Editor’s Desk is a column about literary journals: the submission process, the evaluation process, and everything else.
I’m in charge of several of the sides along with preparing a turkey that doesn’t taste dry. It’s taken years to get that recipe right. With my mac n’ cheese, I know I have to shred a block of cheddar and extra sharp cheddar because if I buy it already shredded, the consistency of the dish changes. Yes, folks, this is my dumb way of connecting the patience and practice of cooking to the patience and practice of writing.
But enough with my horrifying metaphors. Here’s a post about some things I’m thankful for.
Best American Essays
Laura Dobbs’ essay “Slowly, Then All At Once” was published in the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of Hypertext Review. I was thrilled to discover her piece appears as a Notable in the latest issue of Best American Essays. We’ve now had a handful of our pieces listed in the series.
It’s an incredible feeling to not only get to publish amazing work, but to see it showcased in other venues, to have the work of our contributors recognized. Running a journal takes a lot of work, but our editorial team makes sure to nominate for Best of the Net and Pushcart.
Increased Contributor Stipends
To serve in a literary journal that has the means to pay its contributors means a lot. Compensation has remained at $40 for some time. But recent awards of small grants and donations has allowed the journal to raise the stipend to $60. We know it’s not enough for the amazing work we get to publish, but we’re glad to be able to provide those funds and still sustain the journal.
Readers
When I started some years ago at Hypertext, I was the sole reader/editor for the Nonfiction. I spent my weekends pouring through submissions.
Now, I have a team of readers. It’s invisible, unpaid work. The readers are writers themselves, with impressive publications along with day jobs to pay the bills. It means the world to have this level of support as we churn out high-quality issues.
A Slush Pile Gems
Like I’ve said in previous posts, almost all of our published work comes from the slush pile. When I read the submissions, I am in awe of the work being produced.
Perhaps you have submitted and gotten a rejection. Or two. Or three. Please know that we only publish twice a year and in selecting work for the journal, we frequently have to pass on really strong submissions. Please keep sending us work!
My Literary Community
I’ve gotten to connect to wonderful writers through online fellowships, classes, and journal launch readings, which have lifted my spirits. In a year of a great deal of rejections (and getting waitlisted at Bread Loaf) my small community of writers and poets have encouraged me to keep working on my craft. I’m especially grateful for having the change to present at HippoCamp this year and to have gotten to teach a few Essay courses through Gotham Writers Workshop. These spaces have invigorated me when I wonder if my work will mean anything.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday.
The turkey was delicious, not at all dry and tasty for the rest of the weekend! Lots of wonderful people and events to be thankful for. Our hope is for the end to the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa. Maybe next year?!?