Question 1

Where did the idea for this project come from?

Accepted Answer

Literally, in the bathtub. But in a broader sense, I (Abby) have been part of literary magazines for many years now. While I have loved these opportunities and plan to apply to more in the future, I thought... why not make my own literary magazine? What's stopping me, really?

So I did it--for the experience, for the resume boost, and for the ability to promote awesome writers like myself. No more gatekeeping! I'M THE GATEKEEPER NOW! AND I DECLARE FREE PROMOTION FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Question 2

How do you come up with your themes?

Accepted Answer

Like anything else. We create them ourselves, with careful consideration to topics that are broad enough to appeal to many but also specific enough to encourage conscious thought. Also helps if they have a quippy name.

Question 3

Is this press LGBTQ+-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We're here for our gays, our theys, and everyone in between! And we do not discriminate against any races or religions either. If you'd like to include mention of your identity in your writing, be our guest! Or don't. It's totally up to you.

Question 4

Will you ever include other art mediums in your literary magazine (like art or photography)?

Accepted Answer

Funnily enough, that was the original plan, but then I (Abby) realized I'm not exactly an art or photography expert. I have a master of fine arts degree in creative writing, nothing else. But it would be awesome to get another artist on board with me someday to judge art I'm not as familiar with. So maybe in the near future, if we're lucky!

Question 5

You allow partially AI-generated work? Whaaaaaaat?

Accepted Answer

Yeah, this was a hard one for us. While I (Abby) object to AI art simply on principle, I also understand that fighting against progress is usually a losing battle. Besides which, I believe technology can be used effectively to create prompts or outlines that artists might be able to use as a launching pad. Consider blackout poetry or remixes of songs. Artists utilize these mediums to take an already established work and change it enough to make it their own. So, yes, technically you can use AI to assist you... but please don't make us regret it.

Question 6

Is there a submission fee?

Accepted Answer

Nope! Submitting to this journal is totally free. You're welcome!

Question 7

Do I have to write about myself to make it into the zine?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Write about yourself, a completely made-up character, or hell, even a rock hurtling through space for all we care. Just make it compelling and on theme!

Question 8

Oh no! I accidentally submitted my prose/poetry with a mistake! What do I do?

Accepted Answer

These things happen! Simply send us a message over email or chat box with your identifying information, and we'll delete your entry in so that you have the ability to submit a new one.

Question 9

I made the press! Now what?

Accepted Answer

Congratulations! You will get an email from me (Abby), and we will collaborate together on how best to present your piece! (This will only entail some light editing, if I happen to catch any mistakes.)

Then your piece will be published on this website (for free) and in our physical magazine (for a small fee).

Question 10

I didn't make it into the press, and now I'm sad.

Accepted Answer

That's... not really a question...? But don't be sad! I (Abby) was also rejected from my very first literary magazine, and it literally kickstarted my writing career (i.e. I was so pissed off that I used the rejection letter verbatim in my application to grad school. Reduce, reuse, recycle, babyyyyy!)

But yes, we understand it's hard to hear a "no" when you really wanted a "yes." Unfortunately, our press only takes twenty to forty pieces in total each issue (range dependent on submission quality), so we can't accept you all. We wish we could! Your time to shine will come someday, somewhere.

Question 11

Are you hiring?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. We'd love to offer paid positions, but it's simply not feasible right now. As for volunteer positions, we're really not in need of extra help at the moment, but we'll let you know if that changes.

The best way to support the project at this time would simply be to get the word out. Follow our socials! Tell your friends! Just doing these things would make us eternally grateful.

Question 12

Why do you sell things on this site? Aren't you in it for the love of the craft?

Accepted Answer

Trust me, we're not gonna get rich doing this. We sell merch purely to recoup the cost of maintaining a website. Even though I (Abby) designed this entire website by myself, the domain name and website builder come with monthly/yearly charges. As for us selling physical copies of our literary magazine, that's more of a personal decision, because A.) it's satisfying to see our hard work in physical form, B.) we think it's nice to give contributors the option to have proof of their success on paper, and C.) maybe you're just a fan who wants to hold some excellent art in your hands!

Question 13

Why do you keep using "we" if this project is only run by one person?

Accepted Answer

Because it's fun! I (Abby) am using it like a monarch would use the "royal we." We think it is just splendid!

Frequently Asked Questions