Six Questions for David Galef, Editor-in-Chief, Vestal Review-Update

Vestal Review publishes flash fiction of no longer than 500 words. It runs a few flash-related interviews and reviews, too, also limited to 500 words or fewer. “We pay $50 to contributors.”

This interview has been updated with corrected and new information. You can read it here.

Six Questions for David Galef, Editor-in-Chief, Vestal Review

Vestal Review publishes flash fiction of no longer than 500 words. It runs a few flash-related interviews and reviews, too, also limited to 500 words or fewer. We pay $50 to contributors. Read the complete guidelines here.

NOTE: This interview has been updated with corrected and new information.

SQF: What is the mission of Vestal Review?

David Galef: “Mission” is a high-sounding term. Let’s just say that we aim to publish excellent flash fiction, with an eye toward a diversity of voices across a broad spectrum of talents.

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

DG: First and foremost, we like to hear a distinctive voice; second, saying something we haven’t heard before. Third, we’d like the story to move along and not be some static set of observations or a prose poem.

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

DG: Tired or inexact language, well-worn or contrived plots, and nonexistent endings.

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

DG: We’re eclectic, so a lot of different approaches work for us. That said, we look for arresting sentences, exciting setups, or characters we want to watch.

SQF: Is there a genre/type of story you’d like to receive more of?

DG: We'd love to see more good genre fiction, anything from fantasy and science fiction to mystery and horror, minus the clichés that come from not having read enough in that category.

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

DG: What aspect of Vestal Review sets it off from other magazines?

At twenty years old, Vestal Review is the oldest-running flash fiction magazine on the planet, which gives us a depth and breadth that a lot of other magazines lack. Check out our archives.

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

Six Questions for Mark Budman, Publisher/Editor, Vestal Review

Vestal Review publishes a semi-annual print magazine and has a web presence devoted to publishing flash fiction not longer than 500 words on a quarterly basis. The magazine accepts works in all genre except children's stories. Vestal Review has been published continuously since March 2000. Read the complete guidelines here.

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

MB: Brevity, energy and drive. These are the essentials of flash fiction.


SQF: What are the top three reasons a story is rejected, other than not fitting into your answers to question one and why?

MB: Cliches, mediocre executions, predictability. These factors sink the story. Publishing is a competitive business. You can't be just adequate and compelling. You need to stand out in the crowded field.


SQF: What common mistakes do you encounter that turn you off to a story?

MB: Stories written for the sake of "surprise" endings. Easy way out such as a terminally ill character. Stories without a plot. Not following the guidelines.


SQF: Do you provide comments when you reject a story?

MB: Only if a story has a potential. Comments are a tricky business. Some writers get defensive when getting them.


SQF: I read a comment by one editor who said she keeps a blacklist of authors who respond to a rejection in a less than professional manner. I'm sure you know what I mean. What do you want authors to know about the stories you reject and how authors should respond? Along this same idea, do you mind if authors reply with polite questions about the comments they receive?

MB: I don't keep any blacklists, though I do get my portion of "less than professional manners." I prefer that the writers don't enter into a discussion unless I asked them questions.


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

MB: Why did you get into such an ungrateful business of editing?

I wish I knew. It's masochism, I guess. Or maybe just the desire to promote the art of fiction writing, particularly flash fiction writing.


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

NEXT POST: 3/10--Six Questions for Betty Dobson, Poetry Editor, Apollo's Lyre