June 2022 Markets Newsletter
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In This issue:
- "Find a Niche, Discover Possibilities" by Sue Bradford Edwards
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On Submission With... Healthline Media Editor Elinor Hills - interview by Ashley Memory
- June Deadlines: Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Multigenre, Just for Fun
- "How to Write and Publish Listicle" by Tiffany Doerr Guerzon
- Success Stories from the WOW! Community
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Way back when I started writing in 1990, I planned to create the kinds of nonfiction books my nieces wanted to read but couldn’t find. Then I took a writing class with author Pat McKissack. I found myself drawn into writing picture books like the clever, colorful books written by Pat. I completely forgot about children’s nonfiction.
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It wasn’t until a member of my critique group announced that she had purchased an equestrian magazine for children that I contemplated nonfiction. She needed writers and wondered if any of us were interested. That was the beginning of my nonfiction journey which led me to 600+ credits and more than 30 school/library books for young readers. But it was a niche I never would have made my own if I hadn’t done three things:
1. Say yes to unplanned possibilities. It would have been easy to stay on my picture book journey. Instead, I said yes to writing for horse crazy tweens. I wrote about Marguerite Henry and her horse books. I wrote breed profiles. I wrote about training, equestrian health, and even about manure. While I wrote I learned how to hook a reader, gather quotes, and find photos. When the magazine folded, a friend told me her editor was looking for people to write about writing. Would I be interested? Yet again, I said yes. It’s been something I’ve done time and time again, and that means . . .
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2. Welcoming the learning curve. Writing children’s nonfiction can mean writing reader’s theater, a script for reading aloud in the classroom; games for the preschool classroom; and science fair projects. Each time I take on something new, I must learn the vocabulary and requirements that go along with it. Google is an amazing resource, but I also ask my editor questions. It is also vital to give myself wiggle room in meeting the deadline. The hi-lo books I wrote are shorter than my tween nonfiction, but the first one was every bit as difficult because I was learning the conventions. Unfortunately, exploring a niche means finding things that are not a good fit. That’s why you also must be willing to . . .
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3. Say no when the love isn’t there. Developing a niche doesn’t mean saying yes to every project that is vaguely related. Instead, it is a matter of paying attention to where your skills lie and being willing to say no when necessary. At one point, I found myself writing leveled pieces for young readers. I was given passages and had to rewrite them at multiple reading levels, first grade through 12th grade. My leveled passages weren’t especially good. I would rather have been writing about manure. Any new type of writing involves learning new skills, but I couldn’t lie to myself. I hated writing these passages. I finished out my contract, but when the editor approached me to work on another project, I said no. After all, finding your place in a niche means finding a good fit and the possibilities your niche unlocks.
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We have a great issue for you! Ashley Memory interviews Elinor Hills, an editor at Healthline Media working on Bezzy, a new brand focused on providing safe communities for people navigating chronic health conditions. Elinor chats about writing for this niche market, what types of writing opportunities are available to freelancers (including personal narratives, firsthand advice, tip-based listicles, and more), what makes a good pitch, and shares some of her favorite pieces.
I mentioned that Healthline is looking for "tip-based listicles," but you may be wondering what a listicle is. Also called list articles or round-ups, these can be written on just about any topic and are a great way for new writers to break into publication. Tiffany Doerr Guerzon shows you how to do just that in her article below, "How to Write and Publish Listicles," which includes several markets to try.
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Don't forget, WOW's Spring 2022 Flash Fiction Contest with literary agent Sharon Pelletier of DG&B Literary Agency closes May 31st at 11:59 pm PT. If you have a story 750 words or less, why not submit it for a chance to win? First place is $400; second is $300; third is $200, and there are 20 Amazon gift card winners.
Maybe you are a writer who has found a niche. But you might still be exploring, looking for a good fit. The reality is that the search never entirely ends. Markets change, you grow, and you find yourself trying something new or rediscovering an old passion. Your niche doesn’t define you but knowing what it is and what it includes can help you explore your writing potential.
Good luck this month!
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Writing nonfiction for young readers means that Sue Bradford Edwards has tackled a wide variety of topics. How much poop does the average horse generate? What does it take to compete in e-sports? Do you have the skills needed to work as a heavy equipment operator? She’s always on the lookout to explore something new, seizing opportunities as they arise. To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog, One Writer's Journey.
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Would you like to see your product, book, contest, or service in this section and reach over 51,000+ subscribers? Email Angela for current specials.
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CreateWriteNow's Whole Health Journaling Challenge
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Life is busy, but that’s not an excuse to ignore your well-being.
