Cast of Wonders is the leading voice in young adult speculative short fiction, founded in 2011.

Every week we present short stories from some of today’s best genre fiction writers, featuring everything from hard science fiction, to urban fantasy, horror, steampunk, superheroes and more. Our stories are defined by their deep emotional resonance and that critical spark of wonder.

We pay our authors and narrators, but our episodes are always 100% free for you. We are funded entirely through listener donations and sponsorship, so if you like what you hear, please consider supporting us through Patreon or PayPal!



Magazines closing soon that are fee-free and pay writers! (August 26, 2025)

Lit Mags Closing Soon That Pay Writers and Don’t Charge Fees

Looking for balance between prestige and accessibility? These magazines are competitive but attainable for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writers.

Literary Magazines in the Sweet Spot

Looking for a balance between prestige and accessibility? These literary magazines are in the sweet spot — competitive but attainable for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writers.

Literary Magazines in the Sweet Spot This Year

Explore the all-time most competitive fiction literary magazines. These magazines are revered in the fiction world for their editorial rigor.

Most Competitive Fiction-Only Literary Magazines of All Time

Explore the most competitive fiction literary magazines this year. These magazines are revered in the fiction world for their editorial rigor.

Most Competitive Fiction-Only Literary Magazines This Year

All-time most competitive literary magazines. Getting published in these is a significant achievement for any writer.

Most Competitive Literary Magazines of All Time

Uncover the most competitive literary magazines this year. These are the publications where getting published is a significant achievement for any writer.

Most Competitive Literary Magazines This Year

Explore the all-time most competitive speculative fiction literary magazines. These magazines are revered in the fiction world for their editorial rigor.

Most Competitive Speculative Fiction Magazines of All Time

Explore the most competitive speculative fiction literary magazines this year. These magazines are revered in the fiction world for their editorial rigor.

Most Competitive Speculative Fiction Magazines This Year

Check out the all-time most popular fiction literary magazines. These publications have a long-standing reputation for quality fiction.

Most Popular Fiction-Only Literary Magazines of All Time

Check out the all-time most popular speculative fiction literary magazines. These publications have a long-standing reputation for quality speculative fiction.

Most Popular Speculative Fiction Magazines of All Time

Explore the all-time most submitted-to fiction literary magazines. These outlets are the top destination for fiction writers worldwide.

Most Submitted-To Fiction-Only Literary Magazines of All Time

Explore the most submitted-to fiction literary magazines this year. These outlets are the top destination for fiction writers worldwide.

Most Submitted-To Fiction-Only Literary Magazines This Year

Looking for a balance between prestige and accessibility? These speculative fiction magazines are in the sweet spot—competitive but attainable for writers.

Speculative Fiction Magazines in the Sweet Spot

Looking for a balance between prestige and accessibility? These speculative fiction magazines are in the sweet spot — competitive but attainable for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writers.

Speculative Fiction Magazines in the Sweet Spot This Year

Cast of Wonders

General call

It’s our 15th birthday this summer, and to help us celebrate it we’re opening the stage doors to birthday-themed stories!

Someone’s birthday is a central feature of the story. This doesn’t necessarily have to be the protagonist’s birthday, nor does it need to be a 15th birthday.

Birthday-themed stories

Short Fiction between 1500 and 6000 words in length, and flash fiction between 100 and 1500 words in length. If you have an original submission just over 6k limit, please query.

Halloween Submissions

Seeking stories themed on the power of Little Free Libraries and their science fictional/fantastic equivalents. Stories should evoke wonder, have deep emotional resonance, and be suitable for ages 12-17 without gratuitous or explicit content. Preference for stories under 5,000 words with an absolute limit of 6,000 words; flash submissions under 1,500 words are also welcome. Standard rates apply (8c/word for original fiction, $20/$100 for reprints depending on length). Submissions accepted June 1-15, 2026 via Moksha Portal.

Cast of Wonders

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