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Editor Interview: Shark Reef: A Literary Magazine

This interview is provided for archival purposes. The listing is not currently active.

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

A: We are particularly passi

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

A: We are particularly passionate about publishing work revealing the rich experiences of ordinary people, whether as fiction, non-fiction, drama or poetry. We admire Glimmertrain, Tin Roof, and so many others.

Q: If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?

A: Elizabeth Strout, Marilyn Robinson, Jim Harrison, Patrick O'Brian, Eckhart Tolle, Barbara Kingsolver, Louise Erdrich

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

A: We focus on the rich experiences of ordinary people.

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

A: Read some of the recent issues and follow the submission guidelines.

Q: Describe the ideal submission.

A: A well-written piece with no spelling, punctuation, POV or tense errors. Writing that sings, gorgeous language, characters with depth.

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

A: Some submissions seem to be submitted prematurely. They are not truly finished.

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

A: We don't need cover letters but we do need brief bios.

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

A: We usually try to read the entire submission. Sometimes, however, we know from the start that the piece isn't ready or isn't appropriate for SHARK REEF.

Q: What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?

A: Two editors discuss the piece and what might need changing to be accepted. We then ask the writer to revise and re-submit.

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

A: Busy!

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

A: Very. It's vital to keep up with what's happening technologically.