The following is a list of short story publishers that pay writers. Not all of these publishers are currently open for submissions, but they do list upcoming reading periods on their websites, so you can get started writing stories that may fit their upcoming themes.

1. Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores seeks to “boldly go through time, mind, and the cosmos.” They pay 6 cents a word for stories of for fiction. Submissions are expected to open on February 1st. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
2. Spark is a quarterly anthology of poetry and fiction. They are affiliated with the California State Summer School for the Arts. They pay 2 cents per word for short stories, up to 12,000 words. To learn more, visit their website.
3. Third Flatiron is a sci-fi and fantasy publisher of quarterly themed anthologies. They publish short stories up to 3,000 words. Payment is up to 6 cents per word.  To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
4. Parsec Ink is a publisher of speculative fiction. They want stories that “show us what hides, lurks, or thrives.” They pay 2 cents per word, up to 6,000 words. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
5. InterGalactic Medicine Show publishes sci-fi stories of “any length.” They pay 6 cents a word. Writers who exemplify what they’re looking for include Asimov, Tolkien, Yolen, and Hobb. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.