Behind the Scenes: An Editor’s Guide to Literary Magazine Publishing
Writers often imagine literary magazine publishing as a mysterious process—submissions disappearing into a void, rejections arriving without explanation, and acceptance rates that feel impossibly small. Phoenix Oasis Press recently interviewed me to break down the process from the editor’s side, talk about what really happens behind the curtain, and give writers practical steps to improve their odds.
About the Author
I’m Kolby Granville, founder and Editor-in-Chief of After Dinner Conversation, a nonprofit literary magazine and Substack publication that focuses on short fiction built around ethical and philosophical questions. Each month we publish stories designed to spark debate—pieces that sit at the intersection of narrative, reflection, and moral tension.
Phoenix Oasis Press, a Phoenix-based literary community and small publisher focused on supporting Arizona writers with low or no-cost resources, conducted the interview. Their mission is to offer resources that help Arizona writers generate work, build skills, share their stories, and connect with a vibrant writing community. Phoenix Oasis Press
Hidden Barriers in “Open” Submissions
Not all open calls operate the same. At many well-known magazines, only a small fraction of their published pieces come from general submissions. The rest come from solicited work, invitations, and existing networks.
If you're serious about publication:
Spend 3/4 of your time identifying the right magazines, and only 1/4 submitting.
Use submission-databases and lists to determine solicited vs. unsolicited acceptance rates, like Chillsubs.
Ignore the myth of the “5% acceptance rate.” The number is lower if you submit to the wrong magazine, and higher if you submit to the right one
You’re Judged on More Than Your Story
Editors read with context. A strong story matters, but so does how well it aligns with the publication’s mission and goals.
Different magazines prioritize different things:
Prestige-focused mags want recognizable names.
Diversity-focused mags look to lift under-represented voices.
Local or social mags want writers tied to their geographical or thematic community.
Niche publications—like After Dinner Conversation—prioritize theme over author identity.
University magazines often publish students or alumni, but each is unique.
A clean logline, a clear sense of your story’s purpose, and alignment with the magazine’s aims help you stand out.
Submission Guidelines Matter
Many first readers pass on potential pieces not because the writing is bad, but because of sloppy formatting, unreadable fonts, ignoring the theme, or word-counts far outside the stated range.
To avoid auto-rejection:
Make your work easy on the eyes.
Know the magazine’s editorial focus and “sweet‐spot” word count.
Read past issues to understand their voice and themes.
Don’t send pieces that violate the “we don’t accept” list.
What Makes a Great Short Story
A strong concept often beats perfect prose. If the core idea is clever, surprising, or philosophically rich, readers will follow you.
Elements of an excellent short story:
A creative premise that shows passion from the author.
A clear understanding of where the story actually begins.
A pace that doesn’t treat the piece like a novel.
A sense that the writer deeply knows the world they’re describing.
Tools and Lists to Find the Right Home for Your Work
Two public, free resources can save writers endless time:
DP Brecht’s List
Ranks 1,000+ lit mags by awards and anthologies.
Shows open dates, fees, word counts, payments, and methodology.
Fiction on the Web “Fish List”
Covers 3,000+ magazines.
Ranks by longevity, pay, response time, CLMP membership, and more.
These lists are labor-intensive to maintain. If you use them, consider donating or buying the creators a coffee.
Common Questions From Writers
How do I handle rejection?
Rejections are not a judgment on your talent. They’re transactional. After Dinner Conversation receives nearly 200 pieces a month and sends almost exactly 200 rejections (because of the high influx). Decide what you want—publication, payment, or simply telling a story—and let that guide you.
What is an immediate pass?
Second-person openings (“You walk into a store…”)
Submissions far outside the magazine’s guidelines (word-count, genre, theme)
Should I approach magazines outside my genre?
Only if you have a clear reason. Otherwise, submit to the places that want what you write.
When should I ask for payment?
Publications list compensation clearly. Budgets vary widely—small magazines often pay little or nothing; some pay modestly.
How do I know a piece is ready?
Write it, revise it heavily, then put it away for a few months.
Get feedback from others.
Ensure your readers see what you intended. If they don’t see it, you didn’t write it.
How can I improve my chances of acceptance?
Cut your opening as much as possible.
Read your story backwards to catch typos.
Get outside eyes—don’t write in isolation.
How long should a short story be?
As long as it needs to be, but many magazines have a sweet spot. At After Dinner Conversation, the range is 1,500–7,000 words, but pieces around 3,500–4,500 tend to work best.
Where can I find critique groups and events?
Phoenix Oasis Press maintains an events calendar that includes groups like AZ Authors Association, Red Sands Writers Circle, Phoenix Writers Network, and more. Their page is a good starting point for community connection.
Closing Thoughts
Publishing isn’t only about writing a good story. It’s about matching your work with the right venue, respecting guidelines, understanding editorial needs, and presenting your story as professionally as possible.
Thanks to Phoenix Oasis Press for the chance to share an inside look at how literary magazines operate, and for supporting writers across Arizona and beyond. If you write fiction that asks big ethical questions, consider submitting to After Dinner Conversation—we’re always looking for stories that make readers think long after the last line.
