I’ve had a few different people ask me about the process of starting a literary journal, since I’ve had two online journals now and even a flirtation with chapbook publishing I thought I’d give you a little background on the process.
First thing you should ask yourself is – WHY?
Seriously, why do you want to start a literary journal?
There are plenty of good and valid reasons for starting one but what is your particular reason? Some good reasons?
- you’ve always wanted to try editorial work
- there is a segment of the writing world that you feel is under represented
- you have skills to bring to a literary venture (marketing, editing, design)
Those are just a few possible reasons. My main reason was that I enjoyed working with writers and I thought I could bring something new to an online venture when I started Shape of a Box because I was interested in video combined with writing and other art. I even knew it was going to be a lot of work when I started but I still don’t think I knew how much work it was going to be. Hated to give it up but I just couldn’t take it to the next level production wise without magically having found a source of income to help support the purchase of new software etc.
So, you think you have an excellent reason for starting a lit mag. Here are some other things to consider:
- Do you want online or print? Or a hybrid?
- How much money do you want to spend on the venture?
- If you haven’t already decided you need to think of what kind of journal you want. Is it going to represent a certain genre etc?
These are just a few of the items you will need to think about when you are starting out and I can answer any specific questions in comments about other aspects of launching a literary magazine, but the biggest thing I want to emphasize is that there are a lot of journals already out there. Don’t start one just because you always wanted to start a journal, start a journal because you have something unique you bring to the table. Just like with the act of writing itself - write what no one else can write. With journals – produce what no one else would be able to produce.
I hope I am doing that now with Referential Magazine. If not? If it doesn’t pan out, I won’t just keep it going for my own desire to edit. I want a chance to really have an online journal that shines with quality pieces that speak to each other. Perhaps someday if I obtain advertisers or grants maybe I’ll even do some print issues, although, I’m becoming more and more a fan of online journals over print. Hate to admit it but it is becoming true! I still love a book to hold in my hands but for short pieces of writing? There is nothing like pulling it up in full color with an awesome picture .
Feel free to ask questions in comments. No email questions on this one please because I’m sure several people will have the same questions!
Let the questions begin….NOW!
It is a lot of hard work for no pay to have an online journal, but the rewards do make it worthwhile. Angie and I lucked up that the Rose & Thorn was passed on to us; it was already a viable “e-zine” when we took it over from Barb Quinn, and we then changed the website and some other things to make it our own, including calling it a “journal” instead of a literary e-zine.
Glad you also mentioned all the work that goes into it Kat! But you are right, there is something about publishing authors who deserve to be published that is so wonderful rewarding! It is definitely what keeps me going.
For those of you unfamiliar with Rose & Thorn click Click here
I wonder about the choice between the terms – Journal, Magazine, eZine? When I had “Shape of a Box” I went for none in the name but I referred to it as a literary magazine whereas I decided to use Magazine for Referential. I think it was more of a sound thing for me but I do wonder how editors choose…
Jessie, you are just so awesome and share the best info
Thank you!
And, here I sit with your book in hand
It came in yesterday’s mail but I did not know as my husband forgot to tell me.
He brought it to me this morning (I’m not at home, taking care of my friend’s mom till Wed)
Loved what you wrote in the book to me
Thank you!
I am going to wait till tonight to read your poems as I want to have a special treat before I go to bed!
I did take a sneak peek though, loved that little peak
Taking the little lady I’m taking care of on a little drive now.
She is 89 and has alzheimer’s but very sweet!
Have a great sunday
Margie
So glad I could help!
You are such a trooper to help take care of your friend’s Mom.
I hope you enjoy the book. You really honored me by ordering it. I can’t thank you enough!
Good points Jessie-
Since I am about to embark on my position as Open Mic head with the WWArts Council, so I will be helping brainstorm where we can go with the writer/poets. We have a few creative writing teachers, and writers on the committee to help sort through the work. That is why I had asked you about doing a journal, but you are right. We have so many journals being put out around us, even I have been published in a few, but so disappointed in the finished product.
