SQF revisited - Yellow Mama

Yellow Mama publishes hardboiled, horror, noir, psychological/horror, cutting edge, and literary fiction to 3500 words. The editor also accepts flash fiction to 700 words.

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

Cindy Rosmus: Not to come off as a snob, but I love getting a story that reads like I wrote it, myself: a fast-paced, pull no punches story with an edge. I prefer stories 2500 words and under, because many of my own fall within that word count. Professional presentation of manuscripts is a MUST. I can’t stress that enough. Don’t send me what reads (and obviously looks) like a first draft. Indent your paragraphs, punctuate your dialogue. I also look for a “balanced” story where in the end, all loose ends are tied up. And I just love kick-ass closing lines.

Read the original interview here. 

Six Questions for Rachel Evelyn Sucher and Claire S. Lee, Co Editors-in-Chief, Counterclock Journal

Counterclock Journal is an online literary & art publication founded in summer 2017 dedicated to showcasing high-quality poetry, fiction, nonfiction, visual art, and cross-genre work. Read the complete guidelines here.

SQF: Why did you start this magazine?

Counterclock Journal: Our mission at COUNTERCLOCK is to heal, destigmatize, and empower through writing and art, to explore the diversity, complexity, and resilience of the human experience.


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

CJ:

1. Poetry and prose with a consciousness to language without sacrificing a clear narrative. Oftentimes, we will receive submissions (usually poetry) with clear attention to language but no plot/story. We look for works that strike a balance between the two; these are the pieces that remain in our minds weeks later.
2. Work that is real, vulnerable, and makes us feel a connection towards the author/narrator. 
3. An ending that leaves a heightened sense of awareness of the world around us.

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

CJ: Our biggest turn-offs include erotica, purposeless profanity or violence, and overly pedantic language.


SQF: What magazines/zines do you read on a “regular” basis?

CJ: We love reading Tinderbox Poetry Journal, TRACK//FOUR, American Poetry Review, Adroit Journal, Divedapper, Muzzle, and THRUSH.


SQF: Many editors list erotica, or sex for sex sake, as hard sells. What are hard sells for your publication?

CJ: We don’t have any hard sells. We are always looking to expand our definitions of art, and most anything is fair game to be considered for publication.


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

CJ: What’s one piece of advice you would give to an emerging writer looking to get their work published?

Read the publication’s submission guidelines and archives to get a sense of what they like to publish. You can also look towards publications who will give feedback with submissions. Though COUNTERCLOCK is not able to give feedback on every submission, we do our best to give feedback on as many submissions as we can with a relatively quick turnaround time.

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

Six Questions for Justin Bendell and Kristian Macaron, Editors, Manzano Mountain Review

Manzano Mountain Review publishes prose to 3,000 words, flash fiction, poetry, visual art, and photography. Read the complete guidelines here.

SQF: Why did you start this magazine?

MMR: We wanted to build literary culture and awareness in New Mexico outside the typical centers.


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

MMR: Fresh language; curiosity/perceptivity; attentiveness to editing requirements


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

MMR: Cliches; General sloppiness; Stories that start in a dorm room and end at a campus bar.


SQF: What do you look for in the opening paragraphs/stanzas of a submission?

MMR: Wow moments; captivating language; rhythm; movement, in media res;


SQF: If Manzano Mountain Review had a theme song, what would it be and why?

MMR: I'd be surprised if the editors could agree on a theme song for the journal. If Justin could pick a theme album for MMR, it would be Manu Chao's Clandestino.


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

MMR: N/A

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

SQF revisited - decomP

decomP publishes prose up to 3000 words, poetry, art, and solicited book reviews on a monthly schedule. decomP does not accept genre fiction, interviews, letters, etc.

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

Jason Jordan: In no particular order, my top three are a likable protagonist, compelling plot, and interesting use of language.

Read the original interview here.