Tessa Espinosa-Demko

Jump to navigation Skip to content
Pocket Samovar is an international literary magazine dedicated to underrepresented post-Soviet writing, art & diaspora. We originated in 2019 as a group of Jack Kerouac School students influenced—but not determined—by our Soviet cultural memory. As a multilingual print and online publication, we aspire to serve as a virtual tearoom, contributing to the dialogue between North American and Eurasian literary community and expanding the possibilities of writing.
I've been writing fiction my whole life as a hobby and I'm starting to take it more seriously now as a career. I have a Bachelors Degree in English Literature from the Univeristy of Washington and I currently work as an Editorial Production Associate for The New Yorker magazine, and have had other editorial jobs in the past (no writing jobs unfortunately.) I'm looking to improve my writing, my voice, and hone in on my style, as well as make some significant progress on my novel! I'm also looking to start submitting stories to literary magazines/journals, fellowships and MFA programs and could really benefit from some feedback and the opportunity to learn from other's writing.
I'm feeling for routes through a sprawling landscape of documentary fiction and other disciplines such as memoir, history, three-dimensional objects on exhibit, and performance. The broad topics might include diaspora, genocide, mothers and daughters, secrets and lies, and monuments, memories, and memorials.
I have been writing recreationally on & off for about 10 years. I've intermittently submitted poetry to online zines within some of those years--some accepted--most rejected. My most recent published work was in the form of a poem, which was selected in an anthology showcasing writers of color around the world called "A Garden of Black Joy: Global Poetry from the Edges of Liberation and Living". I am looking for a writing group--preferrably POC, but open to all-- (in the genres of fiction, poetry, and memoir) that holds me accountable for sticking to the work. I would like to find a collective that is geniunely interested in helping each member further develop in their craft. At best, a family of writers committed to self-development. I would love to share any information found on grant writing, workshops, readings etc.
Graywolf Press is a leading independent publisher committed to the discovery and energetic publication of contemporary American and international literature. We champion outstanding writers at all stages of their careers to ensure that diverse voices can be heard in a crowded marketplace.
Graywolf Press is a literary press that publishes about thirty books annually, mostly collections of poetry, memoir, essays, novels, and short stories. Our editors are looking for high quality literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that combines a distinct voice with a distinct vision.
The Made in Michigan Writers Series, part of Wayne State University Press, is devoted to highlighting the works of distinguished statewide writers to showcase Michigan’s diverse voices. The series publishes poetry, creative nonfiction, short fiction, and essays by Michigan writers with the aim of encouraging the recognition of the state’s artistic and cultural heritage throughout Michigan, the Midwest, and the nation.
Please initially send an inquiry and sample pages rather than a full manuscript.