Thread by @willwrite4chai

At @ExpoReviewLit we believe an essential piece of sustainability and longevity for indie #litjournals is building a strong community.

Our #AWP23 #MeanttoLast panelists shared tips on making that happen:

What works: “Journals who recognize that I am also a writer, not just someone who reads all day. We talk about ourselves as writers. This is something we’re all doing together, we’re all part of this community. It helps us remember why we do this.” — @CdEskilson

“For me, it was going out there and doing the work and connecting with the community: schools, bookstores, community centers. A lot of the first few years of the journal were me just out there...” (1/2)

“…It doesn’t sound like fun work but it is, it’s so fulfilling. This is the closest one can get to magical existence.” — @anotchka (2/2)

“It can be hard to work in a place and see no movement, no experimenting with different roles, no path forward.” — @anyamariajo on having opportunities to grow.

In the same vein, our panelists talked about turnover in journals:

For @anyamariajo, “When you see a masthead change at lightening speed, that’s something to be wary of.”

For @CdEskilson, “I love turnover. It’s a good thing. People moving in and out of roles is natural—these are volunteer roles; it’s a thing that happens. Having that community aspect and people to take on roles is important for the journal to move forward…” (1/2)

“Open communication and a community makes a journal more sustainable.” — @CdEskilson (2/2)

For @anotchka, “My goal is to be a reader, not an editor-in-chief. It’s so much pressure. [But really] I want to stay on as editor-in-chief forever, I want to run this journal when I’m old, [and then] I want to hand it off, to pass it to the next generations.” (1/2)

To do that, “Its important to bring in interns, to give them more responsibilities. Its fun to see them evolve over time and expand their capabilities.” (2/2)

Bonus advice from @CdEskilson: “Experiment working with different journals. Multiple different levels of engagement reminds you what your intentions are as an editor, and what work you’re giving to others. Moving up and moving sideways is just as helpful.” #AWP23