Jed just texted to tell me that Strange Horizons Magazine has won a Hugo. After many many times of being a finalist, we actually won!
I am so proud of both the current editorial collective that has won this award, and all the editors and staff, past and present, who contributed to making Strange Horizons what it is.
When I started the magazine back in 2000, all I really hoped to do was break open the narrow pipeline limiting professional science fiction and fantasy, to find a way past the fiscal constraints of print publishing at the time, and make it possible for more people to write and publish fabulous things. Many people at the time didn’t think it was possible; they didn’t think digital publishing would ever be seen as professional.
After two years running the magazine (lots of folks thought we’d give up after three months), I thought we were well on our way, having more than tripled the number of slots available for professional short fiction publication in the field. We’d done what I wanted to do, but I knew the magazine could do much more. I handed editor-in-chief off to Susan Groppi, who ably led it, and then she handed it off to Niall Harrison, and so on and so forth.
But Strange Horizons has never just been about the editor-in-chief — from the beginning, we had a volunteer staff of 30+ people, who poured time and energy and careful thought into the magazine. My only regret is that I didn’t prioritize finding a way to pay them!
The staff delivered splendid work regardless, for 23 years and counting, and it really feels quite tremendous, having that triumphantly acknowledged after oh, I want to say thirteen finalist nominations? I may be off by one or two!
And of course, Strange Horizons wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for:
• the writers and artists who contributed to the magazine (especially appreciate those who took a chance on us in the early days!)
• the early donors who put up significant funds to help get us off the ground
• all the folks who’ve supported our fund drives, year after year after year, making us a truly community-funded publication — donating cash, spreading the word, talking us up…
• and most of all, the readers, who make all the work worthwhile. Thank you for letting us share our stories with you.
I’m sorry that family commitments made it impossible for me to attend WorldCon in Glasgow this year, but I’m feeling quite surrounded by the love of the field in this moment, and am basking in that warmth. I hope all of you attending in person are celebrating the current Strange Horizons editorial staff with great enthusiasm and perhaps some fine Scotch. (I like Macallan, myself.)
Congratulations, all of you. I’m so proud of what you’ve done with my little baby magazine. All grown up now!
I’ll see you all in Seattle for WorldCon next year — I wouldn’t object if we won again. I want to dance at the party! 🙂
Hugo Winners from Glasgow: https://glasgow2024.org/hugo-awards/2024-hugo-award-winners/
P.S. Senior fiction editor Jed Hartman did an astonishing amount of thoughtful, skilled work for the fiction department for over a decade — I wanted to give him a special shout-out.
P.P.S. We voted to decide the name of the magazine — we were almost Driftglass, my little homage to Samuel Delany. But I’m very happy with Strange Horizons Magazine as a name. It’s held up well for more than two decades. Onwards.
P.P.P.S. I wonder if they’re throwing a Strange Horizons party at World Fantasy. If not, I might. 🙂