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Authors: LitNuts Readers Want Indie Books - Show Them What You Got!
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Promote Your Book for Only $8 with the Discount Code: WOW8
LitNuts is a free newsletter created to share the "Best of he Indies" with book lovers. That means indie authors and publishers won't be competing with the Big 5 corporate publishers or their imprints.
Equally important, LitNuts built their following from scratch to ensure they have subscribers who are genuinely interested in and supportive of indie publishing.
LitNuts readers want indie books. Show them what you've got!
60% off the regular price,
now through May 31
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Black Memoirs Matter Anthology
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Black Memoirs Matter Anthology
The Black Memoirs Matter Anthology will highlight crucial creative nonfiction by writers of African descent. Submissions are open to all writers of the African Diaspora, regardless of country of origin or residence.
Our goal is to chronicle the global Black Experience through memoir. At the same time, we are looking for universal truths that transcend race, like mental health, self-love, parenting, etc.
Submissions should be written in first person and range anywhere from 500 to 4,000 words.
Tell us your story! Deadline: August 31.
We pay a $50 honorarium upon acceptance.
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WOW workshops starting soon:
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In a Flash: Writing and Publishing Dynamic Flash Prose
5 weeks: July 1 - Aug 5
Flash is a dynamic, fun genre that more and more editors seek. Both flash fiction and flash nonfiction share many of the same qualities, from characterization and setting to conflict and dialog. In this five-week workshop, we’ll explore this eclectic art form and everything you’ll need to have a lively flash-writing practice, from where to get ideas and drafting to editing and submitting your work.
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When Life Fissures: Writing About Grief in Fragments
4 weeks: July 4 - July 31
Grief is an experience that never feels complete. Yes, you can explain the chronology of what led to someone’s death and its aftermath, but the way that we experience grief is both cyclical and fragmented. How could it not be? There is something missing from our lives now, and so it makes sense to write about grief in a way that reflects our experience of it. In this course, we will read Bluets by Maggie Nelson and a handful of craft and other literary essays that explore different ways to write about grief. We’ll look at the impact that metaphors and imagery have on grief narratives, and also focus on the importance of rhythm and pace to reflect our experience.
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Narrative Structures
6 weeks: July 5 - Aug 9
Have you always wanted to write a novel but don’t know where to start? This class is aimed at writers of all levels who want to deepen their understanding of plot, narratives, and structures. Through a range of lectures, masterclasses, live Q&A sessions, and structural analyses, students will learn a number of different narrative structures, experiment with new frameworks, and understand which methods work best for them as a writer.
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An Introduction to Storytelling Forms: Flash Fiction, Short Stories, Novels, Poetry, Screenplays, Personal Essays, and Memoir (Including Portfolio Creation)
12 weeks: July 19 - Oct 11
This 12-week course introduces students to storytelling in all its forms, examining flash fiction, short stories, novels, poetry, screenplays, personal essays, and memoirs. Each week includes an assignment, and across the course, students will write in each of these forms. We also have a total of three weeks across the course dedicated to learning the universal elements of story and writing craft, and the final week allows students to specialise in a chosen form and further develop a piece of their writing. At the end of this course, students will have produced a portfolio of various forms.
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Pitches, Remote Jobs, Calls from Editors
Scholastic - seeking freelance education writers
Are you interested in writing for kids and teachers? STEAM education associate editor Lauren Morse is seeking to expand their pool of freelance education writers for grades Pre-K to 12. A background in education or teaching is a plus. Writers will work on all components of the teaching materials and resources within their area of expertise, including lesson plans and skill-building activity sheets. Compensation will vary depending on the type and size of the project, but starting rates typically range from $40-$75+ per activity, usually for multiple activities. If interested, fill out this form.
AQUILA
AQUILA is a monthly magazine for curious readers 8-13 years, delivering well-researched Science & General knowledge
with a balanced perspective on history and how the world works. They are seeking pitches for features around 800 words and short stories around 1000 to 1300 words. Make sure you’ve read the magazine thoroughly
before you think about contributing. If you have a funny, dynamic, entertaining concept, they'd love to see it. Pay is £105 per piece. Pitches, clips, and submissions to [email protected].
Nat Geo Kids
Nat Geo Kids magazine is a general-interest publication for children 6 to 14. Their mission is to educate and entertain kids through compelling storytelling on subjects such as natural history, cool technology, amazing geography, and fascinating history. They prefer short and to the point queries of about 250 words. Pay reports are $1 per word. Check out their pitch guidelines and query the appropriate editor.
