End of an Era
Friday, October 24, 2008 It was with sadness, or perhaps nostalgia, that I read the announcement earlier this year that Howard Junker, founder and editor of ZYZZYVA, will be retiring soon after nearly 25 years at the magazine's helm. Last week, I mailed him the impassioned plea below along with a new story.
Dear Howard Junker:
This could be our last chance. You're leaving soon. I understand that at some point one just has to move on. But we're going to miss you all the same.
I realize I haven't sent you the right story yet. I've been holding back, waiting for the perfect moment. Here it is. Attached.....
I look forward to the possibility of working with you to publish this piece in ZYZZYVA. Let's do this...while there's still time.
All the best,
Seth Fleisher
I'm aware that Howard (typically) doesn't read cover letters, but the last letter he sent me (to ask that I renew my subscription, which I'm considering btw), was equally candid, and I felt compelled to express my feelings here about the urgency of the situation.
I've had ghastly insomnia for the past three nights. All I can think of is ZYZZYVA and what we could still do together, if only....
Reader Comments (6)
good luck!!! i got an acceptance letter from him once and i think i just hopped up and down for five minutes in an empty house before thinking to call my husband. may you have the same giddy experience!!!!
Hey Jade--I didn't know you were a ZYZZYVA alum. Very belated congratulations :) Five minutes+ of hopping certainly seems like the right response!
yo, seth:
have you tried a cup of warmed milk. i like mine with a bit of flavoring, like almond sugarless....
anyway, not to worry too much since i'm not retiring until the end of next year.
meanwhile, try to get some rest. and fire off your ms. whenever it seems ready to fly.
best,
howard
Thanks for stopping by, Howard. Warm milk (perhaps with a touch of the good stuff) sounds like an excellent idea--may try that tonight in fact.
Excellent to hear that you're at ZYZZYVA for another full year.
Manuscript was fired off by USPS eight days ago (!) -- hopefully will arrive safe and sound in your office soon.
Good weekend....
Good luck, Seth--I wish you some good hopping. :)
Good luck, Seth!
I've always wanted to submit, but alas, since I live out here on the hinterland, I'm not in their geographic acceptance zone...