Editor Interview: The Common Go to the listing List all editor interviews Edit answers (editors only) Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.Sense of placeJennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?Ecotone, One Story, New England Review, A Public SpaceJennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?Shirey Hazzard, Mavis Gallant, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Katie KitamuraJennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?Focus on sense of place and strong design aesthetic.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?Give your work to a friend to read before you submit. Please read the magazine to get a sense of what we publish.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025Describe the ideal submission.Strong sense of place; fresh, confident voice; interesting material; clear point of view.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?They think that we are a travel magazine.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?We read blind, so cover letters don't matter! Just be straightforward, nothing fancy.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?I usually know before the end if I know a piece isn't right for us. (Though often I'm still compelled to read to the end to see how the author has tied everything up!)Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?It is read by three readers, and pieces are only accepted or rejected by editors.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?Editing in the morning, and then email, email, email...broken up by zoom meetings!Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025How much do you edit an accepted piece prior to publication?Intensive editing, in collaboration with the author.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?Yes, always. All the 'best of' anthologies plus PEN, O. Henry, and more.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025How is your project funded?We receive support from Amherst College, the NEA, Amazon, and individual donors. We also run revenue-generating programs in addition to selling subscriptions.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025How do you promote your project and published authors/artists?Via our weekly newsletter, biweekly podcast, social media, press releases, and public events.Jennifer Acker, Editor-in-chief on 25 September 2025 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