The LSFA Almanac Vol #1 - Submissions Now Open!
We're incredibly excited to announce the launch of the first issue of the London Sci-Fi & Fantasy Authors Annual "Almanac" Magazine, to be published in September 2026.
About The LSFA Almanac
Over the past year, our community has had ongoing conversations about the opportunities and limitations of traditional publishing. While it remains an exciting and rewarding path, it can also narrow the boundaries of what gets published, shaping the genre into familiar lanes with safe expectations.
We’re building something different.
The LSFA Almanac is an extension of the kind of community we are trying to create: one that values creative risk, welcomes a diversity of voices and perspectives, and makes space for stories that don’t always fit neatly within established moulds.
The name itself is intentional. Historically, an almanac is a collection of knowledge, observation, and insight gathered over time. It brings together information from many sources into one place. In fantasy, almanacs often act as repositories of lore. histories, and systems that deepen and expand the imagination.
The LSFA Almanac follows that tradition.
It will be a curated collection of speculative fiction that comes within the genre’s community, and a snapshot of the many different voices, ideas, and interpretations of the genre that exist within London today. Rather than defining what science fiction and fantasy should look like, it asks what becomes possible when those boundaries are opened up.
The magazine will be available as a free digital PDF on our website, with a limited number of printed copies available for purchase at our events and selected independent bookshops across London.
We are accepting submissions now.
Theme
London
For our first issue, we're inviting submissions inspired by the city in all its forms.
- Futuristic Londons
- Magical or hidden Londons
- Alternate histories
- Alien perspectives on the city
- Mythic or surreal versions of London
- Any story where the city plays a role in the narrative
Key Dates
How to Submit
To be considered, please submit your entry by July 5th 2026 through the following form: https://forms.gle/VcFMWACGH3fdg6jPA
- Your story attached as a Word document (.doc/.docx), 1.5 spaced
- A short author bio
- Length: Up to 5,000 words
- Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, or Speculative Fiction
- Format: Short stories or novel excerpts
- Theme: London
- Quality: Submissions must be fully edited and polished prior to submission
FAQs
Who can submit?
Submissions are open to all members of the London Sci-Fi & Fantasy Authors community as well as members of the public who are interested in becoming a part of the community. You do not need to have attended our events in the past to submit, though active members will be given priority. If you've attended any of our events or are part of the group, you're welcome to submit.
Do I need to be previously published?
Not at all. We welcome writers at all stages, from first-time authors to published authors.
How strictly does my story need to follow the theme?
Your story must have a connection to London, but the actual interpretation is flexible. Be as creative as you like. We encourage creative approaches to the theme.
Can I submit more than one piece?
We ask that each writer submits one piece only.
Can I submit an excerpt from a larger work?
Yes. Novel excerpts are welcome, as long as they are understandable without full context and still feel satisfying to read independently.
Can I submit a novel excerpt, and will this affect my chances with traditional publishing?
Yes, you’re welcome to submit a novel excerpt, however please be aware that publishing an excerpt may affect future traditional publishing opportunities, as agents and publishers often consider any publicly available work to be previously published. If you plan to query your novel, you may wish to submit an excerpt that isn’t central to the main narrative or instead share a standalone piece set in the same world. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you’re comfortable sharing, and if unsure, we recommend checking agent guidelines before submitting.
Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes, however, if your work is accepted elsewhere, please let us know as soon as possible so we can withdraw it from consideration.
Can I submit work that has already been published?
No. We are only accepting previously unpublished work.
Will I retain the rights to my work?
Yes. Authors retain full rights to their work. By submitting, you grant LSFA permission to publish your piece in this issue of the magazine (both digital and print formats).
Will contributors be paid?
At this stage, this is an unpaid opportunity. The magazine is a community-led project designed to provide publication, visibility, and experience. Contributors will receive credit and a copy of the magazine.
How will submissions be judged?
Submissions will be reviewed by a small editorial team with focus mainly on adherence to the theme and the quality of writing and clarity with the goal of curating a diverse and compelling issue.
When will I hear back about my submission?
We aim to respond to all submissions by late July / early August. If there are delays, we will communicate updates via email.
Will I receive feedback if I'm not selected?
Due to the expected volume of submissions, we may not be able to provide individual feedback. However, feel free to attend one of our feedback sessions if you wish to get more in-depth critique of any of your pieces.
Can I get involved beyond submitting?
Absolutely. If you're interested in helping with editing, design, or future issues, feel free to reach out to the team.
Editorial Note
Please note that while submission does not guarantee publication, all pieces will be thoroughly considered for publication by members of our organising team, with selected pieces to be included in The LSFA Almanac Vol #1 published this September.
This magazine is a statement about what can happen when a creative community comes together to build something of its own. We're excited to read your work and celebrate the diversity of creativity within this community.