Lit Mag Reading Club Chat: Indiana Review Summer 2022
Q & A with Bernardo Wade & El Williams III, Editors of Indiana Review
Another editor interview is in the books!
Today’s chat was actually with two editors, Bernardo Wade and El Williams III, Managing and Poetry Editors of Indiana Review. We talked about the magazine generally, the editorial process, what the editors like to see in submissions, and we asked a few questions about the summer 2022 issue specifically.
Bernardo described the editorial process as one governed by a sense of community. As Managing Editor, he wants the issues to reflect the diversity of the MFA program at Indiana University. He encourages all students at the MFA program to serve as readers for the magazine, and all readers are invited to attend discussions about the work that goes into the issues.
As writers themselves, Bernardo and El shared how they understand the importance of working with writers whose work is very close to being ready for publication in the magazine, but still needs some final development. They also take submissions seriously. All the work that comes in gets read, and a majority of the work that ends up in the magazine is not solicited.
This magazine gets a whole lot of submissions, though, approximately 2,000 per semester. Their advice for a writer who hopes to get published here: stand out.
Bernardo described the kind of work the editors tend to favor as being “carefully strange.” Humor is also a plus, so long as it’s thoughtful and complex.
For anyone wondering if their work is a good fit, I’d suggest looking at the magazine. I know, I know, we hear it all the time. But in this case the latest issue really does shed light on the type of aesthetic these editors are seeking. And if you join the Lit Mag Reading Club, you’ll get to participate in our conversations about lit mags and watch videos like this one!
As always, huge thank you to everyone who came out to join the conversation today. And thank you to Bernardo and El for taking us backstage for a better understanding of another lovely little magazine!
This one is for Lit Mag Reading Club participants only. You can join the club anytime by becoming a paying subscriber.
Happy viewing!