Uncanny Magazine Navigates Critical Juncture with Stellar Award Season and Urgent Crowdfunding Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Date: June 2026, or relevant current date based on July 13, 2026 Kickstarter]

Boston, MA – Uncanny Magazine, a leading voice in science fiction and fantasy, is preparing for its annual Kickstarter campaign, launching on July 13, 2026, amidst a wave of prestigious award nominations and a challenging financial landscape. The campaign, titled "Uncanny Magazine Year 13: The Space Unicorn Believes in YOU!", seeks to secure funding for another year of groundbreaking speculative fiction, poetry, and essays, culminating in the milestone DIAMOND Issue #75. This pivotal moment for the independent publication is underscored by an unprecedented number of nominations for the Shirley Jackson, Theodore A. Sturgeon Memorial, Eugie Foster Memorial, and Hugo Awards, affirming its critical role in the genre.

Despite widespread critical acclaim and a reputation for publishing impactful works, Uncanny Magazine faces the perennial struggle of financial sustainability common to many independent literary journals. Editor-in-Chief Michael Damian Thomas emphasizes the critical nature of the upcoming crowdfunding drive, particularly after the recent cessation of subscription revenue from a major online retailer. The magazine’s continued existence, he states, is profoundly dependent on the direct support of its readership, affectionately known as the "Space Unicorn Ranger Corps."

The Annual Kickstarter: A Crucial Lifeline

Since its inception in 2014, Uncanny Magazine has relied on a yearly Kickstarter campaign to fund its operations, a process Michael Damian Thomas describes with candid honesty. "Nobody would call a yearly referendum about whether or not your business should exist a stress-free process," Thomas remarks. This annual cycle, which involves meticulous preparation and coordination, culminates in the hopeful click of a launch button, a tradition set to continue on July 13, 2026.

The "Uncanny Magazine Year 13: The Space Unicorn Believes in YOU!" campaign is not merely a request for funds; it’s an invitation to invest in the future of speculative fiction. Beyond ensuring the magazine’s operational continuity, the campaign will support the creation of DIAMOND Issue #75. This landmark issue promises an extraordinary collection of fiction from authors who have previously garnered awards for their contributions to Uncanny Magazine, a testament to the publication’s enduring legacy of excellence.

Thomas openly acknowledges the inherent pressures of this crowdfunding model. "Every year, it’s a spectacular teeter-totter. Thrilling shenanigans! Watching the numbers go up! But also, nothing is guaranteed." This sentiment resonates deeply within the independent publishing sector, where numerous magazines have recently ceased operations or found themselves in precarious financial straits. The loss of subscription income from a "Big Online Retailer" has amplified Uncanny‘s reliance on direct reader contributions, making this year’s Kickstarter more vital than ever.

Beyond the institutional challenges, Thomas also shares personal reflections, highlighting the profound emotional toll of his work. "I live in a very strange time in my life right now. I still grieve my late daughter, Caitlin. My amazing and supportive wife, Kirsty, and our kids are on the other side of the Atlantic." He notes that this will be the first time in many years he won’t be with his wife during a portion of the Kickstarter, adding to the stress. Despite these personal burdens and the modest income Uncanny provides him, Thomas’s belief in the magazine’s mission remains unwavering. "I feel these stories, essays, poems, interviews, covers, and podcasts are important to people. As the world darkens, having these pieces there for the folks who need them is vital." He emphasizes that every cent raised directly supports the creators and staff, allowing Uncanny to continue its work as a crucial cultural touchstone.

Leadership Evolution: Monte Lin’s Expanded Editorial Role

In a significant development for the magazine’s editorial team, Uncanny Magazine has announced that Managing Editor Monte Lin will assume the additional role of Nonfiction Editor. Lin, who will continue his duties as Managing Editor, has been an integral part of Uncanny since joining as Assistant Editor in September 2021. His tenure as Managing Editor, which began in May 2022, has already seen him win two prestigious Hugo Awards, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

The appointment of Lin to oversee nonfiction signals a deepened commitment by Uncanny to its essay section, renowned for its provocative, thoughtful, and passionate contributions. "Monte will bring amazing amounts of thoughtfulness, organization, experience, and vision to the nonfiction editing," the magazine stated in its announcement. "We are certain Monte will continue Uncanny’s tradition of publishing provocative, thoughtful, and passionate essays. We can’t wait to see what he’s going to do!" This move is expected to further elevate the intellectual depth and critical discourse found within the magazine’s pages.

A Season of Accolades: Uncanny‘s Award Dominance

The financial pressures facing Uncanny Magazine stand in stark contrast to its unparalleled critical success. The publication and its contributors have recently garnered an impressive array of nominations for some of the most esteemed awards in speculative fiction, highlighting the exceptional quality and impact of its content.

