Hello everyone,

We’ve been busy here at a/q the last few months!

Before we jump in, if you were forwarded this message we hope you join us by subscribing for the long-term (it’s all free). We promise we only send occasional messages and they always bring good things.

The Community of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP) in collaboration with Midnight Mind Magazine, and over one hundred other literary publications (including us here at a/q & s w i f t s: a literary magazine), is thrilled to announce the inaugural #LitMagWeek, taking place September 28 through October 2, 2026.

The brainchild of Brett Van Emst, editor and publisher of print magazine Midnight Mind, #LitMagWeek is a virtual celebration of the vibrant and vital community of literary magazines and journals publishing across the country. Throughout the week, literary magazines will be sharing through their social media channels discounts, videos about their work, reading recommendations, and throwbacks to favorite literary magazines from the past. The website www.litmagweek.com will feature spotlights on participating publications, interviews, and offered discounts, as well as a full list of participants and information about how to join the celebration.

CLMP, whose mission since its inception sixty years ago has been to support the essential work of literary magazines, has helped coordinate and promote the initiative. “Brett’s idea and the enthusiastic response of so many magazines demonstrates the innovative, inspiring spirit of the lit mag community, which has always been fundamental to the literary and publishing ecosystem,” said CLMP Executive Director Mary Gannon. “We can’t wait to see the energy generated by the first #LitMagWeek and anticipate it being an annual celebration!”

For a full list of participating magazines and to learn more about joining #LitMagWeek, visit www.litmagweek.com and follow @litmagweek on Instagram.

And be sure to follow s w i f t s: a literary magazine on Instagram and Bluesky for a look behind the scenes at a/q this week!

s w i f t s: a literary magazine published its third issue this summer!

We couldn’t be happier to get to share the work of Jared Beloff, Hayli May Cox, Scott Coykendall, Kristina Erny, Ken Taylor, & Caitlin Thomson. Go read their work!

And if you have writing of your own that you’re submitting, please consider sending it our way. Here’s all the information you need to know, and we’re always open for free submissions.

We’re thrilled to nominate work by Molly Akin, Jack B. Bedell, Amorak Huey, Frances Klein, Lauren Mallett, Gary McDowell, and Lindsey D. Alexander originally published in s w i f t s: a literary magazine for Best of the Net this year! Read their work at our archive!

The Best of the Net is an awards-based anthology designed to grant a platform to a diverse and growing collection of writers and publishers who are building an online literary landscape that seeks to break free of traditional publishing. This space has been created to bring greater respect to the continually expanding world of exceptional digital publishing. 

The Best of the Net Anthology began in 2006, a project created by Sundress Publications, to gather communities of online literary magazines, journals, and individuals that do the work of creating our digital literary landscape. We believe this effort is integral in decentering the literary canon as well as promoting and amplifying voices that are imperative to good literature, responsible culture, and the understanding of today’s social climate. We cherish these writers and publishers and hold digital publishing in high regards as a medium that creates access to a greater array of voices than the traditional publishing climate has allowed.

Keep an eye out on our newsletter and social media for more award nominations as fall continues!

Until next time, thanks for being here, for writing and creating, and for engaging with art however you can.

-a/q hq