"However, there is one problem we have run into: a lack of submissions. Has your magazine experienced this? If so, then how did you deal with it?" -Lars
Lars, I would guess that this is one of the biggest issues that plagues a majority of Lit Mags. I wish that I could give you a clear cut solution. Our publication is in a similar situation.
One of the things that We have done (being that I am an art teacher) to increase the Art Submissions, is to work with our high school Art Club. Our Art Club takes images of students work to put on the district web site. We have begun having one of the Art Club members also be a member of the staff. They help to take the images and can pull pieces they think could be used. If you have an Art Club that is a great avenue to getting Art submissions.
As for Literary submissions, English teachers are the best avenue. Have the staff talk to their English teachers and ask for students who are good writers. Search out those students and ask them for some of their writing. If you know someone who likes to write ask them for work.
Finally, Advertise! Put up posters, run ads in the school newspaper, and run commercials on the school television news (If you have one). Get the word out!
One of the things that We have done (being that I am an art teacher) to increase the Art Submissions, is to work with our high school Art Club. Our Art Club takes images of students work to put on the district web site. We have begun having one of the Art Club members also be a member of the staff. They help to take the images and can pull pieces they think could be used. If you have an Art Club that is a great avenue to getting Art submissions.
As for Literary submissions, English teachers are the best avenue. Have the staff talk to their English teachers and ask for students who are good writers. Search out those students and ask them for some of their writing. If you know someone who likes to write ask them for work.
Finally, Advertise! Put up posters, run ads in the school newspaper, and run commercials on the school television news (If you have one). Get the word out!
2 comments:
one other way to get work is to ask students who write to ask other writers at school. Sometimes a student can shake poems out of reluctant writers faster than any teacher. And if a writer says that he or she is contributing, 3 others may follow suit.
Nghi Trieu... I'll be honest, I have not been involved with our Lit mag for several years now. However, I can tell you how I would go about it now. I currently am advising our AP Studio Art students and there portfolio photography. If it is on canvas I have found photographing to be the best way to photograph. If the canvas has a shine to it that can be problematic but I have found a work around.
To set up your photo space, get a pair of fairly strong light sources (or several smaller lamps) and split them up at 45 degree angles to the surface of the canvas (left and right). This will cut down on glare and give you a more even lighting. If the canvas is glossy, spray it with a flat clear spray paint to dull the surface and let it dry. Make sure that your camera's white balance is set for your light source.
This should give you good results.
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