Friday, September 7, 2018

Six Questions for JL Jacobs, Editor/Art Director, Abstract Magazine

Abstract is seeking submissions of original work in poetry, flash fiction, creative nonfiction essay or memoir, in addition to multimedia submissions featuring audio or video content.” Reprints are accepted. Read the complete guidelines here.

SQF: Why did you start this magazine?  

JL Jacobs: Because there was a divergence in aesthetics from another magazine, and I saw good work that was not getting through for over-determined reasons.


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

JLJ: Finely wrought craft. Surprise me. Insight.


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

JLJ: Funky fonts. Strange writer names & titles. What my assistant editor calls "hateful political views".


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

JLJ: On a "regular" basis: Vogue, Poetry Project Newsletter, Contemplative Outreach Newsletter, the Times.


SQF: If Abstract Magazine had a theme song, what would it be and why? 

JLJ: I think we've published it already. Last January. Yes.


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

JLJ: We recently got news of one of my nominees for the Pushcart Prize being selected. Thylias Moss' poem "Blue Coming" was selected by Bill Henderson for The Pushcart Prize XVIII, 2019 edition: Best of the Small Presses. I'm pretty excited about that right now.

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

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