The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy A project of Mariner Books (see other related projects). About The Best American series is the premier annual showcase for the country’s finest short fiction and nonfiction. Each volume’s series editor selects notable works from hundreds of magazines, journals, and websites. A special guest editor—a leading writer in the field—then chooses the best twenty or so pieces to publish. This unique system has made the Best American series the most respected—and most popular—of its kind. Science fiction and fantasy enjoys a long literary tradition, stretching from Mary Shelley, H.G. Wells, and Jules Verne to Ray Bradbury, Ursula K. Le Guin, and William Gibson. In The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy award-winning editor John Joseph Adams delivers a diverse and vibrant collection of stories published in the prior year. Featuring writers with deep science fiction and fantasy backgrounds, along with those who are infusing traditional fiction with speculative elements, these stories uphold a long-standing tradition within both genres—looking at the world and asking, What if…? Important: Reprints only. The original publication of the story must have been in a nationally-distributed American or Canadian publication. Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to American or Canadian residents or citizens. The editors may not respond to all submissions. After waiting a reasonable amount of time, assume your submission will not be accepted. Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationPublished 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis Slower The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy's overall average response time is slower than most anthologies. More ChallengingThe Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy's overall acceptance rate is lower than most anthologies. Less ResponsiveThe Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy's overall rate of non-response is higher than most anthologies. Fiction Open Dates: Rolling Deadlines: Check cutoff dates.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Fantasy Open to all/most Subgenres Science Fiction Open to all/most SubgenresLengths: Short Story: 1,000 - 7,500 words. Novelette: 7,500 - 12,000 words. Novella: 15,000 - 17,499 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:Unknown payment Unknown payment.Submissions:Method: Moksha submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to project webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookX (Twitter) @JohnJosephAdamsFacebook FacebookInstagram @marinerbooksX (Twitter) @MarinerBooks Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 16 reports from 12 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 44 min | 214.5 mean avg | 216.0 median | 498 max days (136.5 std dev) Responses 68.75 % Acceptances: 0.00 % No publication has a 0% acceptance rate. This data is based on submission reports sent to Duotrope, and we have not received reports of any acceptances yet. Rejections: 68.75 % (157.4 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 81.8 % form, 18.2 % unspecified Non-Responses 25.00 % Lost/Returned: 6.25 % (301.0 avg. days before reporting submissions as lost or returned) Never Responded: 18.75 % (421.7 avg. days before reporting submissions as never responded) Withdrawals 6.25 % (205.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 4 responses are pending (59 min | 154.5 mean avg | 125.0 median | 309 max days waiting | 599.5 std dev) from 4 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The editors may not respond to all submissions. After waiting a reasonable amount of time, assume your submission will not be accepted. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 10 Apr 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 22 Nov 2025. Date compiled: 12 Sep 2026 05:34 UTC (6 hours, 38 minutes ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsThe Best American EssaysThe Best American Food & Travel WritingThe Best American Mystery StoriesThe Best American Nonrequired Reading DNQThe Best American Science & Nature WritingThe Best American Short StoriesBest American Travel Writing Series DNQJohn Joseph Adams Books CLOSEDMariner Books DNQ Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 24 Aug 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only