Sheila Williams (born c. 1956) is an American editor known for her extensive career in the science fiction and fantasy genre. She served as the editor-in-chief of Asimov's Science Fiction magazine for nearly two decades and was also a co-editor for Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine. Throughout her career, she has been a significant figure in shaping the landscape of speculative fiction, identifying new talent, and curating award-winning stories.
Early Life and Education
Sheila Williams was born in New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College and later a Master of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Career
Williams began her career at Davis Publications, the parent company of Asimov's Science Fiction and Analog Science Fiction and Fact, in 1982. She quickly rose through the ranks, first serving as an editorial assistant and then as managing editor for Asimov's.
In 2004, Williams succeeded Gardner Dozois as the editor of Asimov's Science Fiction, a position she held until her retirement in September 2023. Under her leadership, Asimov's continued its legacy as one of the most respected magazines in the field, publishing a diverse array of award-winning short fiction.
In addition to her work at Asimov's, Williams also served as a co-editor for Analog Science Fiction and Fact alongside Stanley Schmidt and later Trevor Quachri. Her role at both magazines involved reading submissions, selecting stories, and collaborating with authors.
Williams has also edited numerous anthologies, often compiling "best of" collections from Asimov's Science Fiction. These anthologies provide a curated selection of some of the most acclaimed stories published in the magazine during her tenure.
Awards and Recognition
Sheila Williams has been widely recognized for her contributions to the field of science fiction and fantasy. She has received multiple Hugo Award nominations for Best Professional Editor (Long Form) and has won the award twice:
- Hugo Award for Best Professional Editor (Long Form): 2011, 2012
Her editorial work has also led to many stories and authors published under her editorship receiving prestigious awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards.
Retirement
Sheila Williams retired from her editorial roles at Asimov's Science Fiction and Analog Science Fiction and Fact in September 2023, concluding a distinguished career spanning over 40 years. She was succeeded at Asimov's by Emily Hockaday.
Selected Anthologies Edited
- Asimov's SF: 20th Anniversary Anthology (co-edited with Gardner Dozois)
- The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Second Annual Collection (co-edited with Gardner Dozois)
- Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine: 30th Anniversary Anthology
- Asimov's Science Fiction: 40th Anniversary Anthology
- Isaac Asimov's Supervolcanoes (co-edited with Gardner Dozois)
- Isaac Asimov's Aliens (co-edited with Gardner Dozois)