Annalise Mitchell

I attribute my success to a combination of discipline, curiosity, and the guidance I received early in my academic journey. In college, I honed the ability to read with both speed and care—a balance that has become central to my work. Today, as a reader for Fugue, I review approximately 50 poems each day, approaching every submission with the same respect and curiosity my professor instilled in me. Her mentorship taught me that each poem deserves full presence, and that efficiency should never come at the cost of attentiveness and care. I carry that principle into every evaluation I make. At the College of Natural Resources, my work has expanded into editing and distributing our annual alumni magazine, crafting narratives that celebrate both the people and the mission behind the institution. While this rhythm differs from poetry, it nurtures the same instinct: helping stories achieve their fullest potential. Some of my proudest moments include serving as editor-in-chief during my undergraduate years, receiving the Coppage Award, being nominated for the Lindley Award, and volunteering with the Humane Society of Tacoma. These experiences, alongside my academic achievements, have shaped the professional I am today and continue to inform the way I approach every project with care, integrity, and purpose.

The best career advice I ever received came from my mentor, who taught me that editing isn’t just about refining a poem—it’s about honoring the person who wrote it. She showed me how to read efficiently while maintaining compassion, and that balance has guided every aspect of my career.

The advice I give to anyone entering the literary field is to hold efficiency in one hand and care in the other. Both are essential, and true growth comes from finding the balance between them. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—each one is simply a stepping stone. And always remember: the value of your work does not define your worth. That truth has been a grounding force throughout my career.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is balancing efficiency with care. High reading volumes can lead to emotional fatigue, and there’s a constant responsibility in managing rejection, meeting deadlines, and absorbing the emotional weight of submitted work. Poetry often emerges from grief, rage, longing, or healing, and carrying that vulnerability requires boundaries I’ve learned to build over time. Large projects, like the alumni magazine, amplify these challenges, demanding focus while maintaining compassion. I’m committed to giving each submission the attention it deserves, but deadlines mean I can’t linger as long as I sometimes wish—finding that balance is both the challenge and the opportunity for growth.

At the core of my work are values I return to consistently: care, honesty, and respect for the voices entrusted to me. I believe every poem—whether it ultimately finds a home in publication or not—deserves genuine attention. I prioritize transparency in the editorial process, offering feedback that uplifts rather than diminishes, and I deeply respect the courage writers show when sharing their work. Integrity guides my decisions, compassion shapes my approach, and curiosity drives me forward. These values form the foundation of the editor I strive to be, both professionally and personally.