The Online Reflector

Etchings, the University of Indianapolis literary magazine, held its annual release party on April 12, to premiere its new issue.
Last semester, three short stories, three essays, five poems and 10 pieces of graphic art, totaling 10 pages, were chosen from submissions by students, faculty, staff and alumni of the university. This semester, the students worked to edit, organize and put the magazine itself together.

“In the fall course, students solicit submissions, evaluate them and then choose what work will go into the journal,” said Assistant Professor of English and co-adviser to Etchings, Kevin McKelvey. “In the winter course, we design, we copy edit and lay out the journal to produce the final publication.”

During the editing process, editors must be specific about why they do or do not like a piece under consideration.

“An editor can’t say ‘I like this’ and leave it at that,” said Managing Editor of Etchings, senior Melanie Orr. “They have to point out specific traits and explain how those traits give the piece exceptional merit.”

According to McKelvey, editors and designers are chosen based on years of experience with the magazine and each individual’s interests and talents.

“We had a larger staff this year, many with experience from last year and everyone was able to work in their preferred area,” McKelvey said.

According to Orr, with a slightly larger staff this year the class was set up differently than in the past.

“For the first time this year we have developed official editor positions, with specialized task lists,” Orr said. “We’re a small staff and if someone is having a tough week, someone else usually picks up the slack.”

After being nominated last May by the outgoing editor, Orr said that her goal has been to help the entire staff.

“I try to lead and motivate my staff,” Orr said. “Although many of the tasks are delegated, I do the ‘extra stuff,’ like talking to the printer, last minute copy edits and creating our production timeline.”

As co-adviser, McKelvey is there to offer help when needed, but the entire process is student-run.

“Etchings is a journal for the UIndy community created by the student editors,” McKelvey said. “I offer feedback and suggestions when needed.”

Any alumni, faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students can submit to the magazine.

“That range of work gives us a journal that represents the whole campus,” McKelvey said.

Although this year’s issue has been released, Etchings is already accepting poems, short stories, essays, plays, creative non-fiction and artwork to be considered for next year’s edition of the publication. Submissions can be sent to uindyetchings@gmail.com.