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Editor Interview: Scintillating Starts

This interview is provided for archival purposes. The listing is not currently active.

Q: Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.

A: Flash winners/interviews

Q: What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?

A: Many, many. I like sites that offer opportunities and information and those that are easy to read. I especially like the sites devoted to helping women writers develop their skills like Story Circle Network and the International Women's Writing Group.

Q: If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?

A: My favorite writers are those with a unique POV and the ability to make me think new thoughts. It varies with each contest.

Q: What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?

A: We've been sharing writing and information with writers since 1997. We use past contest winners as judges. I am a writing and editing expert, not a technology expert.

Q: What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?

A: Read through our Writing Advice articles. We have lots of good tips there.

Q: Describe the ideal submission.

A: The best way I can do this is to show you what appeals. Go to www.writeradvice.com. Look at The Winners Are ... and Prior Winners. See for yourself what touches our hearts.

Q: What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?

A: Good question. Some people don't read and follow directions, but pretty much everyone follows our process smoothly.

Q: How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?

A: We don't ask for a bio unless you are a finalist, and that's only in case you are published. We care about the existing work--not the track record. Nevertheless, some people send their bio, and if they do I leave it alone.

Q: If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?

A: As a first reader, I read every piece to the end and provide written feedback for those who pay the higher fee. I can often spot problems in the opening, and if I am giving feedback I point them out.

Q: What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?

A: I invite previous winners to pick our winners from our top 10-15%. I also ask them to provide feedback. Sometimes a writer discovers that different readers have widely varying opinions.

Q: What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?

A: I usually read no more than 2 pieces at one time. I look at character development, plot, pacing, message, originality, believability, and conciseness as well as acknowledging the overall impact on me. After writing feedback for 2 pieces I usually take a break so I am equally fresh for each piece.

Q: How important do you feel it is for publishers to embrace modern technologies?

A: It's both important and time consuming. I do the best I can to reach out and spread the word that Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com, exists and is eager to work with writers. I respond to questions as quickly as possible and try to make us as accessible to all as I can.

Q: How much do you edit an accepted piece prior to publication?

A: The pieces we accept are ready for publication. However Writer Advice offers all kinds of editing as part of our Manuscript Consultation Service, https://writeradvice.com/manuscript-consultation/.
We're happy to work with you but ask writers not to submit the pieces we've helped you develop and polish because there could be a conflict of interest. Besides, after I've worked on a piece, it doesn't have the same impact as a new one. Submit those elsewhere. Take what you've learned and apply it to a piece we have not seen. Make sense?

Q: Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?

A: I did that once at the suggestion of a winner. Nudge me and I'll do it again. Our goal is to help authors. The more you help us, the more we'll do for you. Thanks.