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Editor Interview: 96th of October

Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.

literary wierdness

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

Can't think of any offhand. That's why I founded my own.

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

Among my favorite living authors are Donald Antrim, Jonathan Lethem, Jonathan Carroll and Sam Lipsyte. In the fantastic genre I would mention Graham Joyce and Lisa (Dark Cities Underground) Goldstein. In art I think Damien Hirst is hilarious and Donald Judd is hip. And Jeff Koons. But the modern occupies a small portion of my mind, as it does a small portion of recorded history. Most of the time I read Kant, Walt Whitman and the Pali Suttas, and look at Goya and Hogarth.

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

The focus is on literary writing: I know of no other magazine publishing in SF/Fantasy/Horror that values good grammar, let alone elegant prose. Also we are pointedly open to new writers: we value an original insight or idea or style, and are willing to work with authors if there's something good there.

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

Don't be shy.

Describe the ideal submission.

Poetry or prose, with well turned phrases and acute or humorous observations throughout. Writing by someone who has obviously read a lot of good literature.

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

The opening paragraph or stanza is make or break for a read through—let alone an acceptance. You don't have to show me all up front, but you have to make me believe you have something worth plowing through a few thousand words to find. And words do have to be used correctly: have a friend proofread it. Bad grammar or baffling word choices are the kiss of death.

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

No. Every story is judged on its own merits, or lack thereof. We make a point of not looking at introductions until after we've decided on a story.

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

The battle is lost or won on the first page.

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

If it's really good, it's obvious. In uncertain cases several editors look it over and discuss. Occasionally we suggest revisions if we think there's something fine there that deserves a better chance.

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

I don my good writing helmet and off I go.

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

A light mechanical copy edit at most, all subject to author's approval.

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

Not yet, we're brand new.

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