Six Questions for Alex Korovessis, Editor, Kasma SF Magazine

Kasma publishes science fiction from 500-4,000 words, but will consider longer works. "Ideally, we'd like to receive fiction that is intelligent, with well thought out plots and characters. Beyond this, exactly what happens in your world with your characters is up to you. We enjoy a broad range and don't want to stifle author creativity by having elaborate expectations. Often enough, the best stories come as a surprise."

(ceased publication)


SQF: What are the top three things you look for in a story and why?

AK: What I love to see in submissions: a) originality b) creativity c) cleverness. These three qualities are found in all of my favorite stories, both published by Kasma and in other publications.


SQF: What are the top three reasons a story is rejected, other than not fitting into your answers to the above question and why?

AK: I dislike rejecting work that people have put their heart into, but it's part of the process, unfortunately. The top three reasons that a story doesn't make it into Kasma: a) mundane plot/characters b) poor structure/grammar/spelling c) excessive foul language/sexual content.


SQF: What other common mistakes do you encounter that turn you off to a story?

AK: Not including a title or one's name with a submission.


SQF: Do you provide comments when you reject a story?

AK: No. I understand that comment and critique may be desired by some and can help, in most cases though, I think it's just adding insult to injury. I don't like tearing apart someone's story because, frankly, my criticisms may hurt their feelings. Also, because of lack of time, most rejections that I send out are by form letter.


SQF: Based on your experience as an editor, what have you learned about writing?

AK: I am a poor writer, admittedly, but I'd like to think I can, and have gotten better at recognizing good writing.


SQF: What one question on this topic do you wish I'd asked that I didn't? And how would you answer it?

AK: I wish you'd asked me why I choose to serve as publisher and editor of Kasma Magazine and pay for stories out of my own pocket. The answer is: I love science fiction. Being able to contribute to such a brilliant genre, even in the smallest way, is a real honor and privilege. If one person reads Kasma and says to themselves, "wow, what a neat story," then I consider the magazine a success.

Thank you, Alex. We all appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to participate in this project.

NEXT POST: 4/26--Six Questions for Jolie du Pre, Editor-in-Chief, Leodegraunce