Illuminations of the Fantastic is an online magazine that encompasses works of Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Adventure, Mystery, Poetry, History, Travelogue, Essay, and Review.
The magazine is the endeavor of Nashville-based writers who wish to enrich local culture and bring attention to their passion for storytelling. Their diverse interests span centuries, from Homeric epic to contemporary science fiction.
The magazine was founded by co-editors Sam Stephens and Philip J. Palacios in order to present the stories they share a delight in reading, stories that illuminate the human experience through a lens of the fantastic.
Illuminations of the Fantastic has been named One of the Best Literary Magazines of 2023 by the influential writer's resource website ReedsyBlog. We are thrilled to be named by Reedsy, and excited to share in this adventure of publishing new stories!
Can I submit to Illuminations of the Fantastic?
Ongoing call for sonnets:
We are looking for the absolute best (single) sonnet you have inside you, written anew, crafted with care, beautiful and true. There are a variety of sonnet forms to choose from. Send submissions to illuminationsfantastic (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line “call for sonnets”. Submissions also require a theme which can be found at the bottom of The Sonnet Corner.
Call for short alliterative poems:
We are also looking for submissions of poems written in an alliterative metre, or a very (very) strong imitation. Poems should be 20-60 lines and should reflect ancient themes or about a fantastical subject. Send submissions to illuminationsfantastic (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line “short alliterative poem”. Current due date is August 1, 2025.
All Other Submission Considerations:
Feel free to send your work to us as a sample of your abilities, so long as it fits the purview of the magazine. Emailing us your work is just that: a chance for us to see what you’ve done. If we think there’s a fit, we’ll respond. If not, please don’t take offense or be discouraged. We’re all writers here, trying to make our way in this small corner of the universe.
For all categories: submitting is not a guarantee to being published.
REGARDING AI: in order to be accepted for publications by Illuminations of the Fantastic Magazine you must agree you have not submitted AI-generated or AI-enhanced stories, poems, articles, or any submission of any kind using such technology.
Follow us.
Illuminations of the Fantastic is on several platforms, updating you on artwork and other announcements before each issue launches. You can follow us through platforms linked at the top, or selecting from this list:
Instagram: @illuminationsfantastic
Facebook: @IlluminationsFantastic
X/Twitter: https://x.com/IllumFantastic
Substack: https://illuminationsfantastic.substack.com/
Email us.
illuminationsfantastic (at) gmail (dot) com
Content Rating.
All stories published by IF can be assumed to have content ranging between PG-13 and a soft R-rating.