inaugural volume has already achieved a remarkable milestone, successfully reaching its funding goal on Kickstarter, signaling strong community support for this endeavor.
Genesis of the Anthology Series: Addressing a Publishing Gap
The impetus behind Locus Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year stems from a perceived decline in the availability of comprehensive "Best Of" anthologies within the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. According to the Kickstarter campaign’s descriptive text, these compilations have historically played a crucial role in guiding readers through the year’s literary output. They serve as curated collections that not only showcase exceptional talent but also introduce readers to new authors and emerging voices.
"There’s been a steady decline in the number of Best Of anthologies being published over the past few years," the Kickstarter text states. "These compilations are a longstanding tradition in SFF and are so important in guiding readers to new authors, by showcasing a top-tier selection of science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories, novelettes, and novellas. They also do something no single magazine issue, no algorithm, and no individual critic can do: they shape the memory of a year in literature."
This sentiment underscores the unique value proposition of such anthologies. Unlike individual magazine issues that offer a snapshot of a specific publication’s content, or algorithms that may lack the nuanced understanding of literary merit, or even individual critics whose perspectives can be subjective, a well-curated "Best Of" anthology aims to provide a comprehensive and authoritative overview of a year’s literary achievements in SFF. It acts as a collective memory, distilling the most impactful and resonant works into a single, accessible volume.
Curatorial Vision and Notable Selections
The editorial reins for Locus Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year have been placed in the capable hands of Jonathan Strahan, a highly respected editor with a long history of championing speculative fiction. Strahan’s expertise is evident in the initial lineup of featured stories, which already includes several award-winning and critically acclaimed pieces.
Among the confirmed inclusions are:
- "In My Country" by Thomas Ha: This powerful short story has garnered significant recognition, including a Locus Award win and a Hugo Award nomination, highlighting its impact and thematic depth.
- "We Begin Where Infinity Ends" by Somto Ihezue: This novelette has also received prestigious accolades, securing both Nebula and Locus Award wins, underscoring its exceptional quality and narrative prowess.
In addition to these standout works, the anthology is set to feature contributions from a roster of esteemed authors, including Isabel J. Kim, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Sarah Pinsker, B Pladek, and Esther Alter, among others. The final table of contents, however, will be influenced by the success of the Kickstarter campaign and its stretch goals.
The Power of Stretch Goals: Expanding Reach and Supporting Authors
The Kickstarter campaign’s success in reaching its initial funding goal is a testament to the strong desire within the SFF community for this anthology series. However, the campaign also outlines ambitious stretch goals designed to further enhance the project’s scope and impact.
The baseline goal has been met, ensuring the publication of the anthology. If all stretch goals are achieved, the book will significantly expand in size, growing to nearly 200,000 words, which translates to approximately 600 pages. This expansion will allow for the inclusion of all selected stories, ensuring a truly comprehensive collection. Crucially, reaching these stretch goals will also enable the publishers to double the amount they are able to pay authors. This commitment to fair author compensation is a vital aspect of supporting the creative ecosystem that produces the very stories the anthology aims to celebrate. Doubling author payments can have a profound effect, not only on the immediate financial well-being of the featured writers but also on their ability to continue producing high-quality work in the future.
A Look at the Locus Recommended Reading Lists
The foundation for the Locus Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year anthologies lies in the annual Locus Recommended Reading Lists. For decades, these meticulously compiled lists have served as an indispensable resource for SFF enthusiasts. Published annually by Locus magazine, they identify and celebrate the finest works of science fiction, fantasy, and horror published in the preceding year across various categories, including novels, novellas, novelettes, and short stories.
The creation of these lists involves a rigorous process that draws upon the expertise of Locus editors, critics, and often, input from the wider SFF community. They represent a collective judgment on the most significant, innovative, and compelling works that have shaped the literary discourse of the year. By basing the new anthology series on these established lists, Locus is leveraging its long-standing reputation for discerning taste and its deep connection to the SFF publishing world. This approach ensures that the anthology will be built upon a foundation of proven literary merit and broad industry recognition.
