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Locus (magazine)
Locus (magazine)
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Locus
EditorLiza Groen Trombi
FrequencyMonthly
Founded1968; 57 years ago (1968)
CountryUnited States
Based inOakland, California
LanguageEnglish
Websitelocusmag.com
ISSN0047-4959

Locus: The Magazine of The Science Fiction & Fantasy Field, founded in 1968, is an American magazine published monthly in Oakland, California. It is the news organ and trade journal for the English-language science fiction and fantasy fields.[1] It also publishes comprehensive listings of all new books published in the genres (excluding self-published).[2] The magazine also presents the annual Locus Awards. Locus Online was launched in April 1997, as a semi-autonomous web version of Locus Magazine.

History

[edit]

Charles N. Brown, Ed Meskys, and Dave Vanderwerf founded Locus in 1968 as a news fanzine to promote the (ultimately successful) bid to host the 1971 World Science Fiction Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally intended to run only until the site-selection vote was taken at St. Louiscon, the 1969 Worldcon in St. Louis, Missouri, Brown decided to continue publishing Locus as a mimeographed general science fiction and fantasy newszine. Locus succeeded the monthly newszine Science Fiction Times (formerly Fantasy Times, founded 1941), when SFT ceased publication in 1970. Brown directed Locus as publisher and editor-in-chief for more than 40 years, from 1968 until his death at age 72 in July 2009.[1][3]

Locus announced that the magazine would continue operations, with then executive editor Liza Groen Trombi succeeding Brown as editor-in-chief in 2009.[4] The magazine is now owned by the Locus Science Fiction Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation.[5]

Locus publishes:[3][6][7]

  • News about the science fiction, fantasy, and horror publishing field—stories about publishers, awards, and conferences—including "The Data File", "People & Publishing" (rights sold, books sold, books resold, books delivered, publishing news, promotions; people news and photos about vacations, weddings, and births), and obituaries
  • Interviews with well-known and up-and-coming writers (and sometimes editors and artists), usually two per issue
  • Reviews of new and forthcoming books, usually 20–25 per issue, by notable SF critics including Gary K. Wolfe, Faren Miller, Nick Gevers, Jonathan Strahan, Adrienne Martini, Russell Letson, Gwenda Bond, Stefan Dziemanowicz, Carolyn Cushman, Karen Burnham, and Richard Lupoff plus short fiction reviews by Gardner Dozois and Rich Horton[8][9]
  • A bimonthly commentary column by Cory Doctorow
  • Reports from around the world about the SF scenes in various countries
  • Listings of US and UK books and magazines published (monthly), bestsellers (monthly), and forthcoming books (every three months)
  • Convention reports, with many photos
  • Annual year-in-review coverage, with extensive recommended reading lists and the annual Locus Poll and Survey
  • Letters and classified ads
  • The Locus Index to Science Fiction, compiled from the magazine's "books received" column.[3][10]

Locus Online

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Locus Online (founded 1997)[11] is the online component of Locus Magazine. It publishes news briefs related to the science fiction, fantasy and horror publishing world, along with original reviews and feature articles, and excerpts of articles that appeared in the print edition.[3] Information for Locus Online is compiled and edited by Mark R. Kelly.[12] In 2002, Locus Online won the first Hugo Award for Best Web Site.[13] It was nominated again in 2005.[14] In January 2016, longtime short-fiction reviewer Lois Tilton announced her resignation. She wrote, "Without consulting or informing me, they had begun deleting material they considered negative from my reviews. To me, this is censorship and completely unacceptable."[15] It was later clarified by Locus that the edits were not intended to be made to work already published, but rather going forward, to future reviews. None of her past columns were changed, she was paid for the unpublished work, and the relationship ended amicably.[16]

Locus Awards

[edit]

Awarded annually since 1971, the Locus Awards are voted on by the readership of Locus magazine.[17] Developed initially as a reading list for the Hugo Awards,[18] they have since come to be considered a prestigious prize in science fiction, fantasy and horror literature.[19][20]

Science Fiction Awards Database

[edit]

Known previously as the Locus Index to SF Awards, the Science Fiction Awards Database (SFADB) is an index of science fiction, fantasy and horror awards compiled by Mark R. Kelly. It is often more up-to-date than the awards' own websites (according to The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction),[3] and has received praise from editors and authors of SF.[21][22]

Recognition

[edit]

