Aphelion : Tenth Anniversary Issue

Reviewed By Gareth D. Jones

Not many SF magazines make it to their tenth anniversary, and it’s certainly a rarity to find a magazine that has been on the web for a whole decade.

Aphelion : The Webzine of Science Fiction and Fantasy has done just that, and in this month’s anniversary issue they are presenting the best stories from their first three years 1997-9, a process that will continue for the next three months as they showcase the best stories from the past ten years. There is also a selection of stories from editor Dan Hollifield’s own Mare Inebrium series, a shared universe set in a spaceport bar that many writers have contributed to over the years. Plus more new stories too.

Apart from having reached such a significant milestone there are other things that make Aphelion stand out. It’s one of the few magazines where you actually get feedback from the readers. The forum regularly contains comments on most of the stories from each issue, whether praise or constructive criticism, from readers who are often writers themselves. The editors really work with you to suggest improvements to your submissions, rather than just sending a rejection. It’s a very welcoming place for new writers.

Whether you just want a variety of short stories to read, or you’re looking for a good place to start as a writer, Aphelion is certainly to be recommended.