We're fortunate to live in an age of plenty when it comes to science fiction. When it comes to “policy-relevant sci fi” we have a few specific ideas in mind, but in general we’re looking for stories of all kinds (Novels, Novellas, Novelettes, and Short Stories, to say nothing of non-written media) that make us rethink policy debates, or that frame potential issues in a manner conducive to further discussion.
We hold a special place in our hearts for short stories and novelettes which, if they have a great idea, can be more easily read by many due to their shorter length. If you’re looking for shorter Sci Fi you have a wealth of options. A few good places to start:
Physical Magazines:
- Analog Science Fiction and Fact - Known for publishing more ‘hard science,’ with stories more focused on specific technological advances
- Asimov’s Astounding Science Fiction
- Fantasy and Science Fiction
Online Magazines:
- Lightspeed
- Clarkesworld
- Tor.com - This one has a lot of blog posts but also publishes original stories. They also have monthly summaries of new books that come out.
- Nature Futures - Published by the journal Nature
- Issues in Science and Technology - A publication of the National Academy of Sciences, which has committed to publishing 1 SciFi story per quarter.
Recurring science fiction anthologies that are known for addressing policy issues:
- MIT’s Twelve Tomorrows
- Hieroglyph: Stories and Visions for a Better Future - Led by Arizona State University’s Center for Science and the Imagination.
- Jonathan Strahan's Engineering Infinity series
Finally, Sam Tomaino’s brief summaries over at SFRevu.com are an invaluable resource in sifting through the substantional amount of material published each month. Note that the link will direct you to July, 2015; just skim through to find the month and year you’d like.
Is there anything we’ve missed? Let us know on twitter @scifipolicy, or directly at scifipolicy@gmail.com. You can also find more on "Where to Find Policy-Relevant Science Fiction" over on our blog.
PHOTO: "CONTOUR Launch", 2002. Via NASA on The Commons