I believe everyone knows how difficult getting published is. I have been making submissions to literary magazines for some months now, and all have been getting is rejections ( some personalized rejection).
So currently, I'm looking into becoming a volunteer reader, to get behind-the-scene and get to understand the publication process. The magazine I will be submitting an application to--Carve magazine--has its requirements
1) A CV
2) An understanding of the magazine aesthetic and style.
Now my problem with the two requirements: For the CV, In terms of formal training, I can only boast of an O level (by West African standard) In English, and a EF SET English certificate. Secondly, I'm an undergraduate of Economics. So I currently have no CV tailored for this kind of application. So I would be needing advise as regards putting together a good CV ( like what to include, and all that). I currently belong to a critic group--Scribophile. So I'm really wondering what to include and put in the CV basically.
As regards to the Aesthetic and Style, I have not really grasp around what a magazine mean when they talk about their aesthetic and style. So I need help understanding this two terms. I have been reading the magazine's archive for days now, but I still can't figure out what their aesthetic and style is by doing that. So advise and assistance needed.
Here is my email if you want to contact me privately: [email protected]
Thanks.
Basically, what Temidayo's asking is how to become a first reader for a magazine. (I suggested he ask around here.)
So, if anyone here has been a first reader, or knows something about it, their input here would be greatly appreciated.
Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm ~ Winston Churchill
V37: R, R, R, HM
V38: SHM
Many magazines have standing calls to become first readers for them on their sites. Some do open calls, which is how I got on the Apex team. Others do invite only. It’s a matter of preparation and looking for opportunities, I think.
As far as aesthetic and style, think about the kinds of stories they publish. What do those stories have in common? Why would you find those stories in Carve and not another magazine?
V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.com
Managing Editor, Apex Magazine
I just got rejected for an opportunity to be a first reader. 
Any idea what they're looking for, aside from having professional sales? It's not as if we critique publicly. 
Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm ~ Winston Churchill
V37: R, R, R, HM
V38: SHM
When I applied to Apex, I had to analyze 3 of their stories as part of the process. I'd guess they were looking for an alignment of perspective and an ability to see the kinds of things the editors are looking for. Some of this is objective - can be learned - but some is subjective and specific to the needs of a particular market. Unless they gave you a reason, there's no way to know why they declined.
V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.com
Managing Editor, Apex Magazine
Thanks! I think I know why I've been rejected--there's no way for them to tell I'd be a good fir in anyway. They didn't offer a trial or anything. I guess I'll just have to wait until I get something published, then try again (as my signature so tellingly says).
Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm ~ Winston Churchill
V37: R, R, R, HM
V38: SHM
Strange Horizons just put out a call for first readers, if you're still interested. 
http://strangehorizons.com/about/volunt ... -horizons/
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. ~ Mark Twain
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, SHM, 1st Place (Q2 V38)
Ticknor Tales
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4th and Starlight: e-book | paperback
Thanks! I've submitted my application. I don't have such high hopes, although it's a big investment--they're asking for eight hours a week. Still, I imagine it would be worth it.
Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm ~ Winston Churchill
V37: R, R, R, HM
V38: SHM
Good luck!
Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten - Neil Gaiman
Good luck!
Thanks! Welcome to the forum!
Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm ~ Winston Churchill
V37: R, R, R, HM
V38: SHM
Good luck!
Thanks! Welcome to the forum!
Thanks!
Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten - Neil Gaiman
Update: Just received a form rejection. I'm not too bummed about it. Tomorrow is another day.
Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm ~ Winston Churchill
V37: R, R, R, HM
V38: SHM
