In a note to readers published January 15, the editors of The Normal School, a prominent literary magazine based at California State University, Fresno, announced that its biannual print issues would cease after the Spring 2019 edition. Now in its eleventh year of publication, The Normal School will maintain its online magazine and continue to feature poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and multimedia art.

“Though we are sad to say goodbye to the print magazine, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished in eleven years of publication and excited for the future of our dynamic, multi-media web-based publication that will maintain our commitment to core values of innovation, inclusivity, quality, and literary citizenship,” wrote editors Sophie Beck, Steven Church, and Matt Roberts. “This difficult decision was made in consideration of both the rising costs and logistical challenges of producing a bi-annual print magazine as well as of the personal and professional goals of the Founding Editors.”

The Normal School’s closure of its print magazine marks another loss among esteemed literary publications. Tin House recently closed down its print publication, shifting its efforts toward an online magazine and book publishing. The Normal School will also focus on the publication of full-length manuscripts, continuing The Normal School Nonfiction Series in partnership with Outpost19.

“The magazine could not have existed without the visionary support of Fresno State, the hard work and dedication of our incredible students in the MFA Program in Creative Writing, and the original work from our contributors. Thank you for an incredible run! We hope you’ll stay ‘Normal’ and keep reading the magazine,” the editors concluded.  

Photo Credit: The Normal School