Hello dear reader!
It’s happened. The first full issue of Sally Port Magazine is ready to read.
That’s actually an amazing thing for me to say. Yes, I might have liked to see a few things happen sooner, but this is part of the process. Some challenges we solved in getting this to you hadn’t happened six months ago (or even three months ago!). But, we got things together and have a great slate of authors for you this issue.
And a great cast of characters too. Adventurous house cats, wizard detectives, magical beings, and even ordinary folks wondering how they got into this mess.
We’ve also got non-fiction about how to write and the writing life. Nicole Bay’s Conlang Corner will help the writers among you, and their characters, have their own unique voice. And I’m sharing some insights based on my own adventures as an author, and some things we saw preparing this issue.
There are those who’ll ask, “Why does it matter?”
There are several reasons.
For readers
For readers, we’ve got marvelous stories, stuff that helps us look at things in a new way or from a different point of view. (And we’ve got several more of those lined up for our April sudden turns issue.) Entertainment? Yes. But there’s more to it than that.
Our magazine’s about more than just entertainment. It’s about growth and connection. And the connection part really matters.
Talking to a friend who publishes fiction for the middle grade market (and a few other writers and publishers at a conference) Sally Port being a showcase for authors’ work is a help for authors, readers, and publishers. For you, the reader, we might just help you find your next favorite author.
For writers
If you’re a writer, submit your work. We may connect you with both folks who want to read your work and people who’ll publish that dream project of yours. (We’ve all got one. If you can’t find yours, maybe we can help you find it.)
Our first full issue also brings help in the form of freelance editors. In our classified section, you’ll find ads from the folks who helped us edit this issue. Not every editor’s a fit for every author, but we’ve got some great folks who’ve worked with us. And every one of them has shown the effect an editor can have on an author’s work.
And then there’s what we’ve learned along the way. Firsts lead to seconds, and we’re already rolling in the “I wish I’d known that” stuff into what we’re doing for the next issue. (Which, by the way, will feature the first story we accepted and several more that build upon the themes we’ve started in this issue (Just with a “why didn’t I see that?” twist.)
It’s been an amazing journey so far. And we really are opening the door for both those already “in the trenches” publishing stories and inspired newcomers sharing their work for the first time.
Check out the magazine and if you’ve got a story to share, check out our submissions page. At Sally Port Magazine, growth and adventure are our business. And we’d be happy for you to join us.
I’ll see you next post.
