Editor Interview: Writer Advice Flash Memoir Contest Go to the listing List all editor interviews Edit answers (editors only) Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.Flashes with feelings.B. Lynn Goodwin, Editor-in-chief on 16 March 2026What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?Love places that publish pieces from personal life including Story Circle Network and much more. Love some of the small presses, especially those who look for women authors over 50.B. Lynn Goodwin, Editor-in-chief on 16 March 2026If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?My favorite writers are the ones that make me think and feel. I also like the ones that respect our guidelines. And of course I love anyone willing to review my books.B. Lynn Goodwin, Editor-in-chief on 16 March 2026What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?Hopefully writers who work with us get more insights into the ways they can develop their writing and give depth to their characters.B. Lynn Goodwin, Editor-in-chief on 16 March 2026What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?Please read our advice on the Current / Latest Contest page, https://writeradvice.com/latest-contest-information/.B. Lynn Goodwin, Managing Editor on 16 March 2026Describe the ideal submission.In the ideal submission, every detail counts and the story is both unique and universal. Touch our hearts or tickle our funny bones or make us think. Let us care about your main character.B. Lynn Goodwin, Managing Editor on 16 March 2026What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?An awful lot of people want to include more backstory than is needed in flash. Sometimes people disregard our word limits. Oops! Whenever we can, we give those people a second chance to get it right.B. Lynn Goodwin, Managing Editor on 16 March 2026How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?We don't need to know anything more than your name and e-mail. We judge the work on its own merit, not your writing or personal background.B. Lynn Goodwin, Managing Editor on 16 March 2026If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?Because it's flash we normally read the whole piece--especially if you've asked for feedback.B. Lynn Goodwin, Managing Editor on 16 March 2026What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?Does it resonate? Will readers love or hate the characters? Is there enough information told or suggested to make the story work? Does the writing draw us in? Is the story accessible to all or only to a few?B. Lynn Goodwin, Managing Editor on 16 March 2026What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?The most important thing to know is that whether the submitter asks for an evaluation or not, I always write a few notes about what I love and what trips me up even though I don't share them. For many reasons I'll say "Worth a second read." Unfortunately, mechanical errors can get in the way of a reader. Occasionally, though, a reader has a strong piece that deliberately breaks the rules. Make sure readers will know it's the character breaking rules and not the author.B. Lynn Goodwin, Managing Editor on 16 March 2026How much do you edit an accepted piece prior to publication?We've been known to correct run ons and fragments unless the author's chosen that style with good reason. We correct spelling. We NEVER change an author's intention or vocabulary, but when I provide requested feedback I've been known to suggest alternate phrasing in case we don't accept a piece for publication.B. Lynn Goodwin, Managing Editor on 16 March 2026Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?Usually if a winner nudges me, we'll nominate work unless there's a fee involved. We like to give winners as much exposure as possible.B. Lynn Goodwin, Managing Editor on 16 March 2026 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