How a Magazine Named After Isaac Asimov Became the Genre's Most Prestigious Market

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Launched in 1977 with the author's blessing, Asimov's Science Fiction magazine quickly evolved from a perceived juvenile publication into a powerhouse of the genre. Through shifting editorial visions and turbulent corporate ownership, it became a critical launchpad for award-winning writers and a defining force in modern speculative fiction.

Conceived in 1976 after publisher Joel Davis sought to capitalize on the popularity of science fiction, the magazine launched in 1977 with Isaac Asimov’s name but without his editorial involvement. Under its first editor, George H. Scithers, the publication achieved immediate commercial success, reaching a circulation of over 100,000 within its first year. However, Scithers’s preference for traditional, non-challenging stories—and his refusal to relocate to the New York office—led to internal friction and a reputation for printing juvenile fiction, despite publishing established authors like Robert Silverberg and Gene Wolfe.

The magazine’s trajectory shifted dramatically under Shawna McCarthy, who took over in 1983. McCarthy relaxed strictures on content, publishing provocative stories like Leigh Kennedy’s 'Her Furry Face' and Octavia Butler’s 'Bloodchild'. This editorial pivot transformed the magazine into a dominant force, with Asimov’s accounting for nearly one-third of all major genre award nominations during her three-year tenure. Gardner Dozois, who succeeded her in 1985, solidified this prestige over a nearly twenty-year career, championing both established masters and the emerging cyberpunk subgenre.

Despite its critical acclaim, the magazine faced persistent economic headwinds. Following the 1987 recession, Davis Publications sold the title, eventually leading to its acquisition by Penny Press in 1996. Circulation, which had peaked early, saw a steady decline, dropping from about 46,000 to under 32,000 during the first four years of Penny Press ownership. By 2020, circulation fell below 20,000. Today, the magazine remains a storied institution, having been purchased in 2025 by Must Read Books Publishing, continuing a legacy that has survived decades of industry consolidation and changing reader tastes.

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