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Editor Interview: Transcendent Zero Press

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

A: speculative or activist

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

A: The Lost Coast Review is excellent and contains diverse material, and the editor is intelligent and outspoken.
I also enjoy Abraxas because it is academic and presents an unique worldview, and is home to d. a. levy.
I am not as interested in journals that publish senseless, nihilist verse or "po-mo" as it is often called.
I also love Duende. The verse I have read from them is mindboggling.

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

A: Currently, Pablo Neruda, Lorca, Michelangelo, Audre Lorde. I love Latin American/Spanish verse-- Machado, Vallejo.

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

A: We are a clash of ideas, styles, and thought. I include a political column written by a libertarian, book reviews of mostly Texas writers, and many issues have brought clashing ideas and cognitive dissonance-- we intend to stir the mind, and keep ideas alive for their own sake.

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

A: Please no sentimental verse. Be powerful and intense. I like surreal visions, but I don't like senseless violence, profanity or rubbish from contorted minds. Make me think, let me freshen my own sensibilities with your verse. Make new the world, and declare the revolution is next door!

Q: Describe the ideal submission.

A: Ideal submission is something controlled, yet vibrant and stylish. Something that reinterprets tradition, or creates a religion. The spirit of empty godhood within your soul should be your sea and ship.

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

A: Some don't include mailing address. Some submit to my email rather than the submissions manger.

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

A: I prefer a cover letter that tells me where else you have been published, if at all, and additional information is suggested: perhaps your academic background, ideas that inspire your words.

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

A: I do my best to read all pieces through. If the first few lines don't grab me, I might lose interest. I sometimes skim the submissions before reading them thoroughly.

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

A: My assistant editor and co-owner reviews submissions and submits his opinion.

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

A: Writing mixed with desire to write-- restlessness, agony, bearing the burden of going to bed and suddenly having a multitude of ideas. Reading poetry becomes a job, and maintaining a press is difficult without seeking patrons. Many responsibilities come over visionaries. Putting your own work together, filing away work that doesn't suit me, and learning to cooperate, sharing the spotlight, and letting others assume some tasks.

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

A: Webpages are often taken down, losing your literature. Modern tech can bring together a literary community. That community is the greatest asset. POD is a new tech that is highly useful, and most small presses utilize it. The Word must adapt, and fit itself to new resources. Make the best with what you've got.