Congratulations to Tom Sleigh

One of the benefits of my job at The City University of New York is the opportunity I’ve had to meet (and discover the work of) some amazingly talented (not to mention very nice) faculty writers. Among these folks is Tom Sleigh, who teaches in the Hunter College MFA Program. This week Tom was named the winner of the 2008 Kingsley Tufts Award for his collection, Space Walk. I had the pleasure of reading Space Walk when Tom brought in a copy for an office book display, and I am thrilled for him. Congratulations (and a handshake), Tom!

More Markets/Jobs/Opportunities

If you’re a fiction writer under the age of 30 you’ll want to pay attention (and do it fast, because the submission deadline is February 15) to this contest from The Kenyon Review. Alice Hoffman will be the final judge; stories must be 1200 words or shorter. “The Kenyon Review will publish the winning short story, and the author will be awarded a scholarship to attend the 2008 Writers Workshop, June 14th to the 21st, in beautiful Gambier, Ohio.” No entry fee.
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If you didn’t catch this news already at my super-special AWP blog, here it is once again. “The State-to-State Poets Exchange offers emerging poets from New York City and Minnesota the opportunity to expand the reach of their work by connecting to an active literary community outside their home state. For the first event, an emerging New York City-based poet will travel to Minnesota, meet with seasoned editors and literary presenters, and give a public reading and on-stage interview focused on his or her current work in progress.” The selected poet will also receive an honorarium of $500; the on-stage interview will be transcribed and published in Rain Taxi Review of Books. The second event will bring a Minnesota poet to New York. No application fees. More information/details on eligibility here. There’s no time to waste here, either: New York poets must apply by February 15.
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Seattle’s Hugo House is now seeking writers for its Belltown Residency program, which provides two writers with subsidized housing as well as the opportunity to teach in the Hugo House’s writing classes. Application deadline: April 11, 2008. No application fee. More information here.
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“Send us your stories! For the 2009 Albuquerque Almanac, an annual calendar, guide and selection of articles about Albuquerque, featuring writing by local writers on local subjects. We welcome essays, poems, short stories and other as-of-yet undiscovered kinds of writing of any length (though we reserve the right to edit and shorten). Writers will receive $30 for each accepted submission. Deadline is July 30, 2008. To submit or request guidelines, email mandy(at)streetsweeperpress(dot)com or snail mail ABQ Almanac, PO Box 153, Cedar Crest, NM 87008.” (via New Mexico CultureNet newsletter).
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Wolsak & Wynn, an Ontario-based publisher, accepts poetry samples and manuscripts between January 1 and March 31 each year. Check the guidelines here. (via placesforwriters)
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Finally, here are some job listings for good measure:

Visiting Assistant Professor (“Duties: Teach fiction, poetry, screenplay, documentary, playwriting, nonfiction, new media writing, journalism or related topics.”), University of California at Riverside
Endowed Chair in Creative Writing (fiction), Meredith College (North Carolina)
Media Relations Coordinator, Mars Hill College (North Carolina)
Writer, Stony Brook University (New York)

The Wednesday Web Browser: Poetry Publishers, Shakespeare, and Reflections on a Writer’s Education

The Washington City Paper profiles three poetry publishers. (via the Ploughshares blog)
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The first time I found myself having to defend the teaching of Shakespeare (to a poet, no less!) I was so stunned I was almost speechless. Thanks to Philip Martin for taking on the challenge himself. (via Critical Mass)
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This piece on “broadening your expertise” beyond journalism classes resonates as well for the merits of interdisciplinary, independent, and other undertakings that may not seem directly “related” to your MFA poetry or fiction or nonfiction submissions–but will enrich your work in nonetheless.

Seeking Suggestions from Practicing Poets

I think I have a pretty good sense of the litmag scene, and I certainly know where to discover and research additional “markets.” But now that I’m writing poetry, I’d love to hear some recommendations specifically from the practicing poets out there. Which journals (print or online) do you most enjoy reading? Would you recommend them to a relatively “newbie” poet? Why? Please share your thoughts, in comments.

Friday Find: Staff Openings at The Pedestal Magazine

The latest e-newsletter from The Pedestal Magazine reached my inbox yesterday, and it contained the following announcement:

“The Pedestal Magazine is currently seeking to fill three positions:

1. Poetry Editor. Applicants should have prior publication in Pedestal, as well as other prominent journals, and previous editing experience. Applicants should have at least one published full-length collection currently available. Applicant would be asked to edit the poetry in 1-2 issues per year. Please send resume to pedmagazine(at)carolina(dot)rr(dot)com.

2. Reviewer. Applicants should have prior experience reviewing for various publications. Pedestal currently publishes 850-1000 word reviews. Reviewer would be asked to undertake 1-3 assigned reviews per issue, primarily poetry collections but possibly short fiction as well. Send resume and 2-3 sample reviews to pedmagazine(at)carolina(dot)rr(dot)com.

3. Administrative Assistant. Applicants should be thoroughly familiar with MySpace.com: how to send friend requests, post bulletins, set up a blog, send event invitations, tailor/program a page aesthetically; i.e., all the ins and outs of setting up a compelling and effective MySpace page. Send resume, along with a link to a MySpace page you’ve designed, to pedmagazine(at)carolina(dot)rr(dot)com.”

Erika’s Note: Payment isn’t specified here, but given that the publication pays its writers, I certainly hope it pays its staff!

The Wednesday Web Browser: Selling Story Collections, Book Parties, and Granta

Not to start the new year off on a depressing note, but Armand’s guest post at After the MFA on the frustrations of trying to sell a story collection is worth reading.
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In sunnier news, Major Jackson reflects on book parties.
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Granta magazine is celebrating its 100th issue; in this article the Guardian revisits its history. (via The Literary Saloon)