Alumni and current ETSU faculty members Sam Campbell and Matthew Gilbert co-founded the literary journal Black Moon Magazine to highlight out-of-the box writing.

Campbell is an adjunct professor in the department of literature and language. She attended ETSU for her undergraduate degree and went on to earn two master’s degrees from ETSU as well.

Gilbert also graduated from ETSU with his undergraduate and master’s degrees. He was employed as a graduate assistant in the department of literature and language and now works as the accessibility coordinator in ETSU Disability Services.

The first issue of Black Moon Magazine was published Jan. 31 and has garnered 555 readers. Black Moon Magazine received 187 submissions, which was more than expected for the first issue. Campbell and Gilbert attribute their success to the connections they each have in the writing community, as well as social media campaigns.

“We had been talking for a while about wanting to launch our own publication so that we could focus on trying to showcase writing that’s pushing the boundaries of what writing can do,” said Campbell. “We really love experimental and genre bendings. Things that might not find an audience elsewhere because they’re just too different, not because they’re any less quality.”

Cover of Black Moon Magazine (Contributed).

The title, Black Moon Magazine, is in reference to an astronomical event where the full moon disappears once every 19 years. This phenomenon represents the magazine’s goal to uplift unique art.

“The work that we look to represent is very much like that moon that doesn’t appear that one month,” said Gilbert. “We want work that stands out and means something even if not everyone in the world is going to recognize what art it really is.”

Both Campbell and Gilbert agreed that ETSU’s Literature and Language Department supplemented their careers. Jesse Graves, poet in residence, acted as a mentor to them. Campbell and Gilbert were editors-in-chief of ETSU’s literary magazine The Mockingbird and were involved in the Creative Writing Society.

Campbell and Gilbert said they both enjoy giving back to the writing community through their literary magazine. Gilbert said he finds it rewarding to see writers and their friends and family excited when their work is published. When rejecting submissions, Campbell said she still wants to give writers hope.

Black Moon Magazine has launched a social media campaign promoting their contributors.

“We just want to highlight and lift up our writers even beyond publication,” said Campbell.

The magazine only has poetry and fiction but eventually plans on expanding genres and becoming a print publication. Campbell and Gilbert would also like to develop a logo and brand the magazine.

Those interested in publishing work in Black Moon Magazine can find submission guidelines on blackmoonmag.com. They are hoping to receive 240 submissions for the next issue. All submissions are to be emailed to blackmoonmageditors@gmail.com. Black Moon Magazine is looking for captivating writing that uses language masterfully.

“A writer should not be limited by the labels they’re given,” said Gilbert.