Six Questions for Yossi Faybish, Chief Editor, Aquillrelle

Aquillrelle publishes fiction, poetry and essays.

(Ceased publication)

YF: Aquillrelle works hand in hand with the author on all the book's aspects, thus ensuring that the released product is at its best.

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

YF:

1. A language which proves that the author believes in the things he/she writes. It should not emanate an artificial/mercenary feeling.
2. If I was running a contest on this subject, would it stand a chance to get short-listed?
3. Originality of language and/or idea and/or presentation.

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

YF: 

1. In general: anything that discriminates/proselytises/causes-intentional-harm/personal-attacks/promotes-violence-or-drug-abuse.

2. In poetry:

• bad rhyming, greeting-card rhyming
• words scattered all over the page
• overly/artificially sweet/tearful/rude
• completely meaningless (unless explained; abstract – ok)
• “oh poor me”

3. In prose:

• horrible English
• stolen or corny ideas

SQF: Will you publish a submission an author posted on a personal blog? 

YF: Yes, why not? We believe in copyright but not in exclusivity.

SQF: What do you want authors to know about the submissions you reject and how authors should respond? Along this same idea, do you mind if authors reply with polite questions about the comments they receive?

YF: If the submissions are not according to defined criteria, and we do allow for reasonable (subjective) variations, then the authors should know why, without getting into any details. Any other submissions, or in case of no criteria, we will work with the authors towards acceptability. We do not mind answering polite questions, however we will not provide detailed analysis of reasons. We wouldn’t mind receiving corrected versions as well; our main aim is to promote quality and will act in line with this declared aim.

SQF: What is the best part of being an editor?

YF: Having so much and varied stuff to read. Contrary to popular belief, we at Aquillrelle hate acting God-of-decision; we prefer to work with the authors, as mentioned above, towards a good end product.

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

YF:

Q-What is the size of your slush? A-Zero.

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

NEXT POST: 6/25--Six Questions for Susan Yount, Editor and Publisher The Arsenic Lobster Poetry Journal