Six Questions for Rebeca Morales, Editor, The Milo Review

The Milo Review, an online and print quarterly, publishes short fiction, novel excerpts, poetry, essays, original art, and narrative nonfiction to 9500 words.

(Ceased publication)

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

Rebeca Morales: We look for work that is well-crafted, emotionally engaging, and/or presents a unique perspective.


SQF: What most often turns you off to a submission?

RM: Craft is of primary consideration, but we do respond warmly to a personalized submission. If an author or artist includes a salutation and references one or two of our stories or poems it goes a long way. We have requested additional material from authors simply on the basis of a thoughtful query.

Please don't be rude, or defensive. That should be self-evident, but I'm surprised at the number of submissions that include bizarre statements like, "if you don't like this, it's your loss." Very strange. It's fine to feel that way, but some things are better left unsaid.


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

RM: We prefer original pieces, but we will consider almost any work that we find compelling and feel merits a wider audience.


SQF: Do you provide comments when rejecting a piece?

RM: Occasionally, especially if we already have a relationship with a writer. Also, if a submission is not quite a fit, but the piece is well-crafted, we ask to read more.


SQF: What magazines/e-zines do you read most often?

RM: The Iowa Review, The Paris Review, Scientific American, New York Times Magazine, Glimmer Train, Kweli Journal, Narrative


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

RM: Why do you do this?

We do this because there are dozens and dozens of wonderful, unique, inspiring, brilliant, provocative voices out there that need a forum. Agents ask writers about their platform, where they've been published, who knows about them, who they're connected to. We want them to say, The Milo Review. We are inspired by the legacy of Christina L. Ward, who passed away in 2012, a wonderful agent and a champion of fine writing.

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

NEXT POST: 1/23—Six Questions for Arvind Radhakrishnan, Editor-in-Chief, The Bangalore Review