Question about magazines

[Tburger]

Sorry to keep asking questions, but there is a lot to learn. I write science fiction and urban fantasy and wondered. Does anyone know if agents read the genre magazines to find talent? I've been told by several people that writing short stories is a great way to build credibility, and I know on the literary side, agents will often subscribe to magazines to spot new talent.

Does anyone know?

[IceCreamEmpress]

Absolutely. There's a huge connection between success in the magazines and novel publication in the science fiction and fantasy field. Go for it!

[Susan Breen]

I'll second that. I've heard a number of agents and editors say they read through magazines looking for talent.

[Toothpaste]

Definitely. At the same time if you are not a fan of writing articles or short stories, you do not need to have those credentials in order to get a novel published. But I can't see how publishing in those magazines could be bad either!

[astonwest]

Plus, it can boost your confidence to have some short story sales while you're waiting for agents to stop rejecting you. :)

[waylander]

Yes but only at the top level magazines. If you start selling short fiction to F+SF or Asimov's then people are going to notice you, if you get stories picked up for Year's Best Collections that too will get you noticed.

[eqb]

I've been contacted twice by editors who read my stories in Asimov's and Strange Horizons. Both of them said they make a point of scouting new talent that way.