Remington Review is a digital journal of art and literature, publishing four editions per year. The journal accepts submissions of poetry up to 10 Word pages, fiction and creative nonfiction to 3,000 words, and up to five pieces of visual art. Remington Review wants to give your creativity a home. The editors seek new, original work. However, as of January 2021, editors accept reprints, as long as your submission contains information about past publications. Finally, the editors accept general submissions without a specific theme. Submit your best work--something daring and moving. Click here and select More from the top-line menu for submission guidelines.
SQF: Why did you start this magazine?
Kasy Long: I was the production manager of Polaris, the undergraduate journal of art and literature at Ohio Northern University. For three years, I worked one-on-one with contributors and my peers to produce a credible journal. After graduating in 2017, I missed working on a literary journal, especially celebrating a writer or artist's creative dreams. I loved every aspect of producing a creative journal--from observing its conception to the finished product.
It was a thrilling process, so in July 2017, I decided to take a big leap and jump into the digital publishing world with my own literary journal, Remington Review. I collaborated with a small group of peers to work on the journal. I was told it was going to be close to impossible to succeed, but here I am, four years later, and the journal is thriving at a rate I never anticipated. I am very grateful for our contributors and readers who have shaped Remington Review into what it is today--a journal that celebrates creativity in all forms.
SQF: What are the top three things you look for in a submission and why?
KL: I love a good hook in writing, both in poetry and prose work. The first paragraph or opening stanza should attract my attention and give me a reason to continue reading. I want to be captivated by the work. I also look for a strong voice and the quality in the writing.
Regarding all of the submissions (including art), I appreciate it when I can tell someone is familiar with our publication. While we don't have set themes for our issues, we tend to publish writing and art with similar voices, quality, aesthetics, and engagement. It's a good first impression when I know someone has taken the time to read our publication and understand our voice.
SQF: What most often turns you off to a submission?
KL: This is a difficult, yet good, question. Because we don't have set themes for our issues, we accept general submissions. However, there are specific topics that I dislike: racism, sexism, ableism, and other discriminatory topics. I won't publish material that promotes discrimination.
In addition, it turns me off to a submission when I notice the writer or artist has not reviewed our journal, our guidelines, and what we have published in past issues. All of our issues are free to read online; therefore, it helps to familiarize yourself with our work. For example, we don't typically publish horror or fantasy writing. If you write these genres, it might be best to submit to another journal that specializes in horror and fantasy. I will still read and consider your work, but those submissions don't typically align with our aesthetic choices.
SQF: What do you look for in the opening paragraph(s)/stanza(s) of a submission?
KL: I'll admit that I like a good "hook" in the opening paragraph or stanza. This is especially true for poetry. The first line needs to grab my attention with its poetics and tone. On many occasions, the first stanza makes me pause and reflect on the idea the poet is presenting. This is established in the first stanza.
With prose writing, there can be a slow burn to introduce the story, but I still need to grasp the topic of the story, the speaker/characters' dilemma or objective, the voice, and how the story is different.
SQF: Many editors list erotica, or sex for sex sake, as hard sells. What are hard sells for your publication?
KL: Our publication has featured poems and prose pieces about romance and sexual subjects. However, we prefer not to publish pieces that feature gratuitous sex—sex scenes that don’t serve a purpose. It’s okay to write about sex and romance, as long as the subject material is respectful and the piece has a deeper meaning.
As I previously mentioned, other hard sells include racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination. We value giving artists a voice and platform, as long as that voice does not discriminate other groups of people.
SQF: What one question on this topic do you wish I'd asked that I didn't? And how would you answer it?
KL: "As an editor, what are some positive changes you see in creative writing and art in today’s world?"
Creativity is evolving every day. Writers and artists are reflecting on global topics (especially this past year), and they share similar ideas. Writers and artists are unconsciously working together from around the world. It’s an exciting global phenomenon. I understand this, and my mission is to support this creative conversation. I will continue to highlight these bold, unique voices in the journal. For those who submit to Remington Review, I hope you will also support this global phenomenon and feel inspired to participate in this creative, cultural evolution.
Thank you, Kasy. We all appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to participate in this project.
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