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Editor Interview: Dunes Review

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

A: Writing that moves us.

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

A: We're going into our 22nd year in print and are committed to remaining a print journal. In the spring and fall of each year, we hold a launch celebration at a beautiful bookstore in downtown Traverse City, Michigan. Contributors have come from as far away as Alaska to give readings of their work. We value the tangibility of print. If the journal was only online, we wouldn't have anything to gather over.

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

A: 1. We encourage you to read at least one past issue. That said, we love change. Our editorial team is very open to reading work that is unlike what we've published in the past. How do we know what we're missing until we see it?
2. Submission guidelines are updated for every new reading period, and sometimes more often. It's imperative to read and follow them closely.
3. If your first submission is not accepted, try again! Many of our contributors have placed work with us after two or more attempts.

Q: Describe the ideal submission.

A: The ideal submission follows our guidelines, is proofread, well-written, and moves us in an intellectual, emotional, and/or aesthetic way.

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

A: 1. We select work based on the merits of the writing in front of us, not on the author's past achievements. That said, we appreciate a fully-formed cover letter that shows attention to detail. It addresses the editor (or editor and readers); mentions the title(s) of the work submitted; spells the name of our journal (not another journal) correctly; and includes a brief third-person bio. It's not necessary to describe or summarize the writing, as we will carefully read it and draw our own conclusions.
2. Work that doesn't follow our guidelines is returned unread. We also appreciate when writers carefully edit and curate their work before sending it. This means, for instance, not sending a novel or an entire manuscript of poetry and asking us to choose from among 50 or more poems.

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

A: We request a brief third-person bio, as this speeds up the production process if your work is accepted. Past achievements won't influence us one way or another. If this will be your first publication, by all means, let us know! We're always thrilled to feature new talent.

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

A: Every piece is read in full and evaluated on its own merits. We might pass on the first three poems of a poetry submission, for instance, but if the fourth one resonates, then it's a go! Fiction and nonfiction is also read from start to end. However, in the space of a short story or essay, it's vital to grab the reader within the first page.

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

A: To be accepted, a poem has to pass my scrutiny and that of other readers. Fiction and nonfiction have to be approved by the appropriate genre editor and other readers, and then I make the final call. Sometimes we know right away if a piece is or isn't for us and we'll accept or decline it quickly. Sometimes we need to think on it; if you've been waiting for a while, that usually means it's receiving extra consideration.

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

A: Most of my time is spent reading submissions. I read almost every day. I spend considerable time corresponding with our editorial staff and the writers whose work we've accepted. I also manage the production process — everything from selecting the cover art to sequencing the work in the issue to proofreading. Right after each launch reading, the cycle begins again.

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

A: Although Dunes Review is a print journal, we wouldn't have the reach we do without the help of technology. We accept submissions from anyone living anywhere in the world though Submittable. We use POD publishing to ensure the journal is available for purchase online. It's also available at brick-and-mortar bookstores in Michigan, and we're working on expanding our distribution. We also reach out to the public via Facebook pages for Dunes Review and Michigan Writers (the journal's publisher). Our relationships with contributors don't end after publication. Contributors are highly encouraged to keep in touch; we're happy to share their good news with us on our social media outlets.

Q: Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?

A: We nominate selected work for the Pushcart Prize every year.