A prozine is a professional magazine, especially a professional science fiction magazine. Fans used the term to distinguish commercial magazines such as Amazing Stories, Astounding, or Galaxy from amateur fanzines.
Table of Contents
| Quick fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Term | Prozine |
| Meaning | Professional magazine |
| Contrasted with | Fanzine |
| Related term | Prodom |
Prozine vs. Fanzine
A prozine is produced for a paying market with professional editorial and publishing structures. A fanzine is fan-made, usually small-circulation, and rooted in community exchange rather than newsstand commerce.
Why the Distinction Matters
Science fiction fandom grew around prozines but did not remain subordinate to them. Readers wrote to magazine letter columns, found one another, created fanzines, and eventually built institutions of their own.
Related Reading
See What Is a Fanzine? and What Is Prodom?.
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