Introducing The Drum

Do you like listening to fiction read aloud? Do you like to take your stories on the go? Coming in May 2010 there will be a new literary magazine for your ears: The Drum. Founded by Grub Streeter and fellow Beyond the Margins blogger Henriette Lazaridis Power, The Drum will publish short fiction, essays, and author interviews in audio form. It will be like going to an author reading, except the author comes to you!

As Henriette says, "I want The Drum to be a kind of curated iTunes for new works, with all the 'soundtrack of your life' possibilities that iTunes allows. I think, too, for anyone who views writing as essentially performative, and who values the artistry of the speaking voice, The Drum will, with luck, satisfy their interest."

Most of the stories and essays wil be read by the authors. If you are a writer interested submitting to The Drum, here are the guidelines:

"The Drum is looking for work that pays close attention to language while never losing sight of the narrative drive. We want stories that really do tell a story. And essays that engage in the complexity of an idea. We accept essays (under 10,000 words), short-shorts (under 2,000 words), short stories (under 10,000), and novel excerpts (up to 50 pages; we may choose to publish novel excerpts in two segments). Please send only text files (only in .doc format). If we accept your work, we will be in touch about how to arrange a recording. Make sure that your name and the title of the work appear on each page of the manuscript and present the manuscript with standard margins and type. Include contact information on the first page of the document."

Visit The Drum for more information about where and how to submit.