Q: Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.
A: fiction, poetry, and art
Q: What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?
A: I really admire The Bombay Literary Magazine because it does such a great job of showcasing contemporary Indian voices—it feels so close to home and inspiring. Then there’s The Paris Review, which has this timeless quality in the way it tells stories. I love how it balances being classic and modern at the same time. And honestly, Scroll.in is so cool too - it’s amazing how they blend literature with current events so seamlessly. They all bring something unique to the table, and the Cawnpore learn a lot from their work.
Q: If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?
A: Oh, there are so many writers I admire! Khaled Hosseini is an all-time favorite the way he captures human emotions is just incredible. Ruskin Bond has this beautiful simplicity in his stories, especially about the hills, that feels so comforting. Sudha Murty’s work always inspires me; her storytelling is so heartfelt and relatable. And, of course, Munshi Premchand his stories are timeless and portray Indian society so vividly.
When it comes to art, I’m in love with traditional Madhubani art it’s so intricate and vibrant, and it carries such a deep cultural essence. Artists like Sita Devi and Ganga Devi are truly iconic for bringing this beautiful folk art to the world. Their work reminds me how art and culture are so intertwined in storytelling.
Q: What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?
A: What makes The Cawnpore Magazine truly special is that it’s entirely student-led. It’s not just a publication it’s a platform where young voices can shine, experiment, and grow. We focus on curating pieces that resonate with real emotions and experiences, rather than following trends. We also embrace diversity not just in the kind of content we publish but also in the perspectives we bring together. Whether it’s a heartfelt poem, a bold story, or a artwork.
More than anything, we strive to build a community. It’s not just about publishing it’s about connecting people who love stories, poetry, and art and giving them a space where they feel heard and inspired and also we aim to bridge cultural roots with modern creativity
Q: What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?
A: The best advice I can give is to believe in yourself and your work. Don’t shy away from sharing your creativity every writer or artist starts somewhere. Rejections are a part of the journey, but they’re not the end. If your work gets rejected, don’t take it as a setback. Instead, use it as motivation to improve and make your work even better. Remember, every piece you create is a step toward finding your unique voice. Be confident, keep learning, and trust that your time to shine will come!
Q: Describe the ideal submission.
A: For writing, we love pieces that are clear, emotionally resonant, and thought-provoking something that stays with the reader long after they’ve read it. For art, we’re drawn to originality and how well it tells a story or conveys an emotion.
It doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to feel real and meaningful. And, of course, following our submission guidelines always helps!
Q: What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?
A: One of the most common mistakes submitters make is not following the submission guidelines properly. Whether it's formatting, word count, or file types, these details really matter and can often result in automatic rejections, even if the content is great. And many people get discouraged after their first rejection. It’s a normal part of the creative process. If your work isn’t selected, don’t take it personally. Use it as a chance to refine your craft and try again!
Q: How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?
A: We don’t need to know every detail about the person submitting, but it’s always nice to understand a bit about the person behind the work. A brief introduction or note about your creative journey or what inspired the piece can give us valuable context, especially if it helps us connect with the work on a deeper level.
As for cover letters, while they’re not mandatory, they can definitely help us get a sense of who you are as a writer or artist. We’re more interested in your voice and your story than a long list of previous publications. However, if you have past work that you’re proud of, feel free to share it’s always great to see where you’ve been, but it’s your current work that we care about the most
Q: If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?
A: Our prose and poetry reviewer team generally makes the initial call on whether a piece is a good fit for The Cawnpore Magazine and before making any decision they’ll read the whole piece carefully. That said, I also read every submission myself before making any final decisions. Even if the reviewer team gives initial feedback, I like to ensure that the work aligns with the vision of our magazine
Q: What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?
A: Before a piece is accepted, we first evaluate whether it aligns with the current theme of our issue. Our theme plays a big role in shaping the kind of content we feature, so we want to ensure that the work fits within that framework. After that, we focus on the quality of the writing or art itself its originality, emotional resonance, and overall impact. If it passes these evaluations, it’s ready for acceptance
Q: What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?
A: As a student and the editor of The Cawnpore Magazine, my days are a mix of studying and managing the magazine. In the morning, I focus on my college work, but once I’m done with that, I dive into the submissions. I start by checking our inbox and reading through the new pieces that have come in. I usually begin by seeing if they align with the current issue’s theme that’s the first filter. I also spend time communicating with my team and making sure we’re on track with deadlines, so it’s a bit of juggling! It’s a busy day, but seeing a final piece come together is always worth it.
Q: How important do you feel it is for publishers to embrace modern technologies?
A: I think it’s really important for publishers to embrace modern technologies, especially in today’s fast-paced, digital world. Electronic submissions make the process smoother and more accessible for both submitters and publishers. It allows for quicker turnaround times and reduces barriers, meaning writers and artists from all over the world can share their work with us.
Social media is also helpful. It helps us reach a larger, more diverse audience, connect with our readers, and showcase our work in ways that traditional methods couldn’t. Plus, it’s a great way to build a community around our publication, which is something we really value. As for electronic or POD publishing, these options offer flexibility and sustainability. They allow us to expand our reach while keeping costs manageable, especially for a student-led magazine like ours. Staying up to date with these technologies doesn’t mean losing touch with tradition—it just means making the process more efficient and accessible for everyone involved
Q: How much do you edit an accepted piece prior to publication?
A: Once a piece is accepted, our editorial team steps in to work on it. We usually begin with substantive editing, making sure the piece aligns with the overall vision and theme of the issue. We also focus on enhancing clarity, structure, and emotional impact, ensuring the work feels cohesive and polished. After that, we do line editing to refine the flow of the writing, followed by copy editing for grammar, punctuation, and consistency. Finally, we handle basic proofreading to catch any lingering errors. We always make sure the author has the chance to review and approve the final edits before publication.
Q: Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?
A: At the moment, we don't nominate work we've published for national or international awards, but it’s something we're definitely planning for the future. We have some exciting ideas in the works and hope to start recognizing and nominating standout pieces as we grow