About the Toyon Course: ​ENGL460

Each year, several hundred submissions of literature, criticism, and visual artwork are reviewed by students enrolled in the course associated with the journal's publication: ENGL460.  Any Humboldt State University student can enroll in this course.

“The experience I gained in the Toyon just landed me a full time editing job. Make sure and put it in your resumes!” ~ Andrew Garai, 2016
English 460, offered by Humboldt State University's English department each fall, provides writers and artists training for professional work in editing and production. This course is well-suited for students who imagine a career in publishing. Students move through the production cycle for an issue of Toyon: soliciting and evaluating submissions, curating the accepted work, copyediting and fact-checking, typesetting and designing the annual issue.


A second course related to Toyon, English 461,  is offered each spring. This course focuses on professional concerns for writers and editors. Students in this course learn about literary citizenship, author platforms, and book marketing techniques. In anticipation of the release of Toyon's annual issue in March, students in this course gain experience in marketing, event planning, and fundraising. These skills can be preparation for careers in writing, publicity, and arts administration.
Together the courses take students through the full publishing process, from acquisitions to distribution.

A student's perspective...
​​For those trying to write and one day become published, it's crucial to understand the publishing industry  and the review process your work(s) will undergo. With this information you can only improve your writing and increase your chances for publication.

As well, those who aren’t so much interested in being published but working as a publisher, the experience you receive on a university literary magazine is that foot in the door you need when applying for jobs. You will learn skills that will put you ahead of those who’ve never worked for a literary magazine, plus you will have familiarity with the publication process, what’s expected of your role, and the jargon used daily.

The best part is reviewing and actually reading what makes it into a journal, what issues prevent a piece from being published, etc. It’s a continual process of “not this because….” and “yes, this one because…” which helps you understand quality writing versus writing that still needs improvement. 

It’s never too late to join, but I wish someone had told me as a freshman to join the Toyon staff.  ​—Bri Lucero, ​Toyon Staff Member in 2015-16 and 2016-17

If you're interested in joining the Toyon staff, contact Dr. Adsit at janelle.adsit@humboldt.edu or enroll in ENGL460 or ENGL461, listed in the Humboldt State University class schedule.