Unlike traditional print magazines like Asimov's or Analog, it releases online fiction that can be read free of charge.

He felt in 2011 that its short fiction output that year was weaker than usual, but said it was still a fascinating place to visit.

[4] In 2014, The Guardian's Damien Walter remarked on a "digital renaissance" in short SF, and cited a new generation of online magazines, including Lightspeed, Strange Horizons, Tor.com and Escape Pod, as having transformed the genre.

He noted the broad range of its output, and said that it had published "many of the most exciting new talents" such as Maria Dahvana Headley and Karin Tidbeck.

[6] For its art direction, Irene Gallo received the 2014 World Fantasy Award for Professional Work.