Carol McCleary

Story magazine, established in 1931 by Whit Burnett and Martha Foley in Vienna, has a complex and intermittent publication history. Initially focused on showcasing new short story writers, it moved to New York City and gained significant traction, even reaching a circulation of 21,000 by the late 1930s. Over the decades, the magazine has been revived and ceased publication multiple times, adapting its format and ownership.

Throughout its various iterations, Story has been instrumental in introducing a wide array of literary talent, including authors who later achieved significant acclaim. The magazine has a notable history of its contributors receiving O. Henry Awards, a tradition that has continued even after its revivals. Supported by arts councils and literary organizations, Story remains a significant platform for short fiction, with its most recent iteration based in Columbus, Ohio.

Story magazine was launched in 1931 in Vienna by journalist-editor Whit Burnett and his first wife, Martha Foley. Their initial goal was to feature short stories from emerging writers. The very first issue, consisting of 67 mimeographed copies, appeared in April-May 1931. Within two years, the publication relocated to New York City. In 1936, Burnett and Foley established The Story Press. By the end of the 1930s, Story had grown considerably, achieving a circulation of 21,000 copies and introducing authors like Charles Bukowski, J. D. Salinger, and Tennessee Williams to a wider audience.

The magazine's leadership evolved, with Whit Burnett's second wife, Hallie Southgate Burnett, joining the editorial efforts in 1942. This period saw the publication of early works by authors such as Truman Capote and Norman Mailer. Story experimented with formats, appearing in book form in the early 1950s before returning to its magazine structure in 1960. Financial difficulties led to its closure in 1967, though its legacy persisted through associated awards. Story was later revived in 1989 by Richard and Lois Rosenthal, who successfully relaunched it as a quarterly publication, achieving a circulation of 40,000 and garnering National Magazine Award nominations and wins. This iteration concluded with the Winter 2000 issue.

In 2014, Travis Kurowski acquired the rights to the magazine's name and relaunched Story as an annual publication. This era featured contemporary writers like Etgar Keret and Tao Lin. After three issues, this iteration ceased in 2016. Two years later, Michael Nye revived Story in Columbus, Ohio, establishing it as part of a non-profit arts organization. The current iteration, a triannual magazine, features work by Ohio artists and authors, publishing in February, June, and November. Throughout its existence, Story has consistently been a launchpad for writers who later received major literary honors, including the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize.

Story magazine has a distinguished history of publishing authors who have been recognized with O. Henry Awards. Conrad Aiken's "The Impulse" in 1933 was the first Story-featured work to receive this honor. The magazine consistently had multiple winners in the following years, with notable recipients including Nelson Algren, William Saroyan, Dorothy McCleary (for "Little Elise"), and Richard Wright. This tradition of publishing award-winning stories continued into the mid-1940s and was reignited after the magazine's 1989 revival. The recognition from O. Henry Awards underscored Story's role in identifying and promoting significant literary talent.