This is very informative, and as a poet who submits to both magazines and publishing companies I can see what you are describing in this which you explain quite well.
This can be of much value to one who is starting out. I remember my beginnings. Oh, boy! I was so wrong and naïve. Something like this article would have been of much valuable help.
This is a realistic assessment of the rewards and challenges of this work without irony or cynicism. This is a huge favor for anyone thinking of launching such an effort. It’s a lot of work, much of it not about love of literature in the same way that much of teaching isn’t necessarily about love of learning (committees, meetings, imposed contingencies, etc.). We have to not only love literature and burn with commitment to its necessity in this or any other time, but we also have to love the uncertainties of what any audience wants and will support. On top of that, issues of sustainability have to meet the changing roles of literature and literacy as we careen into the core of the 21st Century. We probably need new models for fulfilling the roles a literary journal can take. So be good to editors. Even if you think they’re being unfair to your talent, know that they wake each day into challenges and nightmares the earnest artist seldom has to face. Life is even more unfair to them than it is to you. If you ever hear back from one of them in person, kiss their toes.
This is very informative, and as a poet who submits to both magazines and publishing companies I can see what you are describing in this which you explain quite well.
This can be of much value to one who is starting out. I remember my beginnings. Oh, boy! I was so wrong and naïve. Something like this article would have been of much valuable help.
Thank you for posting this. Good read!
This is a realistic assessment of the rewards and challenges of this work without irony or cynicism. This is a huge favor for anyone thinking of launching such an effort. It’s a lot of work, much of it not about love of literature in the same way that much of teaching isn’t necessarily about love of learning (committees, meetings, imposed contingencies, etc.). We have to not only love literature and burn with commitment to its necessity in this or any other time, but we also have to love the uncertainties of what any audience wants and will support. On top of that, issues of sustainability have to meet the changing roles of literature and literacy as we careen into the core of the 21st Century. We probably need new models for fulfilling the roles a literary journal can take. So be good to editors. Even if you think they’re being unfair to your talent, know that they wake each day into challenges and nightmares the earnest artist seldom has to face. Life is even more unfair to them than it is to you. If you ever hear back from one of them in person, kiss their toes.
Been thinking for days how I’d love to have a course to learn how to manage a literary magazine. Possibly at a low price ‘cause I’m broke 🥲
100% truth: "Spreadsheets are your friend! The more organised the spreadsheet, the less despairing you will be."
I'm also getting a kick out of The Paris Review getting dunked on in about three essays a week at this point!