Stylist - Strong Women series
Stylist magazine is the weekly magazine for smart, successful, sophisticated women. Fitness editor Miranda Larbi is looking for pitches on sleep, gut health, nutrition, running, yoga, walking, hormones, sexual wellbeing. Check out their Strong Women series before pitching to make sure they've not already covered your topic. Pay is £150 per piece. Pitches to [email protected].
Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens offers daily inspiration for home, decorating, food, recipes, gardening, DIY, and more. Senior food editor Emily Teel is looking for compelling personal essays about a specific recipe of significance to your family. These will appear in print under their Family Recipes overline alongside your family photos. Rate is $1,000 (inclusive of recipe, essay, and archival photos). Send your pitches to Emily at [email protected].
People - seeking freelance writers
Senior editor Karli Bendlin is looking for freelance writers to contribute to People. Articles will cover celebrity relationship topics + will be assigned out monthly (not currently accepting pitches). Rates start at $200-$300. Email [email protected] with clips if interested!
The Discoverer - seeking freelance writers and bloggers
A travel publication that features insight from genuine discoverers. Assistant editor Erica Buehler is seeking travel writers and bloggers for their freelance pool. They are seeking guides to attractions/ experiences, restaurants/ food, hotels/ Airbnbs, and specific regions/ neighborhoods; essays covering interesting first-person travel experiences; and interviews with captivating individuals that help tell the story of a particular place. Their pieces are usually 500 to 2,500 words long. Essays are around 1,000 words long. Rate is $250 to $500 per piece. Check out their freelance guidelines and apply here.
WIRED
WIRED a monthly magazine that provides an in-depth coverage of current and future trends in technology. Ideas editor Angela Chen is seeking pitches on a variety of topics, but is particularly interested in pieces related to democracy and governance, abortion, and future of work. Check out their pitch guidelines and send your pitches to [email protected].
SELF Magazine
SELF magazine is a mission-driven health and wellness brand. They want stories that will help improve personal or public health. Their main categories of focus are health, fitness, food, beauty, love, and lifestyle. Their rates start at $300 for stories with minimal to no reporting, $400 for reported service stories, and $800 for features. Check out their pitch guidelines and email the appropriate editor.
Verywell Health
An online resource for health and wellness information. They are looking for freelancers to cover health news stories. They are not a breaking news site. They add context and/or actionable steps in response to health news. Pay starts at $250 per piece and up. In your pitch, you should include: The story and information you intend on reporting out; What is timely or newsworthy about the idea; Your thesis for the piece or “nut graf”; What kinds of sources you intend on reaching out to. If you haven’t previously worked together, introduce yourself and send over a few clips so the editors can get a feel for your work! Direct pitches to associate editorial director Anisa Arnesault at [email protected].
The Tyee
The Tyee is an online magazine that tells stories about politics, culture, climate change, the environment and life in the British Columbia region. They are seeking pitches for original reporting, personal essays, photo essays, analysis and opinion pieces. Pay is $250 per day. When they accept a pitch, they work with a freelancer to determine whether the story is a one-day, two-day, or three-day story. Check out their pitch guidelines and query the appropriate editor.
i-D
A fashion and style publication by Vice Media. Editor Róisín Lanigan is open for pitches and is currently looking for more opinion pieces. They pay £150-£200 per piece. Check out their pitch guide, and send your pitches to [email protected].
Talenthouse
Talenthouse was built to help professional creatives be seen, heard and compensated. Since 2009, Talenthouse has democratized creative work, giving independent creators from all over the world direct access to creative briefs from leading brands, agencies and entertainment icons. Editor Kate Lucey is seeking pitches on advice, experiences, how-tos, lists - anything about being a freelance designer or creative today. Rates start at £200. Pitches to Kate at: [email protected].
The Audacity
A newsletter featuring emerging writers twice a month. Emerging writers are defined as someone with fewer than three article/essay/short story publications and no published books or book contracts. Submit your best nonfiction and nonfiction only. Editor Roxane Gay is interested in literary essays and memoir. "I am interested in thoughtful essays, beautiful, intelligent writing, deep explorations, timelessness, and challenging conventional thinking without being cheap and lazy." Please submit only one essay at a time. Essays should be between 1500 and 3000 words. They may take up to eight weeks to respond but we will respond to all submissions. Pay is a flat fee of $2,000.
Insider
Associate editor Fiona Clair is looking for fans /frequent visitors of Disney parks to expand her team's coverage! Rates start at $175. Fill out this form if that sounds like you (especially if you're a travel planner, Disney annual passholder, former cast member, etc)!
