Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT SUBMITTING WORK TO TOYON
Is there a word limit for what I can submit to Toyon?
All specifications are listed in Toyon's submission guidelines.
Who makes the selections and how are submissions evaluated?
All editorial decisions are made by the student staff members who are enrolled in ENGL460. Students in this course survey a range of aesthetic theories and come up with specific selection criteria for that year's issue. All submissions undergo blind review and are scored. The editors of each division then make selections based on the scoring. The faculty advisor does not participate in the blind review process nor in the editorial decision-making.
Can I submit simultaneously?
Simultaneous submissions are happily accepted. If your work becomes scheduled for publication elsewhere, you can withdraw it from Toyon's submission management system.
Does Toyon consider reprints?
Yes. For exceptional pieces, Toyon will consider running a piece that has previously been published, provided that the author is the copyright holder. Please include previous publication history in your submission form. This includes works that have been posted on an author's personal website or published in small circulation in print or online. Also be sure that you have permission from the original publisher to reprint. Include confirmation of this with your submission.
Do I have to submit a cover letter?
No. Your cover letter has no bearing on the selection process. However, the cover letter can be a useful way of letting the editors know information about your work, such as whether the piece should be considered in the environmental justice category. Find out more about how to write a cover letter and how to prepare a submission packet for a literary magazine like Toyon.
Does Toyon pay contributors?
At this time, Toyon is unable to pay contributors. However, all contributors can pick up free copies of the journal on Cal Poly Humboldt's campus, or we will ship two free copies of the journal to contributors upon request. Additionally, all submissions are considered for Toyon's different award categories which, if awarded, come with a $100 prize.
Is there a word limit for what I can submit to Toyon?
All specifications are listed in Toyon's submission guidelines.
Who makes the selections and how are submissions evaluated?
All editorial decisions are made by the student staff members who are enrolled in ENGL460. Students in this course survey a range of aesthetic theories and come up with specific selection criteria for that year's issue. All submissions undergo blind review and are scored. The editors of each division then make selections based on the scoring. The faculty advisor does not participate in the blind review process nor in the editorial decision-making.
Can I submit simultaneously?
Simultaneous submissions are happily accepted. If your work becomes scheduled for publication elsewhere, you can withdraw it from Toyon's submission management system.
Does Toyon consider reprints?
Yes. For exceptional pieces, Toyon will consider running a piece that has previously been published, provided that the author is the copyright holder. Please include previous publication history in your submission form. This includes works that have been posted on an author's personal website or published in small circulation in print or online. Also be sure that you have permission from the original publisher to reprint. Include confirmation of this with your submission.
Do I have to submit a cover letter?
No. Your cover letter has no bearing on the selection process. However, the cover letter can be a useful way of letting the editors know information about your work, such as whether the piece should be considered in the environmental justice category. Find out more about how to write a cover letter and how to prepare a submission packet for a literary magazine like Toyon.
Does Toyon pay contributors?
At this time, Toyon is unable to pay contributors. However, all contributors can pick up free copies of the journal on Cal Poly Humboldt's campus, or we will ship two free copies of the journal to contributors upon request. Additionally, all submissions are considered for Toyon's different award categories which, if awarded, come with a $100 prize.
ABOUT JOINING THE TOYON STAFF
What's the difference between ENGL460 and ENGL461?
If I join the Toyon staff, can I still submit my work to the journal?
Yes. Because Toyon uses a blind review process, all submissions are considered, regardless of level of affiliation with the journal. In cases where an editor or reviewer may know identifying information about an author of a work, staff members are asked to remove themselves from the review process. This pertains to any work that cannot be effectively blind reviewed by an editor.
Can I take the Toyon classes each twice?
Yes. But each class can count only once toward the major.
What's the difference between ENGL460 and ENGL461?
- English 460 focuses on building the annual issue of the journal. Students who enroll in this course learn about book design, layout, typesetting, copyediting, proofreading, and other aspects of the production cycle. The journal goes to press when the English 460 class concludes. This class takes place in Fall semester.
- English 461 focuses on audiences of literature and the sociology of the publishing industry, as well as marketing skills. Students in the class think about their author platform and their online persona, as they also research readerships and literary communities. The 461 class plans the release party and works to increase Toyon's circulation. This class takes place in Spring semester.
If I join the Toyon staff, can I still submit my work to the journal?
Yes. Because Toyon uses a blind review process, all submissions are considered, regardless of level of affiliation with the journal. In cases where an editor or reviewer may know identifying information about an author of a work, staff members are asked to remove themselves from the review process. This pertains to any work that cannot be effectively blind reviewed by an editor.
Can I take the Toyon classes each twice?
Yes. But each class can count only once toward the major.
