Jul 14, 2022Liked by Katherine Barrett, Becky Tuch
This is a wise and detailed analysis. As a book reviewer myself (Hispanic fiction in translation), I was particularly struck with the suggestion that we review Lit Mags. When does a lit mag ever get reviewed? I cannot think of any time, really, and that is not right. I am going to put more thought into this idea.
In 2008 I created a site to do just that! The Review Review. We reviewed thousands of journals over a little more than a decade. I no longer operate the site, but I agree wholeheartedly that lit mags are deserving of review! New Pages still reviews journals.
Jul 15, 2022Liked by Becky Tuch, Katherine Barrett
Brave and candid. So, Lit Mags offer a path to validation without offering readership. Probably "same as it ever was" (quote David Byrne). So in that case, what"s so funny 'bout self publication? (with deference to Nick Lowe..."what's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?".
Jul 15, 2022Liked by Katherine Barrett, Becky Tuch
This is an extremely useful canvassing of the myriad issues facing writers and publishers of lit mags. Some issues that stood out for me were:
- If the lit mag scene is largely circular, in that the vast majority of the audience comprises writers who want to be published in lit mags, is there a way out of this loop into a broader range of readers?
- How many writers bother to read and comment on other writers' work in lit mags (in my experience precious few) and why is that so?
- Is there a way for those who have been published to become a volunteer source of editorial comments for those who haven't?
- In the search for opportunities for new writers and readers, how do we deal with the sad fact that in most English-speaking countries up to 40% of the adult population are functionally illiterate and do we need to find more ways for people with interesting stories to submit audio/video work?
Excellent article. A very smart analysis of the current lit mag scene and its challenges. How ironic is it that we as writers fight like mad to get published in lit mags that almost no one reads.
Jul 14, 2022Liked by Katherine Barrett, Becky Tuch
For a few years I helped coordinate a reading series, we had a very generous sponsor who wanted to collect money -- while giving out free pizza (the reading series was set in a pizza restaurant) -- and the money would then be given to a good cause. I held out for small presses/literary venues to count as charities. The sponsor acquiesced, but grumbled. He wanted real charities, you know, the kinds that feed hungry people or save ecosystems or whatever. After a few years he vetoed publishers as possible beneficiaries. Not sure why. Because capitalism? I would still set up magazine readings. At least the zines got some recognition.
Jul 18, 2022Liked by Becky Tuch, Katherine Barrett
A couple of quotes from this excellent article have really stuck with me:
"The general wisdom is that lit mags are read almost exclusively by those who are—or want to be—published in lit mags."
This was something I had suspected, but it's sobering to see it expressed by an expert. Since I'm not really seeking an agent or the traditional publishing path, it makes me wonder if I should invest more effort instead getting pieces read on my blog via SEO.
"I’m not convinced that online publishing is the best format for literary writing or to attract literary readers, which lit mags need to do. Literature is slow—slow to write, slow to read, slow to absorb and appreciate."
While grateful for the convenience and access to free content, I've always disliked reading anything literary online. Sometimes I use the Send to Kindle browser extension to read longer pieces on my Paperwhite, but nothing replaces the more meditative experience of a physical book or magazine.
Very grateful for this insider perspective. I love the idea of shelving lit mags with literary books instead of the magazine section, in bookstores that carry them.
Jul 17, 2022Liked by Becky Tuch, Katherine Barrett
Great article! I would like to offer more feedback on submissions but just don’t have time (although I usually do this for a few submissions). If writers want more feedback one way to do this is by joining a writers group, finding workshops to attend, considering an MFA program, etc.
This is a wise and detailed analysis. As a book reviewer myself (Hispanic fiction in translation), I was particularly struck with the suggestion that we review Lit Mags. When does a lit mag ever get reviewed? I cannot think of any time, really, and that is not right. I am going to put more thought into this idea.
In 2008 I created a site to do just that! The Review Review. We reviewed thousands of journals over a little more than a decade. I no longer operate the site, but I agree wholeheartedly that lit mags are deserving of review! New Pages still reviews journals.
Where have I been? I didn't know New Pages at all. What an amazing resource! Thank you.
Brave and candid. So, Lit Mags offer a path to validation without offering readership. Probably "same as it ever was" (quote David Byrne). So in that case, what"s so funny 'bout self publication? (with deference to Nick Lowe..."what's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?".
This is an extremely useful canvassing of the myriad issues facing writers and publishers of lit mags. Some issues that stood out for me were:
- If the lit mag scene is largely circular, in that the vast majority of the audience comprises writers who want to be published in lit mags, is there a way out of this loop into a broader range of readers?
- How many writers bother to read and comment on other writers' work in lit mags (in my experience precious few) and why is that so?
- Is there a way for those who have been published to become a volunteer source of editorial comments for those who haven't?
- In the search for opportunities for new writers and readers, how do we deal with the sad fact that in most English-speaking countries up to 40% of the adult population are functionally illiterate and do we need to find more ways for people with interesting stories to submit audio/video work?
Excellent article. A very smart analysis of the current lit mag scene and its challenges. How ironic is it that we as writers fight like mad to get published in lit mags that almost no one reads.
For a few years I helped coordinate a reading series, we had a very generous sponsor who wanted to collect money -- while giving out free pizza (the reading series was set in a pizza restaurant) -- and the money would then be given to a good cause. I held out for small presses/literary venues to count as charities. The sponsor acquiesced, but grumbled. He wanted real charities, you know, the kinds that feed hungry people or save ecosystems or whatever. After a few years he vetoed publishers as possible beneficiaries. Not sure why. Because capitalism? I would still set up magazine readings. At least the zines got some recognition.
A couple of quotes from this excellent article have really stuck with me:
"The general wisdom is that lit mags are read almost exclusively by those who are—or want to be—published in lit mags."
This was something I had suspected, but it's sobering to see it expressed by an expert. Since I'm not really seeking an agent or the traditional publishing path, it makes me wonder if I should invest more effort instead getting pieces read on my blog via SEO.
"I’m not convinced that online publishing is the best format for literary writing or to attract literary readers, which lit mags need to do. Literature is slow—slow to write, slow to read, slow to absorb and appreciate."
While grateful for the convenience and access to free content, I've always disliked reading anything literary online. Sometimes I use the Send to Kindle browser extension to read longer pieces on my Paperwhite, but nothing replaces the more meditative experience of a physical book or magazine.
Some very practical suggestions that I will pose to the appropriate parties. Thank you!
Very grateful for this insider perspective. I love the idea of shelving lit mags with literary books instead of the magazine section, in bookstores that carry them.
Great article! I would like to offer more feedback on submissions but just don’t have time (although I usually do this for a few submissions). If writers want more feedback one way to do this is by joining a writers group, finding workshops to attend, considering an MFA program, etc.
Solid post I come back to.
Thank you!