Perihelion, in many ways, hits the reset button on the old style of science fiction magazine with lurid covers, graphic novels, new science fiction stories and a few hard science articles each issue.
Free for readers, this is a professionally edited magazine with experienced editor/publisher who pays for articles and art and accepts advertising as well as contributions from those who want to see the return of professional science fiction in an e-zine.
One thing which sets this e-zine apart from fan fiction is the quality of the science articles and the way it is published – articles and stories only appear for one month and go away when the new articles are published, with the rights returning to the original author.
As someone with experience writing since the early ’60’s, I can say that another thing which sets Perihelion apart is the way it pays in advance of publication!
Recently released is the third issue with short stories, longer pieces and, among other special items, an account of why the Mayan calendar theories were all wrong, along with a very well-researched article on climate change, one which may change your mind about what is really happening and what is at stake – hint, global warming is good if it is fighting the next ice age triggered by an abnormally quiet sun. (http://www.perihelionsf.com/forum.htm)
The real truth behind the Mayan calendar is “A Notable Horological Discovery” which I contributed. Warning, the threat may not be over! (http://www.perihelionsf.com/anomalies.htm)
And be certain to check out the archives of cover pages at http://www.perihelionsf.com/coverarchives.htm. I especially like the first one.
If you are interested in submitting your work, start by reading this first section of the submission guidelines to get an idea what Editor Sam Bellotto Jr. is looking for and what you can expect to find in future issues:
“WE ARE LOOKING for well-written, original science fiction, that is, “hard” science fiction. No fantasy. No horror. No fan fiction. No poetry. Stories do not necessarily have to restrict themselves to robots, rocket ships, and extraterrestrials. However, the science and/or technology must be integral to the story. If you remove the science, the story falls apart, or disappears altogether.”
They are looking for everything from reviews to long fiction stories but please read the guidelines and the magazine and don’t flood the poor editors with a lot of fantasy or other writing which isn’t suitable for Perihelion.
DISCLAIMER: Although I submit occasional short pieces to Perihelion, I have no financial interest in the publication and no connection with it other than as an occasional contributor and fan.
