Foyer Magazine publishes pieces between 600 and 800 words and a limited number of photo essays and artworks/illustrations. We publish contributions from the point of view of people who are second-generation, mixed-heritage, third-culture, or displaced. “FOYER is run by a combination of commissioned and open submission content. We believe in giving both established and emerging writers and artists the opportunity to contribute” Read the complete guidelines here.
SQF: Why did you start this magazine?
Fiona Livingston: I come from a mixed cultural heritage background (Scottish-Dutch), and was always looking for a magazine which discussed life and culture from people with this unique perspective. Even though there are articles in many magazines which feature the odd article from these points of view, there wasn’t a dedicated space for these stories, ideas and opinions to be heard, and celebrated. I wanted to take on that challenge by creating a dedicated print magazine for these audiences, and to explore these experiences through poetry, fiction, essays, memoirs, photo-essays, artwork and reportage.
SQF: What are the top three things you look for in a submission and why?
FL: Firstly, I am looking for new perspectives, something original, and an imaginative way of addressing the topic; looking not just at the topic directly, but also around it to consider other factors. We are very open to articles of all shapes e.g. memoirs, reportage, fiction, science reports, poems, photo and art essays, and experimental layouts. We want to connect with readers on all levels, so the more imaginative you can be with communicating your story the better!
Secondly, we are specifically looking for voices from people from our target audience. We get lots of submissions from people not from the cultural backgrounds we are looking for, and therefore do not get accepted. So, in your submission I really like it when contributors include a short sentence introducing themselves and their cultural background, and how their submission fits into the magazine. This helps to give context to your submissions and really sets the scene.
Finally, clarity of voice and writing style is really important. Everyone needs to connect with and understand your submission. We want a submission where the concepts and ideas are balanced with clear and concise writing style, no flowery language please!
SQF: What most often turns you off to a submission?
FL: I am most put off when a submission doesn’t have the theme or ethos of the magazine in mind, for example an author has submitted a piece they have on file and are just sending it everywhere. We often receive submissions approaching the theme from a very unexciting or ordinary perspective, and this can give the impression of a lack of effort or thought has gone into the submission, which can be quite disappointing.
SQF: What do you look for in the opening paragraph(s)/stanza(s) of a submission?
FL: I want to read something that grabs my attention, already shows me that the author has considered the theme from a different perspective, and has a strong individual author voice. Make me think about the theme from an unexpected perspective, and I need to see that early in the submission.
SQF: Submission guidelines are often long and boring. Is it really necessary to read them?
FL: Submission guidelines should not be treated with fear, they are there to help you. We endeavour to make our submission guidelines useful, relevant and there to guide you so you know exactly what it is we are looking for, how we would like you to consider the subject theme, and also what we are not looking for. Our guidelines are made to be easily ‘scannable’ using bullets points so you can pick out the most relevant information. Our guidelines not only cover what we would like to see from you, but are also there to answer any basic questions such as will I get paid and how much, how will I get paid, what is the schedule etc. It saves both you and the editor a lot of time and makes the process of submitting and being accepted so much easier and quicker. So yes, please do read submission guidelines!
SQF: What one question on this topic do you wish I'd asked that I didn't? And how would you answer it?
FL: Why did you call the magazine FOYER?
FOYER has a dual meaning in English and French, which seemed perfect for a magazine dealing with mixed cultural heritage. In English it means a place where people can wait and meet each other, and in French it means a hearth or home. I loved the combination of these two meanings, both bringing people together but also in a place of comfort.
Thank you, Fiona. We all appreciate your taking time from your busy schedule to participate in this project.
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