On Spec Magazine

In 1989, a dedicated group of writers in Edmonton established The Copper Pig Writers Society to create a space for English-language science fiction in Canada that would pay its contributors. They aimed to present science fiction with a distinctly Canadian viewpoint, which often diverged from what American audiences typically expected. At the time On Spec was launched, many talented Canadian short story writers were being rejected by larger markets because their work didn’t conform to the traditional standards; it was considered "too alien." After a successful initial print run of a test issue filled with stories from writers we knew personally through Canada's vibrant "Fannish" community, we began to receive numerous requests for future editions. That was many years ago now. Throughout this journey, various editors have joined and departed, leaving behind valuable contributions to Canada's literary landscape. Our quarterly publication, On Spec, maintains a clear mission that has guided us over the years. We seek out and highlight exceptional works by primarily Canadian authors and artists within the genre we define as "Fantastic" literature. We are dedicated to nurturing new voices in this genre by providing support through constructive feedback, education, mentorship, and manuscript development. Our goal is to publish as many emerging writers as we can, alongside established talents, and we take pride in complementing these writings with creative cover art for every thought-provoking and emotion-stirring issue!