AWP: Looking for Lit Mags

Making the most of your 2023 conference

1. Spend some time wandering the sales floor. See who has a big booth and who has a small both, and who is splitting a booth. This will tell you a lot about the caste system in the industry, which might shape how you schedule your submissions.

2. They are there to sell you a magazine or subscription. You are not there to sell them a story. Usually, the booths are staffed by the grad students who may or may not still be at the mag when you actually send your submission. Let them talk to you. Budget to buy 3–7 magazines or subscribe to two

3. Have a short pitch for your piece ready! You might happen to meet an editor at the booth. A quick, “Sure,” from the editor will enable you to write on your subject line: “Met at AWP Seattle/encouraged me to submit.”