Editor Interview: Blue Collar Review Go to the listing List all editor interviews Edit answers (editors only) Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.Working class literatureAl Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?We enjoy the work published by Red Dragonfly Press and Bottom Dog Press.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?We most enjoy poetry and writing that speaks from the reality of working people. Some of our favorites include poets Tom McGrath, Jeanetta Calhoun Mish, Robert Edwards, Mary Franke, E.F Shcraeder, Peggy Saffire, Martin Espada, Fred Voss, T.K. O'Rourke, E.P. Fischer, Marge Piercy and many othersAl Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?Content -- social realism across a stylistic spectrum, a progressive working class perspective and the arrangement of work within the collection.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?Read, read read and follow the guidelines before submitting work anywhere.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018Describe the ideal submission.Well thought out and developed and in adherence to our guidelines.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?In the digital era, we are seeing a proliferation of spontaneous, raw "cellphone" poetry which needs more thought and work by writers. Instant gratification and catharsis are not good for literature and, in our opinion, have a destructive impact on the quality of literature, language and thought. Also, some will send their entire body of work rather than a few poems or simultaneous submissions they will later withdraw.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?All I want to know is their work and a return address. The writing is what matters.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?All of it.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?The combined opinions and thoughts of our editorial staff. Acceptance or rejection is sometimes a difficult decision.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?Going though the mail. Submissions are either rejected, accepted or go into a stack for further discussion and thought by our editorial team.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018How much do you edit an accepted piece prior to publication?If there appears to be a typo or line breaks are necessary to fit a piece on the page, we will make those decisions -- carefully. Many times we will contact the author and discuss issue we have together. Our editing of other's work is minimal.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?Rarely. It's mostly a waste of time.Al Markowitz, Editor on 18 September 2018 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