The Historical Context of "Best Of" Anthologies in SFF
The concept of collecting the year’s best short fiction is not new to science fiction and fantasy. In fact, it’s a tradition that dates back to the early days of the genre. Anthologies like the Best American Short Stories series have long been a staple in general literature, but the SFF community has its own revered lineage of such collections.
Early pioneers like Donald A. Wollheim and Terry Carr were instrumental in popularizing "Best Of" anthologies in science fiction. Wollheim’s The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction series, which began in the 1950s, and Carr’s The Best Science Fiction of the Year series, launched in the 1970s, set a precedent for what readers could expect: a curated selection of the most imaginative and thought-provoking stories published in magazines and other periodicals. These anthologies were crucial for readers who might not have had access to a wide range of SFF magazines or who sought a convenient way to discover the genre’s most accomplished writers.
More recently, editors like Rich Horton and Gardner Dozois (with his The Year’s Best Science Fiction series, which ran for an impressive 34 volumes) continued this tradition, becoming essential guides for SFF readers. Dozois, in particular, was renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge and his ability to identify truly exceptional stories. The decline in the number of such comprehensive annual anthologies, as lamented in the Kickstarter text, represents a significant gap for readers who rely on these collections to navigate the vast and ever-expanding universe of short speculative fiction.
The relaunch of a "Best Of" anthology by a publication as influential as Locus is therefore not just a new project, but a revival of a vital literary tradition. It signals a commitment to preserving and promoting the art of short-form speculative fiction, ensuring that its brightest stars and most impactful narratives are recognized and accessible.
Implications for the SFF Ecosystem
The launch of Locus Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year has several potential implications for the broader science fiction and fantasy ecosystem:
- Increased Visibility for Short Fiction: By consolidating top-tier short works into a single volume, the anthology is likely to bring greater attention and readership to short fiction, which can sometimes be overshadowed by novels. This can benefit not only the featured authors but also the magazines and platforms that publish their work.
- Author Support and Recognition: The commitment to increasing author payments, especially if stretch goals are met, is a significant boon for writers. Fair compensation is crucial for sustaining a healthy creative community, and this anthology’s approach could set a positive precedent.
- Reader Guidance and Discovery: For new and established readers alike, the anthology provides a curated roadmap to the year’s best SFF short fiction, making discovery and exploration more efficient and rewarding. This can foster a deeper engagement with the genre.
- Shaping Literary Memory: As the Kickstarter text highlights, these anthologies help shape the collective memory of a year in literature. By identifying and preserving the most significant stories, Locus Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year will contribute to the historical record of SFF achievements.
- Reinforcement of Locus’s Authority: The anthology further solidifies Locus magazine’s position as a leading authority and trusted curator within the science fiction and fantasy community.
The Kickstarter Campaign and Community Engagement
The success of the Kickstarter campaign, reaching its funding goal within a projected timeframe, demonstrates a strong and active interest from the SFF readership. Kickstarter campaigns are unique in their ability to not only raise funds but also to gauge public enthusiasm and build a dedicated community around a project before its official release. The various perk levels offered to backers, ranging from digital copies to signed editions and exclusive merchandise, are designed to foster a sense of participation and reward the community’s support. The direct link provided for further information (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2040521099/locus-anthology-2025) allows interested parties to delve deeper into the project’s specifics, review the proposed contents, and understand the funding tiers. The visual elements and detailed descriptions typically found on such platforms offer a comprehensive view of the project’s scope and the passion driving it.
The continued success of the stretch goals will be a key indicator of the anthology’s ultimate reach and impact. The possibility of a nearly 600-page volume featuring all selected stories and significantly increased author payments represents a truly ambitious and commendable goal. The Locus Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year anthology series promises to be a significant addition to the SFF literary landscape, offering a vital service to readers and a powerful platform for authors.
