Tor/Forge
- Mar 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 8
Tor/Forge stands as one of the most prestigious publishers of speculative fiction, long recognized as the industry leader in science fiction and fantasy. As part of Macmillan Publishers, the imprint has built a global reputation for nurturing visionary authors, producing bestselling titles, and setting the gold standard for quality and innovation in genre publishing. Its list spans new voices in speculative fiction as well as legendary names whose work continues to define the field.
A Legacy of Innovation
Tor Books was founded in 1980 by Tom Doherty, who sought to build a publishing house devoted exclusively to imaginative storytelling. The imprint quickly established itself as the home of groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy, supporting authors who pushed the boundaries of world-building, character, and theme. Over the years, Tor has published some of the most award-winning and bestselling works in speculative fiction history, including novels that have won the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards.
Forge Books, created as a complementary imprint, broadened the portfolio by publishing mainstream and genre-spanning fiction, including thrillers, historical novels, and speculative works that appeal to a wider audience. This dual focus allows Tor/Forge to dominate both the core science fiction/fantasy readership and adjacent markets where speculative elements overlap with commercial fiction.
Together, Tor and Forge form a powerhouse within Macmillan’s global operations, publishing works by authors such as Brandon Sanderson, V.E. Schwab, John Scalzi, and Orson Scott Card, while also championing debut writers through Tor.com Publishing, its innovative digital-first program. Tor/Forge’s influence extends beyond traditional print: it has pioneered e-book publishing, embraced cross-platform storytelling, and maintained one of the most recognized brands in speculative fiction.
With a catalog that balances bestselling commercial franchises with critically acclaimed literary works, Tor/Forge has ensured that science fiction and fantasy remain not only commercially viable but culturally essential.
Genres and Notable Titles
Tor/Forge has cemented its position as a leader in speculative fiction by cultivating a list that spans the full breadth of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. Its catalog combines commercial blockbusters with award-winning literary works, appealing to both core genre readers and broader audiences.
Science Fiction — Known for publishing some of the most influential modern space operas, dystopian sagas, and hard science fiction.
Fantasy — From expansive epics to contemporary urban fantasy, Tor has defined the genre for generations.
Horror and Supernatural — Gothic thrillers, supernatural tales, and dark horror that expand the boundaries of speculative storytelling.
Speculative Fiction — Genre-bending works that blur the lines between sci-fi, fantasy, and literary fiction, appealing to crossover readers.
Notable Titles and Series:
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (later completed by Brandon Sanderson) — A cornerstone of modern epic fantasy, with more than 90 million copies sold worldwide and adapted into an Amazon Prime television series.
The Broken Empire trilogy by Mark Lawrence — A dark fantasy classic that has redefined the antihero archetype in contemporary literature.
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson — A bestselling series praised for its innovative magic systems and intricate world-building, with millions of copies sold internationally.
The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey — A bestselling space opera adapted into a critically acclaimed TV series that ran for six seasons, bringing Tor’s influence into mainstream entertainment.
The Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers — A character-driven, inclusive take on science fiction that has won widespread acclaim, including the Hugo Award for Best Series in 2019.
Tor/Forge’s dominance is underscored by its awards record: the imprint has collectively won more Hugo and Nebula Awards than any other science fiction and fantasy publisher, making it the definitive leader in speculative publishing. By consistently pairing innovative storytelling with broad cultural impact, Tor/Forge continues to shape the genres it represents while setting the standard for excellence in speculative fiction.
Publishing Model and Advances
As part of Macmillan Publishers, Tor/Forge operates with the financial backing and infrastructure of a Big Five house, giving it significant leverage in how it supports its authors. Unlike many small and mid-sized presses in the science fiction and fantasy space that rely on royalty-only deals, Tor/Forge is known for offering competitive advances on nearly all projects it acquires.
Advance amounts vary based on author profile, sales history, and projected market performance. For debut authors, advances typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, while established names and franchise authors can command six- or even seven-figure deals. Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive and James S.A. Corey’s The Expanse are prime examples of long-term series that have been supported through substantial multi-book agreements.
The advance system is paired with a traditional royalty structure—generally 10–15% on hardcover, 7–10% on trade paperback, and 25% on ebooks—ensuring that authors benefit from both upfront investment and long-term sales. Being part of Macmillan also means Tor/Forge titles enjoy premium distribution through Macmillan’s global network, with placement in major bookstores, online retailers, libraries, and specialty markets, alongside dedicated marketing budgets.
This model allows Tor/Forge to attract and retain some of the most prominent voices in speculative fiction while still supporting debut authors with resources that rival the largest publishing programs in the world. By offering advances and robust marketing, Tor/Forge sets itself apart as not just a publisher, but a long-term career partner for science fiction and fantasy writers.
A Leader in Digital and Experimental Publishing
Tor has consistently positioned itself at the cutting edge of publishing innovation. In 2012, it became the first major publisher to release its entire ebook catalog DRM-free, a move that was groundbreaking at the time and signaled its commitment to reader accessibility and author visibility. This decision gave readers the freedom to truly own their digital books, while also reinforcing trust between the publisher and its audience.
Beyond DRM-free publishing, Tor has invested heavily in experimental formats and digital-first imprints, most notably Tor.com Publishing, which specializes in novellas and shorter works of science fiction and fantasy. This imprint has redefined how novellas are valued in the market, with multiple Tor.com titles winning Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards. Serialized fiction and multimedia storytelling also form part of Tor’s strategy, enabling authors to expand their reach across formats and platforms. At a time when book-to-screen adaptations account for nearly 40% of streaming originals (AAP Global Report, 2022), Tor’s emphasis on multimedia partnerships ensures its authors’ stories thrive in multiple arenas.
How to Submit to Tor/Forge
Tor/Forge maintains a closed submissions policy, meaning that unsolicited manuscripts are not accepted. Writers must be represented by a literary agent to submit work directly to Tor or Forge editors. However, the imprint is proactive in scouting new voices through industry channels. Editors and agents actively attend science fiction and fantasy conventions, writing workshops, and contests, such as the Writers of the Future competition, to identify emerging talent.
For aspiring authors, this makes securing reputable literary representation the first essential step in reaching Tor/Forge. Once represented, writers benefit from one of the most powerful speculative fiction publishers in the world, with a proven ability to take projects from debut manuscripts to award-winning, internationally recognized franchises.
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