I was intrigued by this unique approach and was pleased to interview Cook in return. See my interview and a link to submission guidelines below.
HOPKINSON: How/why was On Loan From the Cosmos. originally started?
COOK: On Loan began as a body-positive oriented illustration project focused on women and non-binary individuals. I (Courtney Cook) interviewed individuals active in the self-acceptance/body-positive space, created an accompanying illustration of them, and posted these features to our (at-the-time) blog, and Instagram. However, I soon felt that only sharing interviews by women and non-binary folks wasn't large enough to encapsulate what I was trying to accomplish. Thus, On Loan expanded into a literary magazine devoted to serving all identities that features poetry, nonfiction, art, and comics, alongside the interviews we started out with.
I believe it's important to note that I recently received the education that though my mission and ideals are aligned with the body-positive movement, as a thin, cis, relatively able-bodied white woman, the movement is not mine to co-opt or be part of. After learning this, On Loan shifted our language from 'body-positive' to 'radical self-acceptance', adapted our mission statement, and rewrote the questions we ask in our interviews.
I appreciate receiving this education greatly, and apologize for taking up space in a movement that was not created for, and isn't for, me or individuals like me. I am learning everyday and am always striving to be better and less harmful in my actions, words, and thoughts.
HOPKINSON: Who is your target reader audience?
COOK: On Loan's target audience is anyone seeking to engage with quality writing and art that focuses, in some vague way, on self-acceptance. We aim to be as inclusive as possible and welcome anyone to contribute to our magazine as well as read it!
HOPKINSON: What type of work are you looking for?
COOK: On Loan most appreciates work that's surprising in nature and doesn't speak about self-acceptance directly. We love subtly and the unexpected! We encourage those interested in submitting to check out the work we've already featured to get a feel for our voice.
HOPKINSON: What do you wish you’d see submitted, but rarely comes in?
COOK: Comics! We adore comics and would love to see more submissions of them.
HOPKINSON: What are some of your favorite lit mags/journals?
COOK: Personally, I love The Rumpus, Hobart Pulp, Wax Nine, Joyland, Electric Literature, Pank, Catapult, Luna Luna…
HOPKINSON: What is your favorite part of being on staff with On Loan From the Cosmos?
COOK: Well, I'm currently the founder and sole volunteer running On Loan, but I love seeing my vision for this magazine come to life, and getting to share good news with those who I choose to publish. I also love illustrating those who are interviewed!
HOPKINSON: Where can folks send submissions?
COOK: Please send your submissions to onloanfromthecosmos@gmail.com! Include a single document containing your submission, a 3rd person bio, why you think your work is a fit for our magazine, and your social handles!
HOPKINSON: If someone has a question, how can they contact you?
COOK: Feel free to reach out via email at onloanfromthecosmos@gmail.com, or message us on Instagram, @onloanfromthecosmos.
Click here to read submission guidelines.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Year-round (previously published work until May 1)
FORMAT: online
SUBMISSION FEE: None
PAYMENT: None
FORMS: essays, comics, art, poetry, request to be interviewed
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