Editor Interview: Scribble Go to the listing List all editor interviews Edit answers (editors only) Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.Stories that entertain.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?I admire any small press publisher. As Stephen King once said: 'What would we do without the little magazines?'David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?My favourite writers are mainly of the 'classics' genre: Thomas Hardy, George Eliot, Arthur Conan Doyle, etc. I am also a great admirer of the poet, John Clare.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?We offer three cash prizes that are awarded to the writers of the three best stories in each issue. These are chosen by the readers. We also provide a free (to subscribers) critique service. And we include a lively section for readers' feedback on the previous issue.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?Read at least one copy of the magazine.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022Describe the ideal submission.An ideal story would be between 1000 and 3000 words. It would be original, contain interesting characters, a clear unpredictable plot and a satisfactory conclusion. Most importantly, it would be entertaining.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?Fail to read through their story properly and correct any errors before submitting.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?Name, address and title of story are the only things that matter; previous publishing history is not necessary but I have no problem with it.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?It is sometimes obvious quite early on that a story won't fit but not always.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?It should be well-written and entertaining, not previously published and the writer's own work.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?I start work quite early in the morning after taking my dogs out for a walk. Emails are first on the list, then I read a few stories and respond to the writers. The work on the next issue is an ongoing process, so that takes up a fair chunk of most days. The busiest times are when the magazine comes back from the printer and the distribution process begins.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022How much do you edit an accepted piece prior to publication?If I have to change a story substantially, then it becomes my story rather than the original author's, so editing is kept to a minimum. If any changes, apart from correcting spelling errors or reformatting the odd sentence, are necessary, I would advise the author.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?No.David Howarth, Editor on 25 February 2022 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