Editor Interview: Palooka Magazine Go to the listing List all editor interviews Edit answers (editors only) Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.Work I'd give a gold starJonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?I admire publications that want a wide range of submissions and refrain from constant solicitation and accept work based on merit and the utter love of the work and not name recognition, favors, or social politics.Jonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?Raymond Carver, Ethan Canin, Pam Houston, John Steinbeck, Jeanette Wintersen, Tim O'Brien, F.X. Toole, Denis Johnson, Thom JonesJonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?People say we have an actual personality, an entity beyond a book and a name, and I think people find this refreshing and welcoming. We read blind, publish an extremely wide range of genres, have no rules about content (though it must speak to a literary audience), and play no social politics in terms of soliciting or accepting work.Jonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?We really, truly are open to all styles and genres. We never know what we might love, so don't be afraid to submit something edgy, something reserved, something shiny, something dark, something something.Jonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013Describe the ideal submission.Everything I print is ideal to me, and they are all such different pieces, so that's the best I can do. There is no ideal submission. I respond with my gut and my heart and little else.Jonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?Really nothing. They do great!Jonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?As much as they feel like sharing. Nothing insanely long, but it's nice to get to know them beyond their publications and awards and schooling, because that says very little to me. I want to know about who they are outside of this world. (We read the cover letter after deciding to reject or accept a piece to keep the whole process of blind reading a fair one).Jonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?All of it. I enjoy reading and believe every piece deserves its due. I know people who submit, not in the hopes of being published, but in the hopes of just being READ.Jonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?None. I go with my instincts. It's how I write, it's how I choose. It never fails. Love is love is love.Jonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?Gripes! Well, I check e-mails when I wake, mail issues, check submissions, read submissions, update people about the latest news. Check Facebook, respond to any posts, post publications, readings, acceptances by former or current Palookas. Always excited to read that next piece, hoping this next piece will be the leap home. Oh, wait. Hoping this next piece will be an acceptance. :)Jonathan Starke, Founding Editor on 27 February 2013 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