LITERATURE: Reading as Editor

While I’m reading, I’m also putting together our group literary journal, otto #2, for the fall/winter publication.  Without the time to gather more submissions, we’ve got a small issue, but it’s all top quality and still involves a lot of reading, editing, layout, printing and collating.  What I need to do is come up with a better marketing plan to extend it beyond the campus and local community distribution.  Be forewarned, it’ll most likely be put on sale here at Spinning, and more importantly, keep in mind that submissions are welcome.  In this issue we’re proud to include the beautiful artwork and inimitable writing style in an essay by Loretta of Pomegranates and Paper.

Just today I received an e-mail from one of the participants at the Wesleyan Writers Conference about a journal that he has produced called Dirt Press, a quarterly publication of new verse, fiction and visual art.  Check it out. 

The more I read, the more I’m leaning towards striking out on a new path of literature in editing and publishing the work of others rather than struggle as a writer, although it may mean more academic study before I’m truly qualified.  I’ve served as editor of magazines before (and layout, selection, etc.), one back in high school and one a few years back on traditional archery with a distribution of 500 nationwide with several readers located in Canada and overseas, particularly in England where it is still considered the "sport of kings." 

No, I know that it doesn’t mean a dime more financially than the outlook for a writer, but it does at least keep me in the field.  It’s all a matter of available time and interest.