About THE RAZOR
The Razor is a literary magazine produced by Gotham Writers Workshop. We publish two pieces each month—one fiction, one nonfiction. For now, we do not publish poetry (though we do appreciate the poet’s artistry with words). Each published piece will be presented with audio and original artwork.
What we’re looking for
The Razor wants your best story in a 2,000-word box.
The story that could have been 3,000 words, but didn’t need to be.
Surprise us with how deep your simplicity can be. That doesn’t mean we don’t like literary, or stories that take place in a character’s head. Be it minimal or maximal, send us a story where every moment counts. Where every word counts.
Drop into your box a single pristine jewel, or fill it with mud that’s crawling with worms. Just make sure it stays in the box, whatever it is.
Bare necessities
- No more than 2,000 words. No minimum word count.
- Don’t stress about format. Focus on the story.
- We pay writers $100 for accepted work.
Technical
- No multiple submissions. Send one thing at a time. When a decision has been made, feel free to submit again.
- We read submissions blind. Your identifying information is not visible to the editors unless you are accepted. Please do not include any identifying information in the body of your work.
- We aim to respond within three months of the date of submission.
- We nominate for Pushcart and Best of the Net.
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome, just please let us know if it’s accepted elsewhere.
- By submitting, you ensure that the work is:
- new, original, and has not appeared elsewhere
- not plagiarized and does not infringe on someone else’s copyright or trademark
- not libelous or defamatory
- if nonfiction, true to the best of the author’s memory and ability to verify facts.
- Any questions, or to withdraw a piece, email josh@gothamwriters.com.
- Do not send any submissions via email, they will be deleted. All submissions go through our submission form.
Editors/Directors
Nonfiction Editor
Steph Spector is a copy editor and Gotham teacher who lives in Texas Hill Country. She writes memoir and poetry, often about family, friends, relationships, and crashingly bad decisions. Steph likes reading fiction that sounds like memoir and memoir that sounds like fiction. Strong characters rule—as does a setting that feels like part of the cast.
Fiction Editor
Josh Sippie is a writer based in New York City. He is the Director of Publishing Guidance at Gotham Writers. His writing often ventures into the absurd and tries not to take itself too seriously. He enjoys writing with a sense of humor and a sharp edge. Make a point, but don’t preach. And character wins out over everything.
Art Director
Justin Street is a writer, performer, and designer in New York City. He is the Director of Design and Marketing for Gotham Writers Workshop. Whether it’s visual art, design, prose, music, or food—he’ll always prefer a big swing. The Razor commissions original artwork. If interested, contact justin@gothamwriters.com.
Audio Director/Casting
Paul Liberti has worked 25 years as a skilled animation voice director, teacher, coach, audio book director, accent coach and all kinds of voice over. He teaches nationally for The SAG/AFTRA Foundation and at Universities. He is also an accent coach for Broadway, West End, SAG/AFTRA Film & TV. Voice of Curious George: www.CuriousGeorge.com