For the first time in the magazine’s 22 years, USM’s literary magazine, “Words & Images,” is working toward nationwide distribution.
The annual magazine, which includes short stories and poems as well as artwork and photography, formerly accepted submissions only from the USM community and New England’s general public. Adviser Lee Hope, Publishing Director Robin Talbot, and staff are carving out a plan to reach a national audience. Last year’s publication featured over 60 submissions from New England writers and artists.
Talbot said that a wider distribution is important for the USM community because it can be used to promote the school by bringing the spotlight to the campus. National distribution also means opening the writing pool to more diverse submissions, she said.
Hope said this adds momentum to the magazine’s journey into the plane of widespread distribution by increasing its marketability.
Measures have been taken toward the goal of distribution, including creating a nationwide contest and advertising it in publications such as “Poets and Writers” and “The Writers Chronicle.”
“Words & Images” is hoping to attract a larger number of submissions through the annual Associated Writing Program conference, to be held in Baltimore this April.
Hope said this is where greater exposure will occur, because nearly every university with a literary magazine will be there, as well as writers from across the country looking to submit their work.
However, a plan for such distribution remains unclear.
Talbot said the USM community, which comprises an allocated 33 percent of the magazine space, should benefit from this expansion. While there are no contracts guaranteeing national distribution, steps have been taken to create a larger exposure to increase marketability to places such as Borders, but there is planning and work left before this happens.
Talbot and Marketing Director Sarah Wentworth plan to set up local book tables to advertise submissions and promote book sales. The Skinny on Congress Street holds an open mike night the first Tuesday of every month and has volunteered space to “Words & Images.” Book tables will also be set up around campus and at other Portland locations.