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Daneet Steffens
Daneet Steffens is the editor of Mslexia, a literary magazine promoting women’s writing. We asked her a few questions about the magazine, here's how she replied...
Tell us about Mslexia in 50 words or less.
A vibrant, ambitious and growing organisation, Mslexia commissions and publishes work by prominent authors as well as talented newcomers. We provide a high-profile platform for new and established voices, with the parallel aim of improving the reach and quality of women’s literature.
Who can submit material to Mslexia?
We publish beginners as well as professional writers. We welcome submissions in English from women of any nationality, from any country.
What sort of material are you looking for?
Mslexia welcomes previously unpublished submissions from women for every part of the magazine. The New Writing section is for poetry and prose on selected themes. You can find full details here.
Why are literary magazines like Mslexia important?
[They] encourage and empower women writers to produce, publish and have their work read by providing a showcase for their work as well as an opportunity for new writers to be published. A magazine like Mslexia adds structure to wider writing communities as well as providing support to women working in what can be a very isolating work environment.
What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
In a few words (all equally essential): Get feedback. Stay passionate. Never give up. And always remember: writers are readers too.
What are the best and worst things about working at Mslexia?
Best: Being part of a vibrant and thriving writing community for women that helps writers to achieve their goals. Providing a platform that provides a first-time publishing outlet. Watching the state of women’s writing and publishing improve since Mslexia’s inception a decade ago.
Worst: Not having enough time to action all the ideas we have!
To subscribe to Mslexia or take up the Try Before You Buy offer go to: www.mslexia.co.uk/shop/subscribe.html
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Mslexia
This is 2009
There is no need for Ann to publish a poem or book under the name Andrew.
Mslexia mistreats male writers. It just as easy or difficult writing for either sex sucessfully. Gender is no part of it.
I would certainly not promote Mslexia. It is offensive to male and many female writers.
Mslexia
I enjoy Mslexia and find its features to be relevant to me and its fiction to be original and interesting. I certainly don't find it offensive, any more than I find any other magazine that is targeted at a particular section of the population offensive.
MsLexia
I am a writer, and male. Over many years of attending various groups and courses, I have heard women writers mention they have been published in this magazine, or have submitted to it and have their fingers crossed. I am open to pursuation as to why there might need to be specific outlets for this or that group in society. I am quite happy to see magazines or anthologies devoted for instance, to women's perspectives or issues. But my understanding of this magazine is that it takes any sort of writing, on any theme so long as it is by a woman. From time to time I ask my female colleagues in what way they as women feel they may be discriminated against as writers to make such a magazine necessary. Nobody has ever been able to give me an answer. I fully concede that women suffer discrimination in many areas, but as writers seeking publication? Hardly.
I disagree with the comments
I disagree with the comments above.
I believe there is still a prejudice against women writers. Why was the author Joanne Rowling published under the name J.K.Rowling? So that her name was neutral.
The prejudice isn't just from the publishers but from the readers. Many readers and publishers may assume that if a book is written by a woman it will be frivouls, romantic and soppy.
There are also many other reasons why women use Pseudonyms, just look it up!