For this post, members of Toyon were to consider a few of the following questions: "What are some of the complexities that editors need to account for when they evaluate submissions?" "What criteria would you use to judge a piece of writing as worthy publication in Toyon?" And "how can we go about ensuring that the issue represents a diverse range of writers?"
Firstly, I feel that editors need to have an idea of who their readers are going to be. Depending on who they feel is going to read what they publish, they may consider questions like: "what age group would be attracted to this work?" "who is it going to reach?" "How is it going to reach them? (through print or social media for example)" "Should I have a range of genes or should I just focus on one?" The answers for these questions depends on who editors are trying to attract as an audience. These are a few ideas that editor's should have in mind when they evaluate submissions. When they have an answer to questions like these, they then can begin to filter out what they want to include or leave out of their work.
Secondly, the criteria we currently have for Toyon I feel stands well. It is important for readers to know that we really want members of our community (Humboldt State students and members of Humboldt County) to participate in our journal. We are a journal committed to literature and art and we look for submissions that relate and reflect this category well. Personally, I'd like to find a piece of writing (in every category) that is unique and gets the mind of the reader turning. I think a piece of writing that is relatable and fun to read is important as well!
Lastly, I feel Toyon already does a good job of making sure that each issue represents a diverse range of writers. We take blind submissions which entails for a non bias decision by our members. Also, we only allow for each author to submit to one genre. To some this may seem unfair, as they may be passionate about multiple genres, but this way we can insure that each writer submits their best work. Also, this criteria prevents one author from taking up most entries in the magazine. It becomes fair and an equal opportunity for all.
Firstly, I feel that editors need to have an idea of who their readers are going to be. Depending on who they feel is going to read what they publish, they may consider questions like: "what age group would be attracted to this work?" "who is it going to reach?" "How is it going to reach them? (through print or social media for example)" "Should I have a range of genes or should I just focus on one?" The answers for these questions depends on who editors are trying to attract as an audience. These are a few ideas that editor's should have in mind when they evaluate submissions. When they have an answer to questions like these, they then can begin to filter out what they want to include or leave out of their work.
Secondly, the criteria we currently have for Toyon I feel stands well. It is important for readers to know that we really want members of our community (Humboldt State students and members of Humboldt County) to participate in our journal. We are a journal committed to literature and art and we look for submissions that relate and reflect this category well. Personally, I'd like to find a piece of writing (in every category) that is unique and gets the mind of the reader turning. I think a piece of writing that is relatable and fun to read is important as well!
Lastly, I feel Toyon already does a good job of making sure that each issue represents a diverse range of writers. We take blind submissions which entails for a non bias decision by our members. Also, we only allow for each author to submit to one genre. To some this may seem unfair, as they may be passionate about multiple genres, but this way we can insure that each writer submits their best work. Also, this criteria prevents one author from taking up most entries in the magazine. It becomes fair and an equal opportunity for all.
October 3, 2016