There are some exciting developments over at Barstow & Grand; most notably, beginning with their upcoming 10th issue, the literary journal will pay writers for their published contributions. The annual publication is released in November, and submissions for their 10th edition are open until April 30th. The journal accepts works of poetry, prose, and hybrid texts from writers connected to the Chippewa Valley region and the broader Upper Midwest.
Read on for an interview with Eric Rasmussen, founder and editor of Barstow & Grand, to learn more about what the journal is currently up to, and his plans for the 10th anniversary.
Audrey Westerberg: B&G is able to start paying authors for their submissions now; why is this a priority for B&G?
Eric Rasmussen: It’s true with every creative pursuit—visual art, music, writing—but creativity isn’t valued anywhere near as much as it should be, and issues of subjectivity, and supply and demand, will likely always mean artists won't receive compensation equal to the value they bring to the world. But we can try to move things in the right direction! Barstow & Grand doesn’t make any money, so it’s not an issue of sharing profits in a responsible manner. It’s more philosophical. Writers deserve compensation for their labors from their “customers”—readers, journals, etc.—and we are excited to shift to the right side of this issue.
AW: How will this new initiative work?
editor Eric Rasmussen
ER: We still have lots to figure out, but for issue #10, the first in which we will pay authors, we will offer $40 per published piece. Services like PayPal and Venmo make this process even easier than ever before. I’m sure there will be complications, but we shall do our best to figure it out.
AW: We're approaching the tenth anniversary of B&G, are there any upcoming plans or events to celebrate?
ER: B&G will be a part of the CVWG 10th anniversary party this April, and that’s really the focus. B&G wouldn’t exist without the CVWG, and I’m endlessly grateful that this project gets to be part of such an admirable organization. Later this year, we’ll also do our best to add a little pizazz to our 10th issue release party. That event is always in mid-November, and we’re currently discussing how to make it special!
AW: Submissions for the 10th issue of B&G are open until April 30th. Is there anything you'd like to let potential contributors know?
“There is no good reason NOT to submit. ”
ER: There is no good reason NOT to submit. Even if you’ve never been published before, never written before, or never submitted work before. Even if we’ve rejected you in the past. Even if you don’t see yourself as a “real writer” and don’t think B&G is “meant” for you. As much as we’d like to, we can’t publish everything we receive. BUT, submitting your work for the first time or the five-hundredth time is step on your writing journey. You ARE getting closer to your goals, whatever they may be. That’s why we started this thing, ten years ago—to give our community’s writers a reason to keep striving.
AW: And finally, when is the launch date for B&G's 10th edition?
ER: November 18, 2026!
Those eagerly awaiting the 10th issue can begin celebrating early at the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild’s 10th Birthday Bash at The Brewing Projekt on Thursday, April 16 at 6PM. We’re less than a week away!
And remember, submissions for Barstow & Grand’s 10th edition are open until April 30th.