The role of short stories in Possibilia Magazine

Throughout history, the relationship between science fiction and technological advancement has been a powerful force for progress. Far from mere entertainment, speculative narratives have consistently served as inspiration and motivation for scientists, engineers, and innovators.

We aim to create a landscape of exciting possibilities for humanity, and to publish stories that ignite the collective imagination and drive us towards a better future.

Submission process

Reach out to us via email with the following:

• Your name (or pseudonym)
• A short summary of your story idea
• A sample of your writing (250–500 words)

Note: you do NOT need to submit a finished story.

If selected, we’ll reach out to establish a timeline, discuss illustration, and begin the search for a nonfiction companion piece writer for your story.

Final short story requirements

Final drafts of short stories should:

• Total 3,000–7,000 words
• Be based around the human experience but incorporate technologies in the world-building
• Be optimistic and focused on positive directions for the future
• Include technologies that one could consider realistic by way of extrapolation from today’s technologies and potentials
• Be set in the near-future, though exceptions may be made if the story is well-motivated with unique perspectives on long-term trends in the world

We highly recommend that you read through these helpful resources before submitting:

• The Possibilia Writing Contest announcement (coming soon)
• FFA’s Manifesto on Optimistic Sci-Fi
• The short guide further down this page

The role of nonfiction in Possibilia Magazine

One of the goals of Possibilia is to inform and educate readers about the reality of the technologies represented in the stories we publish. To this aim, we are seeking experts in many fields to write companion pieces for stories.

These pieces comment on the speculative technology within the stories, as well as inform on the current state of relevant fields and innovations. We want readers to learn and be inspired through the knowledge offered by those who are actively working to further science and tech as well as our understanding of it.

Submission process

For the most part, we source our companion piece writers based on the stories we publish. That said, if you’re interested in writing a companion piece for us, reach out. We’d like to start pairing scientists, researchers, and experts with writers to advise on their stories, and we’re growing our network to include people from many different fields so that we can represent a range of subjects and perspectives.

If you’d like to write companion pieces for us, or advise writers on your specific field, please reach out with the following:

• Your name
• Your field
• Your most recent writing/work
• Your preferred involvement level / time commitment

The role of art in Possibilia Magazine

Art has the unique ability to capture the imagination and convey complex ideas at a glance, and visual storytelling is just as crucial as written narratives. The artwork accompanying our stories not only enhances the reader’s experience but also helps to visualize the optimistic futures we strive to depict.

We are looking for talented illustrators and artists who can bring our stories to life with their unique styles and perspectives. Your work will help create an immersive experience for our readers, transporting them into the worlds our writers have imagined.

Illustration requirements

Final drafts of illustrations should:

• Be high-resolution (300 DPI minimum)
• Align with the optimistic and forward-looking themes of the magazine
• Complement and enhance the stories they accompany, providing a visual representation of the narrative and technologies depicted
• Be original works created specifically for Possibilia Magazine

Submission process

If you’re interested in submitting your artwork or collaborating with our writers, reach out to us with the following:

• Your name (or pseudonym)
• A short summary of your artistic vision and style
• A portfolio of your work (5–10 pieces)

Note: you do NOT need to submit finished illustrations for specific stories at this stage.

• Balance hope with plausibility
• Avoid dystopian pessimism and unrealistic utopias
• Show progress and challenges coexisting

• Base technological concepts on current trends and research
• Extrapolate thoughtfully from existing innovations
• Consult experts or do thorough research to ensure credibility

• Examine how new technologies shape society and human relationships
• Consider the societal context that the story occurs within; how have things changed?
• Depict new social structures and adaptations

• Showcase human ingenuity in addressing real-world problems
• Think outside the box: consider interdisciplinary approaches, explore niche or neglected technology, find unexplored areas of potential
• Illustrate both technological and social innovations

• Address moral implications of new technologies and social structures
• Present nuanced dilemmas (whether ethical or concrete technological) without easy answers
• Show characters wrestling with complex decisions

• Ground big ideas in relatable personal experiences
• Develop complex, evolving characters
• Use individual narratives to illustrate broader societal shifts

• Do research to find real areas of scientific or technological potential
• Craft narratives that motivate readers to envision a better future
• Leave readers with a sense of agency and possibility

• Create clear connections between current issues and future solutions
• Help readers see pathways from the present to your envisioned future
• Make your world feel like an achievable evolution of our own