How to Start and Sustain a Literary Magazine for 20 Years—Ralph Pennel | Ep 100

What does it really take to start a literary magazine—and keep it alive for 20 years? In this episode of the BuildWriting Podcast, I speak with poet, writer, editor and Midway Journal founding editor Ralph Pennel. Ralph takes us behind the scenes of running an independent online literary journal, from selecting boundary-crossing work to navigating rising publishing costs. But creating a literary journal is only the beginning. Keeping one alive requires money, time, editorial labour, community and difficult decisions. In this conversation, Ralph explains: How Midway Journal developed its distinctive editorial identity Why the journal embraces multimedia and experimental literature What writers gain from thinking like editors How literary magazines cover their operating expenses The role of contests, editing services, merchandise and sponsorships Why many literary magazines struggle to survive How online journals make literature more accessible What editors consider before launching a new project Why discovering an unpublished writer remains deeply rewarding What Midway Journal hopes to build next If you are a poet, fiction writer, literary editor or someone considering starting a literary magazine, this conversation offers an honest look at the creative and financial realities behind independent publishing. Listen now to discover what happens on the other side of the submission button—and what it takes to build a literary home that lasts. Connect with Ralph Pennel Ralph Pennel’s website: https://ralphpennel.com/ Ralph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralph.l.pennel/ Explore Midway Journal: https://midwayjournal.com/ Submit your writing to Midway Journal: https://midwayjournal.com/submissions/ Follow Midway Journal on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midway.journal/ Subscribe to the Midway Journal Substack: https://midwayjournal.substack.com/ Join the BuildWriting Newsletter Get writing prompts, publishing opportunities, creative reflections and practical advice to help you keep writing and strengthen your craft. https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the BuildWriting Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with a writer who would enjoy seeing what happens behind the scenes of a literary magazine. Chapters 00:00 What Happens After You Submit to a Literary Magazine? 00:49 Why Midway Journal Was Inspired by the Minnesota State Fair 04:30 Creating a Distinctive Literary Magazine Identity 07:35 Multimedia Poetry, Audio Fiction and Experimental Literature 11:48 Is Ralph Pennel a Poet, Writer or Literary Editor? 12:31 How Midway Journal Began in 2006 13:12 Becoming an Early Online Literary Magazine 14:29 What Is the AWP Writing Conference? 16:49 Ralph Pennel’s Journey from Writer to Editor 18:45 How Midway Journal Survived for 20 Years 19:17 Why Literary Magazines Struggle Financially 20:19 Submission Fees, Submittable and Publishing Costs 22:03 How Literary Magazines Make Money 24:01 Contests and Editing Services as Revenue Streams 26:32 Advertising and Sponsorships for Literary Journals 29:00 Building a Podcast for a Literary Magazine 30:32 Using Merchandise to Support Independent Publishing 33:24 Who Actually Reads Literary Magazines? 35:51 How Literary Journals Can Reach More Readers 37:16 The Benefits of Publishing Literature Online 38:55 Print-on-Demand and Literary Magazine Anthologies 40:13 The Challenges of Operating as a For-Profit Journal 42:36 How Editors Decide Which Projects to Prioritise 44:32 Becoming a Small-Business Owner Through Publishing 46:13 The Joy of Discovering New Writers 47:27 Why Literary Magazine Acceptance Matters to Writers 48:00 What Is Next for Midway Journal? 49:11 Online Readings, Podcasts and the Midway Substack 50:15 Where to Find Ralph Pennel and Midway Journal 51:13 Join the BuildWriting Writing Community