Question 1

Do I need writing or publishing experience to join?

Accepted Answer

No experience is necessary. The DeCal class — open to all Berkeley students and auditors — is the main entry point. Members read submissions and discuss them in class while learning the publishing process. It is graded pass/not pass for 1-2 units.

Question 2

How does a submitted story actually get accepted — what's the review process?

Accepted Answer

A submission must receive 3 votes of approval from staff, then 2 votes of approval from editors, and then a majority approval from the entire staff of 30-40+ people. Because of this democratic process, the reading period varies between 1–6 months.

Question 3

Does BFR charge submission fees like most literary journals?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike the majority of literary journals, BFR does not charge submission fees, in the hopes of providing an opportunity for all authors regardless of economic circumstances. Accepted authors and artists receive a $25 payment plus a complimentary copy of the issue.

Question 4

What does the annual Sudden Fiction Contest involve, and who judges it?

Accepted Answer

An open contest for stories 1,000 words or under, with a $5 entry fee per submission. Past judges include acclaimed authors Namwali Serpell, K-Ming Chang, and Fiona McFarlane. Winners are published in the annual issue and receive prize money ($100/$50/$25 for top three places).

Question 5

What kinds of content does the online magazine publish beyond the print journal?

Accepted Answer

Staff writers publish book reviews, personal essays, commentaries, interviews with authors and directors, and fiction pieces year-round on the online magazine — separate from the annual print journal.

Berkeley Fiction Review