Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bulletin?
The Bulletin is the quarterly magazine published by Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).
What is SFWA?
SFWA is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization created by writers themselves to inform, advise, and promote the work of science fiction and fantasy writers. For more detailed information about SFWA (and links to many helpful resources), please visit the SFWA Website.
What does the Bulletin print?
The Bulletin publishes a wide variety of articles of interest and use to writers. Our primary focus is on genre fiction, of course, but many of our articles apply to any form of fiction writing. Our articles are written by industry professionals, some with many years experience in the field. We discuss taxes, trends in technology, market reports, and we run several columns specifically aimed at science fiction and fantasy writers. You can read some sample articles here.
The Bulletin does not publish fiction or poetry. We do sometimes print cartoons that relate to the condition of writers.
Can anyone submit material to the Bulletin?
Yes! We accept articles from anyone. Please see our Submission Guidelines. We pay seven cents a word, on acceptance. Contributors receive two free copies of the issue in which their article runs.
Do I have to be a member of SFWA to read the Bulletin?
No. Anyone can subscribe to the Bulletin. We publish four times a year - Winter (late February), Spring (late April or early May), Summer (late August or early September), and Fall (late November or early December).
Our Summer issue coincides with the Hugo Awards, when Worldcon is held in the United States. The Bulletin usually publishes something specific to that convention.
Our Spring issue coincides with the Nebula Awards, in late April or early May, and that issue always includes biographies and essays from nominated writers, as well as in-depth information on the Awards themselves.
Who should I contact if my Bulletin is late?
The print version of the SFWA Bulletin is a quarterly publication and ought to arrive in your mailbox on the following schedule:
- Winter issue: by mid-February
- Spring issue: this is the Nebula Awards issue and its publication is dependent on when SFWA schedules the Awards Banquet. Copies of the Spring issue will be available at the Banquet and subscribers will receive theirs not long after. Normally, the Banquet is held either in late April, or early May
- Summer issue: The Summer issue is usually published to coincide with Worldcon (when it is held in the United States). Again, these dates are subject to change. Copies of the Summer issue will be available at Worldcon and subscribers will receive their copies not long after.
- Fall issue: by late November
Due to the vagaries of publishing and distribution, however, the schedule occasionally slips. If your copy is late, you can email the SFWA Bulletin's Business Manager, Steve Carper.
His mailing address is:
Steve Carper
PO Box 10126
Rochester, NY 14610
Contact Mr. Carper if you haven't received your Bulletin within the time frame suggested above.