Shirley Jackson Awards

The Shirley Jackson Awards, established in recognition of Shirley Jackson’s legacy in psychological suspense, horror, and the dark fantastic, have honored Sarah Pinsker’s "The Millay Illusion" as a finalist for the Best Novelette award. Pinsker’s work, published in Uncanny Magazine, continues the publication’s tradition of exploring the darker, more unsettling aspects of the human condition through speculative lenses. The awards, voted upon by a jury of professional writers, editors, critics, and academics, celebrate outstanding achievement in categories ranging from Novel to Edited Anthology. The 2025 Shirley Jackson Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in-person on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Readercon 35 in Burlington, Massachusetts, hosted by Guests of Honor P. Djèlí Clark and David Gerrold.

Theodore A. Sturgeon Memorial Award

Uncanny Magazine boasts an extraordinary presence among the finalists for the Theodore A. Sturgeon Memorial Award, an accolade established in 1987 by James Gunn and the heirs of Theodore Sturgeon to recognize the year’s best science fiction short fiction. Three works with ties to Uncanny have been nominated: "Six People to Revise You" by J. R. Dawson and "The Shadow on the Nest" by Alaya Dawn Johnson, both originally published in Uncanny, and "his love’s ashes on his tongue" by Uncanny Managing Editor Monte Lin, published in The Deadlands. This triple nomination underscores the magazine’s consistent ability to identify and nurture groundbreaking talent within the science fiction genre. The winner will be announced later this summer and will be honored at the annual Sturgeon Symposium in October.

Eugie Foster Memorial Award for Short Fiction

Catherynne M. Valente’s "When He Calls Your Name," a powerful story from Uncanny Magazine, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Eugie Foster Memorial Award for Short Fiction. The Eugie Award, presented annually at Dragon Con, celebrates innovative fiction that is "irreplaceable, that inspire, enlighten, and entertain." It seeks out stories that are "beautiful, thoughtful, and passionate, and change us and the field," becoming "essential to speculative fiction readers." Valente’s nomination further solidifies Uncanny‘s reputation for publishing works that resonate deeply and contribute significantly to the evolution of speculative fiction.

The Prestigious Hugo Awards

The pinnacle of speculative fiction recognition, the Hugo Awards, has also highlighted Uncanny Magazine‘s exceptional year. With voting for the 2026 awards closing on August 8, 2026, at noon PDT, Uncanny encourages its readership to participate and support the works they cherish. The magazine has provided all its nominated materials in the Hugo Award Packet and online for voters’ convenience.

Uncanny Magazine has received an impressive array of nominations across multiple categories:

• Best Novelette Hugo Award Finalists:
  • "Kaiju Agonistes" by Scott Lynch
  • "When He Calls Your Name" by Catherynne M. Valente
  • "The Millay Illusion" by Sarah Pinsker
• Best Short Story Hugo Award Finalists:
  • "Six People to Revise You" by J. R. Dawson
  • "10 Visions of the Future; or, Self-Care for the End of Days" by Samantha Mills
• Best Poem Hugo Award Finalists:
  • "Care for Lightning" by Mari Ness
  • "The Mourning Robot" by Angela Liu

Beyond individual works, Uncanny Magazine itself has once again been recognized as a finalist for Best Semiprozine, acknowledging the collective efforts of its team, including Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Michael Damian Thomas, Managing Editor Monte Lin, Poetry Editor Betsy Aoki, and Podcast Producers Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky. Furthermore, Michael Damian Thomas has received a well-deserved individual nomination for Best Editor-Short Form Hugo Award, underscoring his vision and leadership in the field.

These numerous nominations across diverse categories underscore Uncanny Magazine‘s broad impact and the consistent quality of its editorial curation. They serve as a powerful affirmation of the magazine’s mission to publish vital, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant speculative fiction.

Issue 71: A Glimpse into Uncanny‘s Vision

Amidst these accolades and crowdfunding preparations, Uncanny Magazine continues its regular publishing schedule, with Issue 71 exemplifying its commitment to diverse and compelling content. The issue features the phenomenal cover art, Flower Crown, by Ejiwa "Edge" Ebenebe.

The new fiction lineup for Issue 71 includes:

• "Leavetaking" by Tia Tashiro
• "Learning the Loom" by P. Djèlí Clark
• "This Is Just Another Carnaval Love Story" by Jana Bianchi
• "The Cinema of Babel" by Sam J. Miller
• "Judar of the Island: A Story Told in Four Feasts" by Rida Altaf
• "A Hundred Ways the Story Ends" by Tara Sim

The issue also features a reprint of "White Lines on a Green Field" by Catherynne M. Valente, originally published in Subterranean Online in Fall 2011, offering readers another opportunity to experience a classic from a celebrated author.

