The landscape of Canadian literary publishing is anchored by institutions that prioritize the elevation of diverse voices, and FreeFall Magazine serves as a pivotal node within this cultural network. Situated in Calgary, Alberta, this publication operates not merely as a periodical but as a fundamental component of the FreeFall Literary Society of Calgary. The magazine’s existence is deeply rooted in a commitment to both the preservation of literary excellence and the promotion of emerging talent. Since 2008, when the publication underwent a significant structural transformation under the leadership of Micheline Maylor and Lynn C. Fraser, the organization has functioned as a non-profit entity. This non-profit status is critical, as it dictates the magazine's mission-driven approach, focusing on the cultivation of a literary community rather than purely commercial gain. The structural shift in 2008 did more than just change management; it established a permanent foundation for the FreeFall Literary Society of Calgary, ensuring that the magazine could continue to provide a high-quality platform for writers across the nation.
The publication schedule of FreeFall is meticulously organized to balance regular literary output with high-stakes competitive opportunities. The magazine releases two primary issues annually. This biannual cadence allows for a concentrated period of curation and editorial refinement between installments. One of these two annual issues is specifically dedicated to the results and highlights of the Annual Prose and Poetry Contest. This dedication creates a distinct hierarchy of importance within the publication cycle, as the contest issue serves as a showcase for the highest caliber of submissions received during the competition period. For contributors, this means that the contest issue represents a peak moment of visibility, where the work of selected authors is presented to a broader audience within a specialized context.
Editorial Infrastructure and Organizational Governance
The operational success of FreeFall Magazine is predicated on a complex and multi-layered editorial hierarchy. The management of the publication involves a coordinated effort between editors, designers, and proofreaders, all working under the umbrella of the FreeFall Literary Society of Calgary. The leadership structure is designed to maintain both the creative vision and the administrative integrity of the non-profit society.
The following table outlines the key personnel and roles within the FreeFall editorial and organizational framework:
| Role | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Editor in Chief | Micheline Maylor |
| Managing Editor | Crystal Mackenzie |
| Poetry Editors | Sarah Howden, Shelley McAneeley |
| Prose Editors | Skylar Kay, Vincent Potter, Michaela Ritchie |
| Design/Layout | Patrick McAneeley |
| Proof Reading | Megan Nega, Neil Petrunia |
| FreeFall Literary Society Board | Crystal MacKenzie, Micheline Maylor, Michaela Ritchie |
| Volunteers At Large | Jasmine MacKiente, Michaela Ritchie, Ryan Stromquist |
| Members at Large | Skylar Kay, Megan Nega, Neil Petrunia, Ryan Stromquist |
The administrative oversight provided by the Board of the FreeFall Literary Society of Calgary ensures that the magazine’s mission remains aligned with its non-profit objectives. This governance layer is essential for managing the distribution logistics and the financial stewardship of the society. The distribution of the magazine is handled through a dual-channel approach, utilizing both Magazines Canada and the FreeFall Literary Society of Calgary itself. This ensures that the publication reaches both the broader Canadian magazine market and a more localized, dedicated literary community.
Submission Protocols and Creative Scope
FreeFall Magazine maintains a specific and regulated window for accepting new creative works. The submission window is strictly defined from June 1st to September 30th. Adhering to this timeline is vital for prospective contributors, as submissions received outside of this period are not processed through the standard channels. Furthermore, the magazine has implemented a geographic restriction on its standard submissions. With the notable exception of the Annual Prose and Poetry Contest, FreeFall Magazine no longer accepts submissions from authors residing outside of Canada. This policy reinforces the magazine's role as a champion of Canadian literature, focusing its resources on the development of the domestic writing community.
The magazine accepts a wide variety of literary forms, ranging from traditional poetry to experimental prose and visual arts. This diversity allows for a rich, multi-sensory reading experience that engages different artistic disciplines.
The categories of acceptable work and their specific requirements are detailed below:
Prose Specifications - Maximum word count of 4,000 words per submission. - Acceptance of short stories and novel excerpts. - Inclusion of non-fiction, including creative non-fiction. - Inclusion of writing-related or general-audience topics. - Acceptance of plays and postcard stories. - Payment structure of $10 per page in the magazine, capped at a maximum of $100. - Provision of one physical copy of the published issue.
Poetry Specifications - Submission of 1 to 3 poems per entry. - Acceptance of any poetic style. - Maximum length of 6 pages for any individual poem.
Visual Arts and Photography Specifications - Photos must be submitted exclusively in black and white. - Maximum dimensions of 6” by 4”. - Minimum resolution of 300 dpi. - Mandatory naming convention: artistname_title. - Payment of $100 for cover art or photography. - Provision of one physical copy of the published issue. - Inclusion of a one-page biographical feature to promote the artist.
Interviews and Literary Reviews - Submission of proposal queries only. - Guidelines are provided only upon the approval of a proposal. - Payment of $50 for accepted pieces. - Provision of one physical copy of the published issue.
A critical component of the submission process is the magazine's policy on simultaneous submissions. FreeFall Magazine does allow authors to submit the same piece to other publications at the same time. However, there is an ethical and operational obligation for the author to notify the editors immediately if the piece is accepted by another magazine. This transparency prevents the waste of editorial resources and ensures the integrity of the publication's content planning.
Financial and Distribution Logistics
The financial model of FreeFall Magazine is built around a "payment upon publication" system. This means that all monetary compensation for prose, poetry, photography, and reviews is disbursed only after the work has been officially printed and released. This practice protects the non-profit society's cash flow and ensures that funds are allocated to successfully completed editorial cycles. For the contributor, this requires a degree of patience, as the period between acceptance and payment is tied to the magazine's biannual publication schedule.
The distribution network is a vital part of the magazine's reach. By partnering with Magazines Canada, FreeFall integrates itself into the professional magazine industry of the country. This partnership, combined with the direct distribution efforts of the FreeFall Literary Society of Calgary, allows the magazine to bridge the gap between a niche literary society and the wider Canadian reading public.
Analytical Conclusion on the Magazine's Literary Impact
The structural and editorial framework of FreeFall Magazine suggests an institution deeply committed to the long-term health of the Canadian literary ecosystem. By maintaining a strict focus on Canadian contributors, the magazine acts as a protective and promotional barrier for domestic talent, ensuring that new and emerging voices are not lost in a globalized marketplace. The decision to dedicate an entire issue to the Annual Prose and Poetry Contest elevates the concept of the "literary competition" from a mere event to a cornerstone of the publication's identity, providing a permanent record of excellence.
Furthermore, the magazine's approach to compensation and artist promotion—specifically the inclusion of one-page biographies for photographers—demonstrates a holistic view of the creative process. FreeFall does not treat visual art as a secondary component but as an integrated part of the literary experience, providing the necessary tools for artists to build their own professional brands. The rigorous technical requirements for photography (such as the 300 dpi minimum and black and white restriction) indicate a high standard of aesthetic curation that demands professional-grade submissions. Ultimately, FreeFall Magazine functions as a vital, structured, and professionally managed platform that balances the administrative needs of a non-profit society with the high-level artistic demands of the Canadian literary community.