Inverse
A publication that covers science, innovation, entertainment, gaming, and the mind and body. Deputy editor Jake Kleinman is still looking for features specifically on the topic of VIKINGS. These can be focused on TV/Movies, video games, science, history, technology, or the crosssection of these fields. Pay is up to $1,000 per feature. Check out their pitch guidelines and send your pitch to [email protected].
Momus
An international online art publication and podcast. Editor Rahel Aima is seeking pitches on an ongoing basis. Reviews run between 800-1500 words and pay $400-$500, depending on length. Features can run between 1,000-2,500 words and can take the form of a critical essay that addresses a current issue affecting art, artists, or the conversation around the arts; or incorporate original research with a clear critical position. Under this category, they have published essays, profiles, in-memoria, interviews, letters, how-to guides, rebuttals, reflections, and opinion pieces. Pay for features is $500-$650. Check out their pitch guide, and send a brief 1-2 paragraph pitch to [email protected].
Unbias the News
Unbias the News creates a space for journalists who experience structural barriers in the field. They are a feminist cross-border newsroom by Hostwriter, working towards a more equitable and inclusive world of journalism. Editor-in-chief Tina Lee is seeking pitches on a rolling basis. They are seeking personal narratives or opinion pieces like this one; reported stories with an investigative angle like this and this. They accept collaborative pitches with more than one person for the second category if you want to pitch as a team. They prefer stories from local journalists- i.e., journalists who reside in the country they are reporting about. Pay is €250 for personal narratives, €500 (/person if collaborative) for reported pieces. Check out their editorial manifesto, and pitch via this form.
1843
Economist's sister publication that features narrative journalism. Eyewitness editor Gady Epstein edits their behind-the-news short features and is accepting pitches from anywhere in the world. Pay is roughly £3,500 for a 5,000-word feature. Check out their pitch guide, and send your pitch to Gady at [email protected].
Matador Network
An independent travel publisher. Their food+drink editor Elisabeth Sherman is looking for destination focused travel pitches in the food space. Rates start at $200. Pitches to [email protected].
HerStories Project - Coupling and Uncoupling
The editors are looking for personal essays about love, marriage, divorce, dating, and being single... at midlife. What are your romantic relationships like now? What are the fissures, the pleasures, the challenges? What have you realized about being coupled — or uncoupled? Completed drafts and original work only. Word count: 750-1200 words. Payment: $50. Submit by May 31 via this form.
Narratively - Epic Love Stories & Secret Lives
Epic Love Stories: What does true love look like today? We’re seeking stories about finding love, losing love, re-finding love, re-losing it…you get the gist! These could be reported stories or first-person pieces. The most important thing is that your story has an in-depth narrative arc that traces the surprising and intriguing course of a one-of-a-kind modern romance.
Secret Lives: We’d love to see pitches (reported or memoir) about people who have intriguing passions, hobbies or jobs that they’ve kept secret from their friends and family—or family secrets that they’ve kept hidden from everyone.
Check out the call here. Pay starts at $500, with room to go up for more ambitious stories. Pitches are due by June 1 via Submittable.
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On Submission With... Healthline Media
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By Ashley Memory
This month we’re delighted to interview my friend and editor Elinor Hills at Healthline Media, the #1 health information property in the U.S. (according to Comscore U.S. Media Metrix/Multi-platform, Key Measures 2020). Elinor works on the Bezzy Brand, Healthline’s new multimedia site dedicated to people living with a chronic condition. Not only is this new site a wonderful way to build your platform and meet terrific editors like Elinor, it’s a paying market!
Elinor grew up in Brooklyn, NY and now lives just over the bridge in Tribeca. In college, she studied art and anthropology and then went on to do a Master of Science in medical anthropology. Her research focused on the intersection of emotional well-being and physical health and she feels so lucky to be able to apply that research every day at work. Outside of work, she enjoys running, checking out new restaurants in the city, and playing guitar. One fun fact about Elinor is that when she was in 5th grade, she memorized over 500 digits of pi for a contest at school. And she even won a pie!
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WOW: Elinor, thank you so much for taking the time to be with us today. I’m curious about something. When did you first know that you wanted to make a career in the wonderful world of words? Many editors start out as writers. Was this the case for you?
Elinor: Not exactly! My background is more in the health research side, so my path to this role was a bit different. I was drawn to Healthline, and particularly to working on Bezzy, because I am passionate about the social and emotional impacts of living with a chronic health condition. My research in graduate school focused on how individuals living with chronic conditions turn to social media platforms as a place to share their stories.
That being said, I did grow up surrounded by books and storytelling. My mom is a children’s book publisher, and my dad writes and illustrates children’s books. I had an appreciation for writing and storytelling from a young age. I think that personal stories have such an essential role in conversations about health, well-being, and medicine.