Locus has won many Hugo Awards, first the Hugo Award for Best Fanzine, and then in 1984 when the new category "Best Semiprozine" was established. As of 2012, Locus won the award for "Best Fanzine" eight times and for "Best Semiprozine" 22 times during the category's first 29 years. In 2012 "Best Semiprozine" was redefined to exclude all small, independent genre magazines as "professional publications" if they had either "(1) provided at least a quarter the income of any one person or, (2) was owned or published by any entity which provided at least a quarter the income of any of its staff and/or owner."; this included Locus.[23] There is no longer a "Professional Magazine" Hugo Award; that original category was replaced in 1973 by the current "Best Editor."[3][24]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Locus is an American monthly magazine dedicated to news, reviews, and commentary on the science fiction, fantasy, horror, and young adult publishing fields, founded in 1968 as a one-page newszine and evolving into a prominent trade journal recognized as "The Magazine of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Field." Established in New York by Charles N. Brown, Ed Meskys, and Dave Vanderwerf to support the Boston in '71 World Science Fiction Convention bid, Locus relocated to the California Bay Area in 1972, where Brown became its full-time editor in 1976. Following Brown's death in 2009, the magazine transitioned to nonprofit status under the Locus Science Fiction Foundation, with Liza Groen Trombi assuming the roles of publisher and editor-in-chief. Each issue, typically spanning 60-88 pages, features in-depth interviews with two authors or industry figures, 20-25 book reviews, short fiction assessments, international market reports, convention coverage, bestseller lists, and annual recommended reading compilations, available in both print (8.5" x 11" format) and digital editions (PDF, EPUB, Kindle). Locus has earned widespread acclaim for its comprehensive coverage, including contributions from renowned critics such as Gary K. Wolfe and the late , and has received 30 Hugo Awards—eight for Best (starting in 1970) and 22 for Best Semiprozine (through 2012)—cementing its status as a vital resource for professionals and enthusiasts in . The publication also maintains an active online presence through Locus Online, offering daily news updates, forthcoming book listings, and additional reviews since its digital launch in 1997.

History

Founding and Early Years

Locus magazine was founded in 1968 in New York by Charles N. Brown, Ed Meskys, and Dave Vanderwerf as a one-page newszine aimed at promoting the in 1971 World bid by the Boston Science Fiction Group. The publication emerged amid a vibrant scene, where such newszines served as vital communication tools for convention planning and community updates. The first issue was printed on a machine owned by Anthony R. Lewis in his home near , , reflecting the grassroots, amateur production methods typical of fanzines at the time. Initially, Locus focused on convention news, fan activities, and related announcements, with content limited to brief reports on bids, membership drives, and SF events. Produced in a simple mimeographed format, the early issues were single sheets or short stapled pages, emphasizing timeliness over polish to keep the distant SF community informed. In 1970, following the cessation of the long-running newszine Science Fiction Times (previously Fantasy Times, established in 1941), Locus marked its shift toward a more comprehensive newsletter covering the broader field, filling a key gap in professional and fan news dissemination. Early distribution occurred primarily through mail to science fiction fans and professionals, fostering a dedicated subscriber base within the niche community. Initial print runs were modest, under 1,000 copies per issue, allowing for affordable production and targeted outreach that helped build momentum for the Boston bid, which ultimately succeeded. By the early , this foundation enabled a gradual expansion, including a transition to monthly publication as news volume increased.

Growth and Milestones

In 1972, Locus relocated from New York to the Bay Area, positioning the magazine closer to a hub of activity and enabling more comprehensive coverage of West Coast events and conventions. This move followed the publication's first win in 1971 and supported its transition from a modest to a more professional industry resource. By 1976, founder Charles N. Brown left his full-time position to devote himself entirely to editing and publishing Locus, a pivotal step that allowed for expanded operations and deeper engagement with the field. Under his leadership, the magazine solidified its role as a central news source for professionals and fans alike. Throughout the 1970s, Locus shifted to a consistent monthly publication schedule, departing from its earlier irregular fortnightly or sporadic issues, while its physical size grew substantially—from mimeographed formats of just a few pages in the early years to 40 or more pages by the , facilitated by the adoption of for higher-quality production. Circulation also rose steadily, surpassing 5,000 subscribers by 1980, reflecting the publication's increasing influence. The 10th anniversary in 1978 was marked with special recognition of its endurance and contributions to the , underscoring a of evolution from a one-page newszine to an essential trade periodical. In the 1980s, Locus expanded its scope globally by introducing dedicated international reports, beginning with focused coverage such as the January 1985 issue on worldwide trends, to track publishing developments and author activities beyond . This initiative, which later included regular columns from regions like the , , , and , enhanced the magazine's reputation as a comprehensive resource for the international community.