The nonfiction section, soon to be under Monte Lin’s expanded guidance, presents "provocative and compelling essays" such as:

• "The Strange Worlds Among Us—of Turing, Trans People, and the Road to Laniakea" by Ryka Aoki
• "Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with AI Slop 1969 AD" by Lizbeth Myles
• "This Is Not About AI" by Hana Lee
• "Middle-Aged Love: Rereading in Your Forties and Beyond" by Marissa Lingen

"Gorgeous and evocative poetry" graces the pages, including:

• "Instructions for Becoming Fire" by Chisomaga Umenyi
• "Six Views of a Speedster" by Gwendolyn Hicks
• "I called the swan down" by Laura Cranehill
• "enough johnnie blue" by E. A. Bourland

Concluding the written content, Caroline M. Yoachim conducts insightful interviews with P. Djèlí Clark and Rida Altaf, offering deeper dives into their creative processes and the inspirations behind their stories.

The Uncanny Magazine Podcast further extends the reach of Issue 71, featuring audio readings and interviews. Episode 71A includes "Leavetaking" by Tia Tashiro, read by Erika Ensign, and "Instructions for Becoming Fire" by Chisomaga Umenyi, read by Matt Peters, alongside Michael Damian Thomas’s interview with Tia Tashiro. Episode 71B features "The Cinema of Babel" by Sam J. Miller, read by Matt Peters, "I called the swan down" by Laura Cranehill, read by Erika Ensign, and an interview between Michael Damian Thomas and Sam J. Miller.

The Broader Landscape and Uncanny‘s Enduring Impact

Uncanny Magazine‘s journey reflects the broader struggles and triumphs of independent publishing in the 21st century. In an era marked by shifting media consumption habits, the dominance of large corporate entities, and the pervasive challenges to sustainable revenue models, publications like Uncanny serve as vital cultural institutions. They provide essential platforms for emerging and established voices, often publishing works that challenge conventions and push the boundaries of genre in ways that larger, more commercially driven outlets might not.

The consistent recognition of Uncanny through multiple award nominations is not merely a testament to the quality of individual stories or poems; it speaks to the efficacy of its editorial vision and its commitment to fostering a vibrant community of creators and readers. By actively seeking out and promoting diverse narratives and perspectives, Uncanny Magazine enriches the entire speculative fiction ecosystem, ensuring that "important" stories continue to reach those who need them most.

The upcoming Kickstarter campaign, therefore, is more than just a fundraiser for a magazine. It is a collective effort to safeguard a crucial space for imaginative literature, critical thought, and artistic expression. Michael Damian Thomas’s heartfelt plea for support resonates with the understanding that financial contributions directly translate into fair compensation for artists, writers, and staff, allowing them to continue their invaluable work.

Call to Action: Support the Future of Speculative Fiction

As Uncanny Magazine stands at this critical juncture, balancing immense critical success with the ongoing need for financial stability, the call to action for its "Space Unicorn Ranger Corps" and new readers alike is clear. The "Uncanny Magazine Year 13: The Space Unicorn Believes in YOU!" Kickstarter, launching July 13, 2026, represents a direct opportunity to ensure the continued publication of one of speculative fiction’s most vital voices.

"You, Space Unicorns, can make it all happen again! Not only for yourselves, but for everybody else out there who doesn’t have the means to financially support the magazine," Thomas asserts. The success of this campaign will not only fund another year of exceptional content, including the celebrated DIAMOND Issue #75, but will also allow Uncanny Magazine to continue its legacy of nurturing talent, sparking dialogue, and enriching the lives of readers worldwide.

By supporting Uncanny Magazine, readers become direct patrons of art, investing in the future of thought-provoking stories, essays, and poetry that illuminate our world and imagine new ones.

LET’S COME TOGETHER AND MAKE ANOTHER YEAR OF UNCANNY MAGAZINE!

About Uncanny Magazine:
Uncanny Magazine is an online science fiction and fantasy magazine featuring passionate SF/F fiction and poetry, gorgeous prose, and provocative essays. Co-founded by Editors-in-Chief Michael Damian Thomas and Lynne M. Thomas, it has been a multiple Hugo Award winner for Best Semiprozine and is known for its distinctive "Space Unicorn" ethos.

Contact:
[Contact Information – Placeholder, if this were a real press release]
Michael Damian Thomas, Editor-in-Chief
Uncanny Magazine
[Email/Website]

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