Six Questions for Sean Sam, Ligeia Magazine

Ligeia Magazine publishes poetry, fiction and nonfiction (creative nonfiction and reviews) to 2,000 words, and art. Read the complete guidelines here.

SQF: How did you come to be a part of this magazine?

Sean Sam: It started with a meeting at a diner with Matt Lee, my fiction co-editor. We both had thought of the idea of starting a webzine before we met, and when it came up again, we decided to do it for the experience and community.

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

SS: Originality of subject matter and focus. An interesting or unusual voice. And a willingness to take chances. These usually signal that the author has developed their own style.

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

SS: Usually, I give most writing a good chance. Not following guidelines will usually bias a normally stoic editor against a piece though. Then again, no one likes to read or has time for guidelines. 

SQF: What do you look for in the opening paragraph(s)/stanza(s) of a submission?

SS: It’s an interesting question. Since we’ve been doing this, I’ve seen quite a few works that have a strong opening and then fizzle out. Aside from voice and technique, the most important aspect of an opening is that it creates enough drive to carry a complete story. This is something I don't see discussed that often.

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

SS: For our fiction and nonfiction section, we don’t have any issues with most content. One of the things we wanted to do was publish things that other people are squeamish about. It’s not the content, but how it’s presented or framed (satire or subversion). 

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

SS: How important is design for a lit site? For us, the design was really important. If people feel like their work won’t be presented well on a site, they’re less likely to send. They’re also less likely to stick around and read.

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