"Is This Story Malleable?" Lit Mag Reading Club Q & A with Lena Valencia & Patrick Ryan, Editors of One Story

Eds of One Story take us behind the scenes

Good day! I come with news of another editor interview, freshly wrapped.

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Lena Valencia and Patrick Ryan, Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief, respectively, of One Story. This magazine is an award-winning print journal with a unique format: one story is published each month. One Story, Inc. also offers classes, workshops, a summer conference, and publishes One Teen Story, “which gives teen authors the opportunity to be published, professionally edited, and paid for their work.”

Today’s conversation focused on a fascinating feature of this journal, which is its commitment to working with authors in order to make their work as strong as can be. Patrick took us through the editorial process, beginning with receiving work that excites, approaching the author to ask whether they’re willing to edit the piece (“Is this story malleable?”), and then going through anywhere from four to fourteen rounds of edits, a process which can take up to a whole year.

Of course, Lena emphasized, writers ought not to submit to this magazine expecting to have their work edited. As with any journal, the submitted piece should be strong, polished, and the writer’s best work. (This magazine gets about 10,000 submissions per year, so submitting knockout work is a must.)

What, then, is One Story particularly looking for? What qualities ought a piece have that will make the editors eager to work on it with a writer? And what sort of experience are these editors hoping to have as they read a work of fiction?

Lena emphasized the importance of a narrative arc. The strongest works read like a “mini novel.” She cited the value of “emotional resonance” and “feeling something intense.” For Patrick, “character is really really important.” He wants to be “interested and invested in what happens.” The editors are open to work containing speculative elements, as well as elements of horror, science fiction, surrealism, and humor. But the works should always stand alone as complete stories and be “character strong.”

As this was part of our Lit Mag Reading Club, we read several recent issues. We were lucky to be joined by Susan Shepherd, whose story “Lambs” was issue number 308. Susan told us about her revision process and shared her experience of submitting to this magazine multiple times before finally getting an acceptance.

Indeed, writers who’ve been rejected from One Story should not be discouraged! Patrick told us of a recent contributor who was rejected 43 times before finally landing a Yes at this journal.

What are common reasons for rejection? What themes do these editors see a lot of? What additional traits ought a story have in order to stand a better shot here? And what elements will make these editors say yes to a story, even though revisions may be necessary?

For all that and more, you’ll have to watch the video!

One Story publishes fiction between 3k - 8k words. They have a policy of never publishing a single author more than once, do not solicit work for the most part, and do not place high value on cover letters. They are always on a “search for new authors.”

To everyone who came out today, thank you for tuning in! Your faces are bright hints of spring on my rainy afternoon!

And, of course, thank you to Lena and Patrick for taking us behind the scenes of another vital little lit mag.

Happy viewing!

This one is for Lit Mag Reading Club members only. You can become a member any time by becoming a paid subscriber to Lit Mag News.