
For years I’ve been managing the SmokeLong submissions queue, and for that same amount of time I’ve been trying to figure out how to offer writers a meaningful and well-considered critique of their work while compensating the editors who give their time to offer helpful feedback. We’ve now decided to provide our submitters options so that they can receive feedback if they want it.
If you are a writer and you would like feedback from the SmokeLong Quarterly senior editors, you have the following options:
Senior Editor Feedback — If you choose this option, you will receive line-editing and detailed editing suggestions and comments on one flash narrative* from an experienced flash-narrative editor.
SmokeLong General Submissions with Feedback — If you choose this option, you will receive comments on one flash narrative* from at least 3 senior editors. These comments will be a general response to the narrative describing what works and what doesn’t with some suggestions for revision. This option is ideal for submitters who’ve received a personal rejection indicating that the narrative sparked a discussion among the editors.
The SmokeLong Quarterly Flash Workshop Online — This quarterly workshop is a 7-week asynchronous course taught by three experienced creative writing instructors, each leading a two-week module on a specific topic related to crafting compelling flash narratives. If you are interested in this workshop, please send an email to callen@smokelong.com to receive information about future workshops.
General submissions at SmokeLong will always be free. All the proceeds from the above feedback options, minus Submittable and Paypal fees, go to the editors providing the feedback.
We always look forward to reading your words.
Christopher Allen
*always under 1000 words