Editorship and Organizational Changes

In the early years of Locus, co-editor Marsha S. Brown (née Elkin, later Jones) played a key role alongside founder Charles N. Brown from 1968 to 1969, contributing to the magazine's initial operations as a news focused on conventions and publishing updates. Following Brown's divorce and remarriage, Dena Brown served as co-editor from 1970 to 1977, handling production and editorial duties while working full-time on the publication from 1972 onward, which helped stabilize its irregular release schedule. After Dena Brown's departure, Charles N. Brown assumed sole editorship in 1977, a position he held until his death in 2009, during which he directed the magazine's content toward comprehensive coverage of the , fantasy, and horror fields, including market reports, obituaries, and interviews that solidified Locus's influence as an industry trade publication. Upon Brown's passing, Liza Groen Trombi, previously the executive editor, succeeded him as and publisher in 2009, maintaining the magazine's focus on timely field news, author spotlights, and publishing trends while expanding its editorial team. To ensure long-term sustainability, the Locus Science Fiction Foundation was established in as a 501(c)(3) with federal tax ID 26-3333819, enabling tax-deductible donations to support operations such as printing, digital platforms, and events. By 2025, Locus has increasingly relied on a donor-supported model amid industry challenges, including annual campaigns that raised funds for production and offered perks like signed books and subscriptions—for example, the 2024 campaign raised over $92,000—alongside direct reader contributions to offset reduced print revenue.

Publication Format and Content

Locus magazine has been published monthly since the 1970s, maintaining a standard trim size of 8.5 by 11 inches and typically containing 60 to 88 pages per issue. The print edition features saddle-stitched binding with full-color covers and is distributed primarily through subscriptions, with additional availability in select bookstores such as and via authorized distributors. Subscriptions are mailed globally, including to international addresses, though subject to shipping delays and higher rates outside the . The magazine introduced digital editions in January 2011, offering them in PDF, , and MOBI formats to accommodate various devices, including computers, e-readers, and Kindle. Digital issues are available for individual purchase at $5.99 each or through monthly subscriptions at $4.99 per issue, providing broader accessibility beyond print subscribers. As of 2025, Locus operates a hybrid model combining print for its core audience with digital for expanded reach, supported by nonprofit funding amid rising production costs exceeding $725,000 annually. There are no announced plans to discontinue print, emphasizing through subscriptions priced at $85 per year for a 12-issue print-plus-digital bundle in the , with international rates up to $120 and institutional add-ons of $4. This approach ensures continued delivery in both formats while addressing economic challenges.

Core Features and Columns

Locus magazine's core features and columns provide comprehensive coverage of the , fantasy, and horror landscape, serving as essential resources for readers, authors, and industry professionals. Published monthly, each issue typically spans 60-88 pages and includes a mix of news, analytical content, and listings that track market trends, creative output, and community developments. The news sections form the backbone of the magazine, offering updates on deals, conventions, and market trends. "People & Publishing" highlights milestones such as major contracts and rights sales, including international deals for prominent authors. "The Data File" compiles broader industry news, encompassing convention announcements, shortlists, and shifts like mergers or layoffs. Bestseller lists track sales performance across and UK markets, providing insights into commercial successes in the genre. Convention coverage includes reports on events like or regional gatherings, often with photographic summaries. Review columns deliver critical assessments of new works, with 20-25 book reviews per issue contributed by established critics such as Gary K. Wolfe and Liz Bourke. These cover , fantasy, horror, , and related nonfiction titles, emphasizing thematic analysis and cultural significance. Additional reviews focus on short fiction from magazines and anthologies, handled by columnists like Charles Payseur and A.C. Wise, alongside evaluations of periodicals themselves. Listings of magazines received and new notable books complement these, ensuring broad visibility for emerging titles. Interviews feature two in-depth profiles per issue, typically with authors, editors, publishers, or artists, exploring career trajectories, creative processes, and forthcoming projects. These conversations offer personal insights into the field's evolution, such as discussions on genre boundaries or industry challenges. Special columns address key community aspects, including obituaries that honor deceased figures in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, such as writers and editors. Global science fiction reports detail international scenes, covering developments in regions like , , and . The annual year-in-review, published in the January issue, synthesizes the previous year's trends with recommended reading lists across categories like novels, short fiction, and anthologies. The Locus Poll, an annual reader survey, solicits votes for standout works, with results integrated into the year-end issue to reflect community preferences.

