Asimov’s Science Fiction is a leading magazine in the United States. The magazine is the brainchild of Joel Davis, president and publisher of Davis Publications, Inc., formerly known as Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine when it began in 1977. It is currently published by Penny Publications, LLC, the parent company of Penny Publications, LLC. Penny Press and Dell. Sheila Williams is the editor of the magazine. The magazine has 12 issues (8 single issues and 2 double issues).
Joel Davis knew he had selected the right cultural icon for the job, because Asimov was an instantly recognizable name to readers in this category. He also earned respect in various other fields, from history to limericks to bible study. The magazine achieved extraordinary critical and commercial success, simply because Asimov’s name was synonymous with science fiction of the highest quality. Asimov only acted as editorial director for fifteen years until his death and got others to do the editing work. He contributed a 1,500-word editorial to each issue, including response letters to the editor and an excellent assortment of his own fiction.
Magazine has been the premier destination for outstanding science fiction, fantasy and short stories by leading authors for more than 30 years. The stories are innovative and entertaining, having received many Hugos and Nebula awards. Fiction is just one part of the magazine, readers are also kept informed with insightful book reviews and thought-provoking science articles. The magazine is home to many successful authors such as Connie Willis, Robert Silverberg, Kristine Katherine Rusch, Mike Resnick, Stephen Baxter, and more.
The magazine used Asimov’s reputation and personality to attract new readers, who were young teenagers. These teenagers were encouraged by their parents who bought them a subscription to Asimov’s science fiction magazine. As a result, the general idea was that the magazine was safe and harmless, which led to most established writers seeing it as a youth magazine.
A significant increase in readership was seen with Asimov’s science fiction digital subscriptions. It makes sense to join the future of publishing and make it much more convenient to carry his favorite digital magazines with him. It became available in January 2000 and has increased the proportion of all sales. Other publishers are also joining the race and establishing their presence with digital publishing. There are numerous apps available on all mobile and web platforms that present the opportunity for the publisher to host their magazines for free and these apps are also free for the user to download.
We are way ahead of Asimov’s time. Let’s make the switch to what was once believed to be science and into the digital world. Make a contribution to the environment by going paperless as much as we can!
