What Moving to Production Means

Around a month before an Issue you'll often hear us say "we're switching to production." But what does that mean, exactly? Here is a semi-detailed low-down on what occurs when we flip the switch:

One month before launch:

• Internally close submissions for upcoming Issue. Anything past this is considered for the Issue following.

• Editorial pauses weekly reading and discussion of slush pile until Issue editorial work is done. Usually 2-3 weeks.

• First readers continue reading and scoring.

• 1-3 editors assign themselves to each story/poem in our production sheet. They perform detailed developmental and line editing.

• Editors begin working with authors to perform revision rounds. Pieces can change a fair bit at this stage. But always for the better.

• EIC works with Artist-in-Residence for front and back art selections.

• Production works on Google Search Console to make sure SEO and searchable pages are ready for the influx of site visitors and interest.

Two weeks before launch:

• Marketing coordinates public cover art reveal.

• Marketing begins laying out new Issue template for upcoming author reveals, author spotlight graphics, and author interview excerpts.

• Editorial bands together to do final copyediting and decides run order of Issue.

• Editorial masters each file according to journal style.

• Production begins working on Issue in Indesign and Word to put issue together and create output in multiple unique versions: Print, A5 UK print, Web PDF, Epub, Website

• Work with Ingram to lay bookseller info and worldwide selling options for print edition.

• Request physical proofs from Ingram and hope they arrive before launch.

One week before launch:

• Daily author reveals begin on socials.

• In-depth author information packet is emailed and at-cost form opened for qualifying patrons and all Issue authors.

• Marketing plans DIY campaign to promote Issue.

• Production builds out site backend and landing pages.

• Update Radon site with any improvements or changes that were worked on during off-season.

• Fix print edition issues for final revised print version.

• Double-check content warnings with authors.

Launch pre-night (12 hours before going public):

• Entire team scours site for errors introduced in the coding. Usually end up re-doing site to play nice with Apple devices after they've been tested on our PC & Android testing site for days.

• Tabulate final word counts and payment amounts to authors

• Launch day celebration

After this, our marketing team blasts at full strength and keeps busy for the next three months. Editorial takes a few days to catch their breath and returns to looking for the next story that will make them feel alive. Production continues working with our multiple printers and distributors, and monitoring our Google Search Console and site backend for issues.