Editor Interview: swifts & slows

Poetry & collaborations

Otoliths, Word for/Word, Posit & Indefinite Space

As editor I see myself more like a bandleader, listening & orchestrating, igniting elements to generate a particular sound, an encounter that maybe hasn’t been experienced elsewhere. Each issue has to have a particular visual buzz present, an overall feel that clearly reflects the gamut of possibilities.

Of course, take a look at our latest issue, as well as the links to past ones, on our archive page. Review your work before submitting to make sure you feel that it does speak to the atmosphere, tone and spirit of what swifts & slows is doing.

I see all submissions as individual gems. I recognize that each poet is expressing a deepness that should be applauded. I most welcome work that augments the evolving dialogues that makes swifts & slows what it is.

What I do see often is that some submitters will go ahead and send work whether or not it fits in with the aesthetics of the publication.

It’s really the work that speaks to me. I don’t care where an author has been published. Since we do get lots of international submissions, I do like knowing where authors are from and how they found out about swifts & slows. Sometimes cover letters can feel too much like a sales pitch. I do appreciate it when submitters share comments about swifts & slows and mention what actually drew them to wanting to submit to us.

Some work you know right away you want to publish. And other work might take a few readings before it clicks. No editor likes to reject work, but sometimes a submission just doesn’t have that vibe you’re looking for.

Open emails. Download files. Read. Consider. Read over. Review. Note responses. Decide. Wait. Put on hold. Read again. Do something else. Answer. Correspond. Work on layout. Open new emails. Download new files. Review. Read again. Wait. Answer. Correspond. Repeat.

I might need to make some suggestions in order for certain poetry layouts to fit the format that our site uses. I try not to get involved with any direct editing, unless it’s necessary.

Yes, we will be nominating poets for the Pushcart Prize this year.