Literary Idealism, Thriving In An Online Magazine

“Noted editor Tom Jenks solicited submissions from a few of his writer friends, then published six in the inaugural issue of Narrative Magazine…. There was no test marketing, no promotion, no advertising, no nothing other than a new Web site that had a two-page editors’ note and six pieces with some formidable bylines, including Joyce Carol Oates, Tobias Wolff, Jane Smiley and Rick Bass.” Three years later, Narrative is a success with readers. It’s also a nonprofit — and Jenks wants access to remain free. So now comes the fundraising.