Six Questions for Elizabeth O. Smith, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Helios Quarterly Magazine

Helios Quarterly Magazine publishes micro fiction of exactly 100 words (Drabble), flash fiction of 500-1,000 words, short stories of 1,001-1,500 words, serial stories up to 10,000 words, poetry, nonfiction, reviews, and artworks/photography in the genres of science fiction, horror and fantasy. Issues are themed. 

(ceased publication)

SQF: Why did you start this magazine?

Elizabeth Smith: To contribute to the tradition of great speculative fiction magazines and uplift marginalized voices.


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

ES: Brevity, bite, and backstory.


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

ES: Ignoring the word count limitations and/or theme.


SQF: If you could have dinner with three authors, who would the be?

ES: Edgar Allen Poe, Toni Morrison, and Ray Bradbury


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

ES: Writers often write to impress the editor(s) or follow a theme strictly in hopes of having a higher chance of being published.


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

ES: Why submit to literary magazines in the first place? I believe short fiction makes you a better writer. And, for the magazines that offer feedback, free critique to apply on a broader scale.

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