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Editor Interview: swifts & slows: a quarterly of crisscrossings

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

A: Poetry & collaborations

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

A: Otoliths, Word for/Word, Posit & Indefinite Space

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

A: 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.

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

A: 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.

Q: Describe the ideal submission.

A: 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.

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

A: 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.

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

A: 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.

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

A: 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.

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

A: 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.

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

A: Using online platforms definitely gives publications more options and flexibility in ways to engage with the public. Social networking is a plus, but nothing seems to take the place of word of mouth. I know many online journals do offer print issues for sale, but I’ve decided that I’d rather put my time & energy into putting together books for Arteidolia Press, which I’ve recently started.

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

A: 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.

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

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