I will keep this in mind, matter of fact I will print this if it is okay with you, since I have a meeting with them on Tuesday before open mic.
Thanks!
E -I think it all depends on what your focus is with a possible journal. Do you want to showcase the work of people who participate? Then more likely you might want to think about doing some kind of chapbook anthology versus a journal although Iodine Poetry Journal began, in part, as a result of an Open Mike that has now been going on for 11 years.
Feel free to take it along with you and any more specific questions you get from the other members please let me know and I’ll try to help point you in the right direction
I didn’t start a literary journal, but I did take over in one where poetry was not the emphasis. I did so because the editors already had full plates, and the journal could have gone under. When I became the sole Poetry editor, I established my own goals 1) to become more inclusive with respect to the poets we publish, and thus more representative of what the South truly is, 2) to raise the standard of the poetry we publish, and 3) to publish and encourage beginner poets. I had to do all of this within the framework the editor had already set forth. I hope I’m doing all three.
Along the way, the editor reminded me (several times, in fact) not to let editorial work stop me from creating my own art. That’s why I’m taking a break from reading submissions. Our plan was (is) to keep the Dead Mule going until April 2017, then put him out to pasture.
I hope that others will consider stepping in to take over the Mule cause it really is a great way to showcase Southern Lit. I think you are doing what you set out to do. The Mule is unique!! It was still the first publication that ever solicited work from me
Jessie, I don’t think we’ll even consider letting anyone else adopt Val’s Baby!
Helen – it is a tricky business to hand over the reigns. Trust me on that one!
I do.
You know, my dreams are not of a journal but of a publishing company. I want Sibling Rivalry Press to grow… there are a lack of publishing houses in my geographical location and so many good writers…
Bryan – when I started out I wanted to do a journal but then move into chapbooks. I just didn’t have the business acumen to really pull it off but you have already done such a fantastic job with your own book. I’d love to see you take it to the next step and publish someone else!!! It is a really fantastic idea
Your take on this is realistic and optimistic Jessie. You are an innovator anyway by nature I think and because this is a time for pioneers really, you are in your element. Publishing is changing, and no matter how many dinosaurs grumble, it’s expanding into other areas. I love my print hand held books, but I agree with you, for shorter works, nothing beats online and the variety of new writers is like candy for my soul. Anyone who has the jam to start an online journal, to me, is meant to do discover new talent and to have the eye for this is a gift.
Val – thanks! I hope you send something Referential’s way someday. I’m being a bit picky though, I think! Or is that the PMS talking? hehe
There is nothing wrong with picky Jessie, just think of it as quality control because that is what will really give it credibility and a good reptuation. I promise, when I send you something, it won’t be hack like lol I’ll even…wait for it…REVISE hehe See what you are doing to me? As for PMS, just take two chocolate bars, one National Enquirer with at least one story about Brangelina and call it a day. In the morning you will be your old self in no time. hugs.
Speaking of quality control, will ya slide that u in ‘reputation’ and put it before the first ‘t’? I’m bleary from writing my novel, at least that’s my excuse and I’m stickin’ to it.
ya know i haven’t looked at a National Enquirer in YEARS! STAR used to be my favorite because it had a big crossword puzzle in it
Typos are a requirement for me. I need a copyeditor!
I know just the person to send this to. Perfect – thanks for writing it all out.
No problem! Please let me know if there are other questions and I will try to address them as well
I’m always SO impressed with all you manage to accomplish, Jessie! Do you ever sleep?
first I don’t have Kids Susan!
And I’m thinking of taking a unisom tonight. My brain wouldn’t shut down last night so I had that weird kind of half sleep where all kinds of ideas are floating around…
I think sleep is overrated. There is too much else to do.
I found this post interesting because my husband and I are starting up his old literary journal A PIG IN A POKE. Wish us luck.
I really wish I didn’t have to sleep
Good luck with the new venture. Dear readers copy and paste this link to get some more info on Trina’s lit mag venture http://trinaallen.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/the-return-of-pig-in-a-poke-call-for-submissions/