Tor/Forge: A Titan in Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing
- For The Writers | Official
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Tor/Forge is one of the most prestigious and influential publishers of science fiction and fantasy, recognized for its commitment to high-quality speculative fiction and its dedication to both new and established authors. As an imprint of Macmillan, Tor/Forge has set the standard for the genre, publishing some of the most acclaimed and bestselling works in sci-fi, fantasy, and related genres.
A Legacy of Innovation
Tor Books was founded in 1980 by Tom Doherty, a visionary in the world of science fiction and fantasy publishing. The company quickly became known for championing imaginative, boundary-pushing storytelling. Forge, launched as a separate imprint, focuses on mainstream fiction, including thrillers, historical fiction, and general speculative works. Together, Tor/Forge operates as a powerhouse within Macmillan’s portfolio, bringing award-winning and bestselling books to readers worldwide.
Genres and Notable Titles
Tor/Forge specializes in:
Science Fiction – Hard sci-fi, space operas, dystopian worlds, and speculative futures.
Fantasy – Epic fantasy, urban fantasy, and dark fantasy.
Horror & Supernatural – Supernatural thrillers and gothic horror.
Speculative Fiction – Genre-blurring works that mix elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and contemporary fiction.
Some of the most iconic books published by Tor/Forge include:
"The Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan – One of the most beloved epic fantasy series of all time, later completed by Brandon Sanderson.
"The Broken Empire" trilogy by Mark Lawrence – A dark, gripping fantasy saga.
"Mistborn" series by Brandon Sanderson – A modern classic of fantasy literature.
"The Expanse" series by James S.A. Corey – A bestselling space opera adapted into a successful television series.
"The Wayfarers" series by Becky Chambers – A heartwarming and diverse sci-fi series with a character-driven approach.
Tor/Forge has won more Hugo and Nebula Awards than any other science fiction and fantasy publisher, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the genre.
Publishing Model and Advances
Tor/Forge is known for offering advances to most of its authors, a rarity in the sci-fi and fantasy publishing space. While advance amounts vary depending on the book and author, being part of Macmillan ensures that Tor/Forge has the resources to competitively compensate authors while maintaining strong distribution and marketing efforts.
A Leader in Digital and Experimental Publishing
Tor has been at the forefront of digital innovation, being one of the first publishers to embrace DRM-free ebooks, allowing readers to own and share their digital books without restrictions. The company also invests in experimental publishing formats, serialized fiction, and multimedia adaptations, ensuring its authors have multiple avenues for success.
How to Submit to Tor/Forge
Tor/Forge accepts submissions only through literary agents, with no open submission periods for unsolicited manuscripts. However, they are known for actively scouting new talent through writing contests, industry events, and science fiction and fantasy conventions.
Conclusion
Tor/Forge remains a dominant force in speculative fiction publishing, offering competitive advances, strong distribution, and a commitment to groundbreaking storytelling. Whether publishing epic fantasy, cutting-edge sci-fi, or innovative speculative fiction, Tor/Forge continues to shape the future of the genre, making it a dream publisher for both new and established authors.
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