Editor Interviews
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Read all the editors' answers to Duotrope's interview question: How important do you feel it is for publishers to embrace modern technologies? Learn more.
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Here is a small sampling from our recent Editor Interviews. We have interviewed over 2,250 editors.
Q: How important do you feel it is for publishers to embrace modern technologies?
A: As editor of publications set in a futuristic empire, I welcome advances in technology.
A: I would prefer not having to do this but I accept that the forces behind them are stronger than me and attempt to make everything work as well as it can given the circumstances.
A: This is an incredibly difficult question. On the one hand, I recognize the importance of web-based publishing, especially those publications that are open-access. Not only are such publications more accessible for writers, they also make access to poetry and prose more accessible for readers. At the same time, I still believe there is value in holding pages in one's hand, of unplugging from our laptops and browsers, and of allowing ourselves to immerse ourselves in the quiet conversation between our minds and what we read. Moreover, there are economic considerations. As those of us housed within educational institutions find ways to cut costs through digital publication, we also send the parallel--if unintended--message that the arts and humanities do not need economic support, when--in fact--I believe that the arts and humanities need more support now than perhaps any other moment in my lifetime!
In the coming 3-5 years, I hope to develop out digital access points for The MacGuffin via Substack and other sites, but we need to find ways to do so that balance the needs of the journal, our readers, and our current cultural moment.
A: It's very important for publishers to embrace modern technologies. Electronic submissions, social networking and print-on-demand books are the backbone of our press and we wouldn't exist without those three advances in the industry.
A: I'm so happy to have electronic submissions, for the ease these platforms create for authors and for publishers to take in work and review it. We recently switched distributors after the closure of SPD, and I appreciate our new distributor's very transparent dashboard, which allows me to see very clearly how we're doing in terms of inventory. Right now, we work with a printer with whom we have a strong relationship--the multimodal dimensions of our book design make me want to have that kind of relationship, so I can see into the process and have more input into the outcomes. Our distributor does POD, so maybe we'll investigate that for the future.
A: Marble Press only accepts electronic submissions. We appreciate that, for sending bigger files, you use a link to your dropbox/googledrive etc, instead of attaching it.
We do not use POD we print our high-quality and beautiful books with Offset.
We avoid AI as an editing or art source as we prefer human creativity.
Marble Press embraces modern technologies as much as possible. We are present on the main social media pages and YouTube as well.
A: I believe it is crucial for publishers to embrace modern technologies to stay relevant and meet the evolving needs of both authors and readers. The publishing landscape is changing rapidly, and leveraging electronic submissions, online social networking services, and print-on-demand (POD) options can significantly enhance efficiency and accessibility.
Electronic submissions streamline the process for authors, making it easier for them to share their work and receive timely responses. This convenience encourages more writers to submit, which ultimately enriches the diversity and quality of the material we receive.
Utilizing online social networking services allows publishers to engage directly with their audience, build community, and promote their titles effectively. These platforms create opportunities for interaction and feedback that can inform our publishing decisions and marketing strategies.
Print-on-demand technology is another game-changer, allowing us to publish titles without the risks associated with large print runs. This flexibility not only reduces waste but also enables us to offer a wider variety of stories and voices, ensuring that even niche works have the chance to find their audience.
While I appreciate the traditional aspects of publishing, I feel that resisting modern technologies can limit a publisher's reach and ability to connect with today's readers and writers. Embracing innovation is essential for fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and responsive publishing environment that reflects the changing landscape of literature.
A: I think it's based on preference. Some publishers may be more comfortable with reading hard-copy submissions, have an easier time organizing electronic submissions, dislike social media in general, and prefer to only print physical issues rather than to double-up with digital copies, and so on. I don't have a strong preference either way but, I have leaned towards print and digital copies, electronic submissions, and maintaining an online social presence. But who knows. That could change!
A: We embrace all, if not most, modern technologies when it comes to modern publication (Excluding A.I technology). Our magazine has a very unique publishing format, it, being a digital and physical hybrid system. Our magazine focuses on marketing methods to release free physical copies to our distribution services while simultaneously creating a digital online subscription service for Patreon subscribers. We are heavily reliant on these methods as they create the best cost-effective publishing service while also providing the best quality product for our readers.
A: It's incredibly important for publishers to evolve as technology evolves. The digital post-information age has changed the way we communicate and think, but especially how we consume (literature and otherwise). Publishers and artists should think about the part we play in our consumption, our sharing of information, and how it affects our art.
A: We only accept electronic submissions so we definitely see the value in current technology. Especially in terms of fielding global submissions. One of our favorite parts about running this magazine is getting work from Ireland or Vietnam or Australia.
A: I think technology is great. When I first started writing in 1988 there was no email; everything was stamps and envelopes. So certainly being able to correspond with people so easily is very nice. I'm not a big social media person, but I do use Instagram because it's a great way to reach people who would not necessarily find the website otherwise.