Online Presence

Locus Online

Locus Online was launched in April 1997 by Mark R. Kelly as a companion to the print magazine, initially serving as an online venue for news updates, magazine excerpts, and listings related to the , fantasy, and horror fields. Designed with a static layout mimicking the magazine's cover aesthetics, it began with basic features like a page and sample content to extend the publication's reach digitally. The site's content scope has expanded to include regular news posts on developments, author and editor interviews, forthcoming books listings published every three months, and coverage of conventions and events with photos and reports. Reviews form a core element, with daily updates on books, films, and short fiction by contributors such as Gary K. Wolfe and , alongside features like essays and lists. Under Kelly's editorship as and online until October 2017, the site integrated contributions from Locus Magazine staff, including publisher and Liza Groen Trombi, with news and listings updated weekly to monthly and the overall platform maintained multiple times weekly. Kelly continues to contribute occasional content post-2017. Technically, Locus Online evolved from its early static pages—starting at 600 pixels wide in 1997—to a dynamic WordPress-based site by 2010, featuring a three-column layout, reverse-chronological posting, and categories for reviews, awards announcements, and publishing news that remain in use. This migration enabled easier content management, sidebar links, and integration of blogs like the Locus Roundtable for discussions. Most content on Locus Online is freely accessible, providing broad availability of news, reviews, and resources to the and fantasy community, while premium features such as full digital magazine editions and back issues are linked to print or digital subscriptions starting from $50 annually. This model supports the site's role as a free digital news arm while sustaining the parent publication's operations. The site also maintains a page for supporter contributions, offering exclusive perks to backers as of 2025.

Additional Digital Resources

Beyond its core news and interview content on Locus Online, the magazine provides several supplementary digital resources tailored to , fantasy, and horror enthusiasts and professionals. The Forthcoming Books database offers curated listings of upcoming titles in the SF/F/H genres, compiled from publisher announcements and featured in monthly magazine issues. These selections are updated regularly, with the listing as of November 2025 covering June 2025 through March 2026, and include author-specific bibliographies for easy reference. Full access to comprehensive publisher lists requires a print or digital magazine subscription, while selected excerpts are available freely online. Magazine archives include partial digitization of back issues, with digital editions of recent and select older content accessible through subscription or individual purchase at $5.99 per issue. Subscribers can download monthly digital magazines dating back several years, supporting research into historical coverage of the field from the late onward, though complete scans of issues from 1968 are limited and often housed in institutional collections rather than directly on the Locus site. Additionally, Locus Online maintains an archive of past posts, including reviews, news, and features, organized by month for browsing historical content. The Locus Index to provides a searchable database of science fiction books and magazines since , with free annual online updates. The convention and event calendar provides chronological listings of global science fiction, fantasy, and horror conventions, conferences, and symposia, including key details like dates, locations, and guest of honor announcements. Updated throughout the year based on submissions, this resource focuses on literary-oriented events and integrates with related news coverage on the site, aiding fans in planning attendance. User engagement is facilitated through newsletter sign-ups, offering weekly digests that deliver announcements, news, reviews, and site posts directly to subscribers' inboxes. This service ensures ongoing connection with the community without requiring frequent site visits. The magazine also operates a YouTube channel featuring videos on new book releases and other content.

Awards and Databases

Locus Awards

The Locus Awards were established in 1971 by Charles N. Brown, the founder of Locus magazine, as an annual reader-voted poll designed to recognize excellence in science fiction, fantasy, and horror works. Initially conceived as a way to offer recommendations and suggestions to voters for the Hugo Awards, the poll evolved into a prestigious standalone honor within the genre community. By focusing on reader preferences, the awards emphasize popular appeal alongside literary merit, distinguishing them from more academy-driven recognitions. The awards feature 17 categories as of 2025, covering a broad spectrum of and related media. Core novel categories include Best Novel, Best Fantasy Novel, Best First Novel, and Best Horror Novel, alongside distinctions for Novel. Short fiction is represented by , Novelette, and , while non-fiction elements encompass Anthologies, Collections, Magazines, Publishers, Editors, Artists, , Illustrated and Art Books, and a Special Award for exceptional contributions. Nominations are gathered from Locus readers via the magazine and online submissions, with participants ranking up to five works per category. These are tabulated using the Carr preferential voting system, assigning 8 points to first-place votes, 5 to second, 3 to third, 2 to fourth, and 1 to fifth; the top five nominees advance to the final , typically announced in May. Final voting remains open to the public, with Locus subscribers' ballots weighted double, culminating in winners selected by popular tally and revealed at the annual ceremony. Ceremonies presenting the awards began in 1975 and have since become a highlight of the calendar, now integrated into the Locus Awards Weekend event held in . This multi-day gathering includes panels, readings, workshops, and receptions, fostering community engagement. The 2025 ceremony occurred on June 21 at Nile Hall in Preservation Park, emceed by author , and was available both in-person and online. Notable for their alignment with broader genre accolades, winners frequently overlap with Hugo and recipients, underscoring the poll's influence in identifying consensus favorites; for instance, the 2025 process reinforced this by elevating works through reader-driven selection, though detailed outcomes are cataloged in specialized databases.

