"Lissette's Tales of the Imagination is devoted to historical fiction with a twist; be it fantasy, horror, science fiction, or a genre we haven't mentioned. We are also looking for poetry. Atmosphere is paramount, and we would prefer something that tells a story, even in a few short stanzas. In both stories and poems, we are not interested in world creation or invented cultures, but established mythologies and legendary realms (Olympus, Asgard, Camelot, etc.) are welcomed."
(ceased publication)
SQF: What are the top three things you look for in a submission and why?
KR: We first look for a story that fits the guidelines of the magazine, a work written within a historical setting that has a speculative twist. The speculative aspect can be slight, or it can have a strong influence in the story. Second, we look for a good plot in the story with well-rounded characters. And third, even though the stories are speculative, please do your research in the historical period in which the story takes place.
SQF: What are the top three reasons a submission is rejected, other than not fitting into your answers to the above question and why?
KR: The first reason a work is rejected is because of grammar. While basic grammar mistakes are overlooked when we're first reading the story, if there are jarring mistakes, or the story doesn't flow smoothly and obviously needs more editing work, it will be rejected.
The second reason a story is rejected is because, for whatever reason, the piece just doesn't stand out from the other submissions.
For the third reason, in regards to poetry, most poems are rejected because they don't fit with the guidelines.
SQF: Which of the following statements is true and why? Plot is more important that character. Character is more important than plot. Plot and character are equally important.
KR: We feel that both are equally important.
SQF: Do you provide comments when you reject a submission?
KR: We rarely provide comments. If there is a story we really liked but for some reason ultimately rejected it, we'll sometimes explain in the rejection why we rejected it. Also, if we liked the writer's style but couldn't use their work, such as the story didn't fit with what we were looking for, we'll express interest in seeing other pieces of their work.
SQF: What do you consider to be the primary responsibilities of an editor?
KR: I consider the primary responsibility of the editor to select the best work possible for each issue of the magazine and select as wide a variety as possible so the readers can read a good selection of types of stories from horror to humorous.
SQF: What one question on this topic do you wish I'd asked that I didn't? And how would you answer it?
No response provided.
Thank you, Kristin. We all appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to participate in this project.
NEXT POST: 3/12--Six Questions for Pat Dey, Slushreader, Flash Fiction Online
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