Q: How do I submit my book/magazine/audiobook for review in Locus, or listing on your site?

A: See our Review submission guidelines. Also contains information about inclusion in Forthcoming Books and People & Publishing sections.

Q: Where’s my issue? Your website says it was mailed last week.

A: Every month a few copies of the magazine get delayed by the postal service. Please wait another week or two, and chances are it will show up. If not, contact Locus at locus@locusmag.com.

Q: I have a question about my subscription/want to change my address or email.



A: Digital subscribers: Click on My Account on the top menu and sign in to your account. More specific answers to questions about digital issues can be found there also. Print-only subscribers: Fill out our change of address form here, or send an e-mail to locus@locusmag.com, or phone the Locus offices at 510-339-9196.

Q: How do I submit news to Locus? Is there a special contact or email address?

A: Send an email to locus@locusmag.com. There’s no separate email address for news.

Q: Where are your rates for advertising in the magazine or on the website?

A: Here! Also, you can call us at 510-339-9196 to find out about our current promotions.

Q: I saw an article or photo in your magazine, but can’t find it on your site; where is it?

A: It’s probably not on the site. Only a selection of content from each issue of the magazine is posted on the site – the table of contents, lists of bestselling and notable books, excerpts from the interviews, and a few sample reviews. (On the other hand, news stories are posted on the site in advance of publication in the print magazine.)

If you’d like to purchase scans of content from past issues, please email or call our office. Scans are available at $5 for the first page and $2 per additional page.

Q: Where can I purchase the magazine?



A: Online here, or at a real brick-and-mortar bookstore here.

Q: Would Locus Online be willing to exchange links with my site?

A: Locus Online is happy to consider websites for inclusion on our Links pages, but we have no special arrangements for ‘exchanging’ links. You are welcome to link to Locus Online from your site, and we will link to your site from Locus Online if we feel your site would be of interest to our readers.

Q: May I submit my story or book for publication by Locus?

A: No. Locus does not publish fiction. You should submit your story or novel to a suitable magazine (see Links Portal) or publisher (see Publishers). It’s best to become familiar with what they publish before you submit your work to them.

Q: May I submit an article / a review / artwork to Locus?

A: Locus Magazine is not an open market for freelance work, however pitches for articles are accepted on rare occasions and may be sent to locus@locusmag.com. More information about reviewing for Locus below.

How often does Locus have openings for reviewer positions ?

We take on new reviewers once every couple of years. Reviewer positions are usually filled through referral, the occasional pitch, or from Locus editors spotting an existing reviewer doing work that is exciting. This summer we had an open call that was very fruitful, and may do it again next year.

What does Locus look for in a review?

An assertive and clear voice which speaks to the content of a book and demonstrates a knowledge of the field. Some plot synopsis, highlights about what worked well, backing up assertions with details, and avoiding too many superlatives. Placing the work in the author’s oeuvre or in the field at large is a plus.

How can I break into the pro reviews field?

As with any form of writing, read, practice, and submit or apply wherever you see a good opportunity.

It will always help to have a body of work to show editors, so we highly recommend publishing your reviews on whatever platform you have available to get your words out there and build a body of work.

Look at book reviews in respected markets ( Locus, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Strange Horizons, et al), note what they are doing and how they do it at different lengths. Write your own, even if it’s just for practice. Post reviews to forums such as Goodreads, or if you have a website, post professional-level reviews on your site, pieces you can point to as exemplars of your work. Polish each review carefully: have someone with a critical eye read it and give you feedback. Make sure there are no grammar errors, undue repetition, or unintentional stylistic problems. Compare your reviews to some of the best reviewers and see how yours stacks up.

Q: How do I purchase a book I saw listed in your index?

A: Locus doesn’t sell books listed in our indexes; the Locus Index is a bibliography, not a catalog of items for sale. To purchase books listed in the Locus Index or anywhere else, consult our Booksellers page for links to dealers of new, used, and out-of-print books.