Editor Interview: CRAFT First Chapters Contest Go to the listing List all editor interviews Edit answers (editors only) Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.Amazing first chapters!Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?Zoetrope: All-StoryCincinnati ReviewCourtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?Leah BaillyHana ChoiCourtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?All of our creative publications include an author's note by the contributor.These notes are mini essays on writing craft, and our readers love them!Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?Please follow the guidelines. And send us magic.Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023Describe the ideal submission.The ideal first chapter will make us crave the rest of the novel.Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?They try to offer too many words/pages--stick to the 5,000 word count limit, please.Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?We want to learn about the writer behind the work. Also, include a short summary/synopsis of the project.Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?We read to the very end!Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?After first reads, promising pieces are nominated to a longlist. The editorial team whittles the longlist to the shortlist, which goes to the guest judge for final winning selections.Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?CRAFT has a great team of experienced readers who process contest entries. As editor in chief, I field ongoing questions and concerns, both from readers and submitters. Eventually, I shepherd the longlisted and shortlisted entries through our internal deliberations. I then deliver the shortlist of anonymized work to the contest's guest judge.Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023How much do you edit an accepted piece prior to publication?We conduct a two-month editorial process with every publication. Contest winners, however, are edited very lightly in order to uphold the integrity of the judge's decisions.Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?Absolutely! We take every opportunity--O. Henry, Pushcart, Best of, and more!Courtney Harler, Editor in Chief on 07 June 2023 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only