People who enjoy imagining alternative realities and future possibilities often buy speculative fiction. This can include science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts.
Individuals who enjoy quick reads and have limited time for longer novels might buy short fiction. Also, some book clubs or reading groups might include short fiction in their selections to explore different writing styles and themes.
Publishers and editors of magazines often buy short stories. They look for unique, engaging, and well-written pieces that fit the magazine's theme and audience.
Clarke in 'clarke buys a snake fanfic' could be a regular person with a passion for reptiles. Maybe she's a student who is studying zoology and wants a snake for her research. Or she could be someone who just loves unique pets and the snake caught her eye. It really depends on how the author has developed the character within the fanfic.
Libraries often purchase senior short stories to expand their literary offerings for readers of different ages. Also, some educational institutions acquire them for use in literature classes or reading programs for students to study and analyze.
Often, young adults and fans of science fiction are the main buyers of dystopian short stories. They're drawn to the imaginative and thought-provoking aspects of such tales.
Science fiction enthusiasts and collectors might purchase them to build their personal libraries. Also, some educational institutions buy such stories for classroom use or as part of their reading resources.