"A Particular Intrigue." A Chat with Thom Didato, Editor of failbetter
Editor of long-standing online magazines takes us behind the scenes
Another interview is in the books!
Today I had the pleasure of chatting with Thom Didato, co-Founder and Editor of failbetter. When I interviewed Daniel Nester last week, he called failbetter “the OG of online magazines.” Indeed, failbetter was founded in 2000, way before online magazines were a thing, and when most still considered publishing in print to be more durable and prestigious. Needless to say, the stigma of online publishing has been lifted, and failbetter now boasts multiple recognitions from Best-Of anthologies and a great reputation in the lit mag world.
So, what is this long-standing lit mag’s secret sauce? What keeps a journal running for over two decades? Thom talked about his journal’s simplicity, how it has always been free of the “bells and whistles” that some online journals get bogged down with. Also, of course, there is the small matter of publishing consistently great writing.
failbetter publishes poetry and fiction of any length. Their guidelines describe seeking work that is “original and personal.” When I asked what a “personal” story means, he said a story that is not autobiographical, necessarily, but which nonetheless “exposes the writer.” The story should also begin with “a particular intrigue” and see that intrigue through all the way to the end.
The magazine publishes new work every other week. They try to publish an eclectic array of styles and subject matter, though Thom did mention a particular interest in fiction that is character-driven.
What else has Thom seen in the lit mag world over two decades of publishing? What is his opinion of the current abundance of lit mags on the market? You’ll have to tune in to find out!
failbetter will likely be putting out a call for editorial help soon, so if you’d like to get more involved with the magazine be sure keep an eye out in my newsletter, check their news section or reach out to Thom directly.
They are open for submissions year-round. All submissions are free.
To everyone who came out to watch and join the conversation today, thanks for tuning in! Your presence is pure delight!
And thank you to Thom for taking the time to take us inside another great little magazine.
Happy viewing!
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