Nurturing the Next Generation of Writers: An Interview with The Up and Coming Magazine Founders

By Natalie McCarty

In a literary landscape that often favors the established over the emerging, The Up and Coming Magazine is a breath of fresh air, a vibrant platform designed to uplift the voices of new and unknown writers. Born from a shared vision of two dynamic co-founders, Hanna and Gabrielle, this digital magazine champions creativity and inclusivity within its articles. With Hanna’s editorial eye and Gabrielle’s tech-savvy ingenuity, they’ve created a kindred space to Gut Instinct for writers who yearn to be heard—nurturing the talents of their writers, but also fostering a spirit of camaraderie among its contributors.

In this candid conversation, I got the oppotunity to dive deep into the heart of their mission, exploring the gaps they identified in the publishing world and the challenges of building a volunteer-based operation from the ground up. With their unwavering commitment to supporting emerging voices, Hanna and Gabrielle share how they navigate the complexities of running a magazine while ensuring that every writer has the opportunity to shine.

Graphic Made by Natalie McCarty and Lauren Aho

When Hanna and Gabrielle co-founded The Up and Coming Magazine, they were driven by a shared mission: to create a positive and supportive environment for emerging writers struggling to get their work published. “We wanted to give writers a space where their voices could be heard,” Hanna explains.

Their decision to launch the magazine stemmed from personal experiences in the literary world. Hanna recalls her time writing for her university’s newspaper, where she faced challenges in getting her ideas recognized. “Creating the magazine has not only allowed me to publish my own work but also given other writers a platform to share their stories,” she says.

Behind the scenes, Gabrielle manages the technical and operational aspects, from website design to team management. “Building the magazine from the ground up has had its challenges,” Gabrielle admits. “But seeing the camaraderie of those who believe in our mission and join us keeps us going.”

As Editor-in-Chief, Hanna oversees the magazine’s content, curating submissions with a focus on diversity and quality. “We look for writers who are committed to creating work that aligns with our guidelines,” she says. The magazine accepts a wide range of content, from poetry to personal essays, ensuring contributors have the creative freedom to develop their ideas. Deadlines are crucial, she emphasizes, helping maintain the publication's consistency and success.

Balancing their distinct roles has been key to their success as co-founders. “Gabrielle and I communicate daily to ensure everything runs smoothly,” Hanna shares. Their complementary skill sets—Gabrielle’s technical expertise and Hanna’s editorial leadership—create a dynamic partnership. Gabrielle adds, “Allowing each other space to grow within our roles has been vital. We both share a passion for the magazine and its potential.”

The heart of The Up and Coming Magazine lies in its mission to amplify emerging voices. Gabrielle reflects on the barriers new writers often face: “Breaking into the literary world can feel impossible without extensive experience. We wanted to create a space that encourages all voices, not just a select few.” To maintain this supportive environment, the magazine upholds strict guidelines to foster a positive atmosphere. “Everyone has a story to tell, and we want to provide a platform for them to share it,” Hanna states.

The magazine’s inclusive approach has resulted in a variety of impactful submissions. While it’s difficult for Hanna to choose a standout piece, she acknowledges the significance of every writer’s contribution. Gabrielle highlights the early submissions that helped shape the magazine’s identity, emphasizing the loyalty and belief of their founding writers.

As a volunteer-based operation, The Up and Coming Magazine faces unique challenges, particularly around collaboration and sustainability. Gabrielle notes, “We’re working towards a financially sustainable model that compensates our writers, which is why we’re developing a merch store and exploring a non-profit structure.”

Looking ahead, the co-founders have ambitious plans. They hope to introduce a print edition and continue expanding their platform to highlight underrepresented voices. “In five years, we want to see the magazine in print and remain a supportive space for all writers,” Hanna shares.

Running the magazine has been a transformative journey for both founders. “It’s taught me so much about leadership, editing, and communication,” Hanna reflects. Gabrielle echoes this sentiment, expressing pride in the magazine’s growth and the community they’ve built. “We’re just two girls with a dream, and seeing it come to life is incredibly rewarding,” she says.

With a clear vision and unwavering dedication, The Up and Coming Magazine is poised to continue making a meaningful impact in the literary world.