Scribeworth to Enter Hiatus Following the Autumn/Winter 2026 Issue

A Note from the Editor-in-Chief

Every publication has a story. Some stories conclude. Others pause between chapters.

After considerable reflection, I have decided that Scribeworth Magazine will enter an indefinite hiatus following the publication of the Autumn/Winter 2026 issue.

Since its founding, Scribeworth has been dedicated to showcasing exceptional fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry from both emerging and established writers. What began as an ambitious literary venture grew into a thriving community of readers, contributors, and supporters who shared a belief in the enduring power of storytelling.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of publishing remarkable work from talented writers around the world. Each issue has been a reminder that literature remains vibrant, relevant, and essential. The creativity, vulnerability, and craftsmanship displayed by our contributors have made this publication one of the most rewarding projects of my professional life.

The decision to place Scribeworth on hiatus was not made lightly. However, I find myself at an exciting crossroads in my career and creative endeavors.

In addition to my work as a college English professor, I am currently developing Smartleby, an AI-powered revision and writing support platform designed to help students become stronger, more confident writers. At the same time, I have recently signed a publishing contract with Kendall Hunt to write a college composition textbook, a project that will allow me to bring more than two decades of teaching experience to students and educators on a much larger scale.

These opportunities represent significant commitments of time, energy, and focus. Rather than attempting to divide my attention and risk compromising the quality of any of these projects—including Scribeworth—I have chosen to pause publication while I pursue these new challenges.

The Autumn/Winter 2026 issue will be Scribeworth's final issue for the foreseeable future. The Spring/Summer 2026 issue remains on track for publication in July, and all accepted submissions will be published as planned. Both issues will receive the same editorial care and attention that have defined the magazine since its inception.

I prefer to think of this hiatus not as an ending, but as a period of transformation. Creative projects often evolve in unexpected ways, and while I cannot predict what the future holds, I am not ready to close the book on Scribeworth entirely. The possibility of a return remains open.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey:

• The writers who entrusted Scribeworth with their work.

• The readers who supported independent literary publishing.

• The volunteer readers, editors, and contributors who helped shape each issue.

• The subscribers and supporters who believed in the mission of the magazine.

Your contributions transformed Scribeworth from a publication into a literary community.

I hope you'll join me in celebrating what we have accomplished together. There are still stories to discover, poems to share, and voices to champion before this chapter comes to a close.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for writing.

Thank you for supporting independent literature.

The pages may pause, but the stories continue.

— Michael Leggs

Editor and Publisher, Scribeworth Magazine