Editor Interviews

Read all the editors' answers to Duotrope's interview question: What is a day in the life of an editor like for you? Learn more.

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

A: I tend to read pieces as they come in and often know immediately if they're in or not. Then I set aside a time to reread submissions I received in the last couple days, email the writers with a publication date, copy the pieces into the drafts folder on Micromance's Substack, schedule the pieces for posting, and find or create graphics for a post header that compliment the story or poem.

A: Because we accept submissions on a rolling basis, every morning, I check our email to sort new submissions into fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. This way, if we are only accepting a certain category at the time, I can easily filter work to review. Once a week, our volunteer readers are assigned new pieces to read, which I then re-read the following week and tag with relevant themes. When it's time to choose work for the next issue, I use these tags before reviewing new, unsorted submissions. I personally send out acceptances and rejections every few days, or as soon as possible. I think it's a pretty well-oiled machine.

A: It's a lot more work than I anticipated. Luckily, I love it. We read submissions, preschedule them, answer author questions, write newsletters, celebrate our authors, and meet regularly as a board and discuss how to do what we do better.

A: Like all editors, I imagine, on any given day, I suit up for nearly any task! There are emails to attend to, phone calls, submissions to decide, a website to update, and a myriad of other activities, all of which I find immensely rewarding.

A: As a student and the editor of The Cawnpore Magazine, my days are a mix of studying and managing the magazine. In the morning, I focus on my college work, but once I’m done with that, I dive into the submissions. I start by checking our inbox and reading through the new pieces that have come in. I usually begin by seeing if they align with the current issue’s theme that’s the first filter. I also spend time communicating with my team and making sure we’re on track with deadlines, so it’s a bit of juggling! It’s a busy day, but seeing a final piece come together is always worth it.

A: As I read submissions, I think about how to help authors achieve a quicker and more comprehensive understanding of our shared universe, and this results in frequent updates to the website.

A: I wake up around 6:00am, usually before the sun, and head to my reading space, which is lit by a single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. Just kidding. No, I don't think there's a special process; I usually read through submissions in batches of 10 to 15 at a time, trying to keep it manageable and distraction-free. If I don't accept a piece right away, I try to revisit it later, unless I know for certain that it’s not a good fit for Prairie Home. I tend to sip on hibiscus tea while editing, but there’s no elaborate process—just a lot of focus and a teeny bit of caffeine. There is one concern that is beginning to nag at me I guess; as we're growing, it does seem like it's get harder to keep up with submissions, especially since I handle this alongside a full-time job. We reached over 100 submissions for the November 2024 issue, with a 60-day reading period, so it's about 2 full submissions a day, each with up to 5 poems, and most taking advantage of the full 5 poems. It is beginning to get to be a lot to manage and so I’ve been thinking about expanding our team of readers in the future.

A: It is not a full-time job. I carry it out in between other roles.

A: We check our inbox daily and are usually quick to respond to submissions (usually within one week for poetry, and within two months for fiction).

A: I am not just an editor. I also am a student, a daughter, and a writer. So I start my day by studying and checking my email inbox. Usually, while checking my email inbox, I answer emails with any questions regarding The Malu Zine. Around late in the evening, I take some time off to look through submissions and discuss with readers/editors regarding submissions with a cup of nice cold ice tea!

A: I try not to read too many manuscripts in one sitting, because it's easy for attention to flag and aesthetic judgment to get less consistent. When we're reading, it's exciting, though, to allow the manuscripts to create a new space and to enter a new verbal world. It's a lot of work and it's also a real privilege.

A: At Dark Holme Publishing, our behind-the-scenes submission reading process is both thorough and collaborative, ensuring that every piece receives the attention it deserves.
When a submission arrives, it first goes through an initial screening to confirm that it adheres to our guidelines regarding formatting, word count, and content themes. This helps us streamline the process and focus on submissions that fit our vision for a diverse array of horror genres.
Once a piece passes this initial stage, it is assigned to an editor or a member of our team, who reads the manuscript carefully. We prioritize not only the technical aspects of writing—such as grammar and structure—but also the emotional impact and originality of the narrative. Our goal is to identify stories that resonate with readers and offer fresh perspectives within the horror landscape.
In cases where a submission shows potential but might require further evaluation, we may share it with additional team members for a second opinion. This collaborative approach allows us to consider diverse viewpoints and ensures that our decisions are well-rounded.
Throughout this process, we remain committed to maintaining a respectful and professional atmosphere, understanding the effort and creativity that authors invest in their work. While we do not provide feedback or edits, we take pride in giving each submission the careful consideration it deserves before making final decisions.