"Nothing is Off Limits Except Bad Writing." A Chat With Andrew Tonkovich, Editor of Santa Monica Review

a glimpse into the submissions process at a vital West Coast magazine

Did you know some lit mags still accept submissions by snail mail? Why in the name of all that is good and holy is this true?!?!

I’m kidding, of course. It’s really not that big a deal. And if you listen to my brand new interview with the delightful Andrew Tonkovich, Editor of Santa Monica Review, you will learn about the rationale for some editors who still prefer submissions this way. Among many other wonderful insights, Andrew shared that he is sick of screens and that he, like all of us, just likes books.

In addition to the submission process, Andrew and I discussed what types of manuscripts he gets particularly excited about, the link between political writing and experimental forms, what is exactly meant by political writing, and how his own history as an activist and labor organizer informs the kind of voices he seeks to publish.

Santa Monica Review is affiliated with Santa Monica College, and was for a long time the nation’s only lit mag out of a community college. In spite of its link with the school, Andrew has complete editorial freedom. There are no word limits on manuscripts; he strongly favors socially conscious work with “voice and attitude.”

Submissions to the magazine are open year-round. There is no fee to submit. And if your work is accepted, Andrew will give you a good old-fashioned telephone call to let you know!

Thank you so much to everyone who came out to participate today! I love seeing your faces!

And, thank you so much to Andrew for taking the time for this interview.

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