Science Fiction Awards Database

The Awards Database (SFADB) traces its origins to the Locus Index to Awards, a detailed compilation project initiated by Mark R. Kelly in the and first published online in 2000 on the Locus magazine website. In 2012, Kelly rebranded and expanded the index into the independent SFADB platform, hosted separately but supported by the Locus Science Fiction Foundation, to enhance accessibility and functionality. The database's scope encompasses over 100 science fiction, fantasy, and horror awards, such as the Hugo Awards, Nebula Awards, and World Fantasy Awards, recording winners, full nominee lists, and statistical tallies dating back to 1951 and extending to the present day. This coverage includes both active and historically significant awards, providing a centralized repository that captures the evolution of genre recognition across decades. Key features include advanced search capabilities by year, category, nominee name, or title, alongside comprehensive indexes, summary tables, and nominee-specific pages that aggregate chronological and alphabetical results. It integrates data from the Locus Awards and is updated promptly following ceremonies, often delivering complete results ahead of many official award sites. These tools facilitate in-depth analysis, such as tracking multiple nominations or cross-award comparisons, without requiring specialized software. SFADB is freely available to the public at sfadb.com, enabling broad access for fans, researchers, and professionals in the field. Maintained by Kelly, who also founded Locus Online in 1997, the database is regarded as an authoritative reference, frequently cited in academic studies of history and enthusiast discussions of genre achievements.

Recognition and Impact

Hugo Awards

Locus magazine has received numerous Hugo Awards, recognizing its contributions to and fantasy and . The publication first entered the Hugo competition in the Best category, earning eight wins between 1971 and 1983. These victories highlight Locus's early status as a leading amateur publication in the field. Specifically, Locus won the Best Fanzine Hugo in 1971, 1972, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983. Following a category shift from Fanzine to Semiprozine in 1980, Locus dominated the new Best Semiprozine category, securing 22 wins from 1984 through 2012. This included multiple consecutive victories in the and , underscoring the magazine's professional evolution while maintaining its fan-oriented roots. Locus Online, the magazine's digital companion launched in 1997, also garnered Hugo recognition. It won the inaugural Best Web Site Hugo in 2002 and received a nomination in the same category in 2005. A 2012 redefinition of the Semiprozine category excluded publications like Locus that provide significant compensation to staff, rendering it ineligible thereafter. By 2012, Locus had accumulated 30 Hugo wins in total, establishing it as one of the most awarded publications in science fiction history.

Influence on Science Fiction and Fantasy

Locus has established itself as the primary trade journal for the and fantasy fields since its inception, delivering timely news, in-depth reviews, and exhaustive listings of new publications that directly shape industry trends. By highlighting emerging works and market developments, it significantly boosts author visibility, as publishers frequently advertise in its pages to reach dedicated readers and professionals, thereby influencing sales and promotional strategies. This role extends to its comprehensive indices, which track publishing patterns and provide essential data for the community. Prominent figures in the genre have praised Locus for its unparalleled coverage, underscoring its influence. , a foundational author, declared it the only periodical he read from cover to cover, compelling him to set aside other tasks upon its arrival. Publisher Tom Doherty, founder of , echoed this sentiment, describing it as indispensable for and fantasy enthusiasts and noting his nearly 50-year subscription. Such endorsements reflect its status in genre histories, where it is routinely referenced as a cornerstone source for understanding the field's evolution. Locus's international impact began intensifying in the 1980s through regular reports on global , including books received from diverse regions, which cultivated cross-cultural awareness among English-language readers. Its coverage of Asian , such as dedicated features on Japanese works and reviews of authors like JY Yang, alongside European developments, has helped integrate non-Western voices into broader discussions, promoting a more inclusive genre landscape. The magazine's preservation efforts, including the Locus Index to —which catalogs books, magazines, and stories from 1984 onward—have proven invaluable for , enabling researchers to access detailed bibliographies and historical data. These archives were spotlighted during the 2018 50th anniversary celebrations, which included author tributes and reflections on its lasting legacy in fostering community and documentation. In 2025, Locus continues to hold central relevance as the science fiction and fantasy genres expand, sustained by its nonprofit model that prioritizes through donor support and periodic funding drives.

References

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