Making Sense of Lit Mags: Q & A with Jenn Scheck-Kahn, Founder of Journal of the Month
Literary entrepreneur offers advice for writers in navigating the lit mag world
And another interview has just wrapped!
Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Jenn Scheck-Kahn, Founder of Journal of the Month. This is a wonderful service for writers that allows them to sign up to receive a variety of lit mags per year with one subscription. (If you haven’t yet found a gift for that writer/reader in your life, or for your own hard-working writer/reader self, this might be just the thing.)
In today’s chat, Jenn and I discussed how writers can make sense of the contents of lit mags in order to determine if those mags are right for them. Jenn listed certain criteria useful in assessing magazines in both fiction and nonfiction.
Why do this at all? Why not just submit one’s work to any old place that’s open?
Jenn cited several great reasons. One is the money that could be saved by sparing oneself from spending reading fees on lit mags that are not actually a good fit for one’s work. Another is sparing oneself from too much suffering. Let’s be real: rejections stink. And being able to better target lit mags can spare us some undue suffering.
We also discussed the lit mag landscape more broadly. Jenn talked about changes she’s seen within lit mags over the past decade. We also talked a bit about why so many lit mags have been closing of late.
In the audience was a member from the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses who shared with us this report on the financial health of the literary arts.
Additionally, Jenn encouraged all writers to be their own best advocates. She reminded us that writers can submit their own stories for consideration in the Best American… series. (I did not know this!) Learn more about that here.
It’s always fun talking to Jenn, who’s read hundreds of literary magazines. Thanks so much to everyone who came out to participate today. And, of course, thanks to Jenn for taking the time to share these insights.
Happy viewing!
Interesting interview. I’m going to crawl into a hole now and stop writing. Just kidding, but . . . her approach sounds incredibly time-consuming, and without any significantly improved prospects for success. For example, if you know a lit mag likes stories that build to a strong conclusion rather than starting strong, that doesn’t mean they will like YOUR story that closes strong. It also seems odd to write an essay or short story based on a lit mag’s preferences. A better approach (and a more genuine kind of writing) is to write the piece the way it feels most natural and right to you. Just write the best piece you can and let the chips fall where they may. All editors are looking for good writing, and they love being surprised. So surprise them with a well-written, creative, imaginative and awe-inspiring piece, and let the rest go.
Very interesting to see the link where you can submit to BASS and Best American Essays your work if it was published.