I'm a big believer in hooking the reader from the first paragraph with a unique story or point of view and memorable language.

The thing about reading submissions is how quickly you realize that a story doesn't have to just be good. It has to be special.

Dynamism is important too. For me, the brevity of the medium means a poem must be functioning on multiple levels. As I read, I’m chewing each word for color, tone, texture

There are basically two easy ways to light me up with a short story: A) make it about something that fascinates you, like egyptology or how microwaves work or competitive baton-twirling, and then B) escalate the hell out of it.

As a poet, you know when you’ve touched the right voice(s). With practice, Voice comes to the table more and more often. It wants to be fed. I like it when you can tell a poet’s voice is fat from writing.

I usually am drawn to narrative poetry that almost feels like listening to a good song. Also, if I see something formally or visually unique and striking, it definitely stands out to me.