WOW: Right on. As someone who’s lived with multiple sclerosis for more than twenty years now, I love the dynamic new space on Healthline’s Bezzy MS for people who share my disease. I’ve not only found a new community, I’ve learned valuable information that’s helped me. Tell us a little bit about the history of Bezzy and your audience(s).
Elinor: I am so glad to hear you have found value in Bezzy MS!
For those who don’t know, Bezzy is a new chronic condition brand focused on cultivating safe and supportive communities for people navigating chronic health conditions.
Bezzy started as a set of apps to help people navigate living with chronic health conditions. The first community we launched was actually “MS Buddy” which provided 1:1 messaging for people living with multiple sclerosis.
MS Buddy expanded to include discussion groups and a feed of helpful articles. Soon, we launched several other Healthline communities.
As we listened to our members’ needs, we realized we had the opportunity to do so much more. We decided to create a new, multiplatform experience that would better serve the needs of our users. We launched Bezzy in January 2022 and now we have 9 Bezzy communities: Bezzy MS, Bezzy Migraine, Bezzy PsA, Bezzy RA, Bezzy IBD, Bezzy T2D, Bezzy Breast Cancer, Bezzy Psoriasis, and Bezzy Depression.
WOW: That’s incredible. Bezzy is exploding! Who is the ideal writer for Heathline and Bezzy?
Elinor: One great thing about Bezzy is we get to work with a whole new population of writers! Healthline generally works with people who have experience in health and medical writing. At Bezzy, we mostly work with people who are living with chronic health conditions. Currently, we look for writers who have experience with one of the 8 conditions we have communities for: multiple sclerosis, migraine, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, psoriasis, and depression.
While many of our writers have professional writing experience, one thing I love about Bezzy is that we also work with people who don’t have any writing experience at all. We aim to highlight a wide range of personal stories and sometimes this means I get to work closely helping guide new writers to publish their first articles.
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“We aim to highlight a wide range of personal stories and sometimes this means I get to work closely helping guide new writers to publish their first articles."
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WOW: That is so exciting! I know you must get hundreds of pitches each week. Can you tell us the difference between a good pitch and one that you would pass on?
Elinor: This is a great question. For Bezzy, most of our articles are written by and for people living with the chronic conditions. We highlight personal narratives and firsthand advice. One thing I look for in pitches is specificity. Sometimes I get pitches from writers who are clearly so versatile and could write about any health topic. While this is awesome, I am always excited to receive a pitch that truly highlights the writer’s unique perspective and is a story only they could tell. The first article you pitched to me was a great example of this. Your story was about how moving to the country and growing your own food has impacted your experience living with MS. Right away, your pitch caught my attention and I wanted to read more!
WOW: And I am so grateful that you picked out from my query from the bunch. Each piece that I wrote for you has been substantially improved through your wise and thoughtful editing.
In terms of the pitch, I’ve found that many editors appreciate when writers propose a tentative headline for their piece, even when the article is still in the early stages. Is this the case for you?
Elinor: Yes! I love when writers pitch a headline for their piece. Titles are HARD and it can be so helpful to get a writer’s insight.
WOW: Many of the writers in the WOW community enjoy writing personal essays. It’s terrific that this style of writing has a home on Bezzy. What else do you publish on Healthline, and are writers’ guidelines available?
Elinor: Healthline features a wide range of other types of writing including health news, tip-based listicles, medication overviews, and so much more. Healthline’s editorial guidelines can be found here. Internally, we also have a comprehensive style guide that we sometimes share with writers depending on their assignment.
WOW: Can you give us a few examples of favorite pieces that you’ve edited?
Elinor: It is so hard to pick. I’m lucky to work on so many pieces I genuinely love. Here are a couple that I’ve worked on recently that come to mind. This piece, about gluten and psoriasis is written by Laura Krebs-Holm, a dietitian who lives with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. She has written quite a few pieces in the past that really resonated with our readers, so we decided to launch an ongoing column where she can answer our community members’ questions. I also loved working on this piece about seven things writer, Amy Mowbry, wishes other people would stop saying about migraine. Not only does this piece break down common misconceptions about migraine it also offers suggestions for what people can say instead if they have questions about migraine.
WOW: Both of these sound wonderful. I will definitely check them out. Now let’s turn to something else that I always like to know. Is there a better time of day to pitch you? And are weekends typically a no-no?
Elinor: I’m generally agnostic about the time of day and am not opposed to pitches on weekends – I likely won’t respond until Monday though! We generally plan our content on a month-to-month basis. Because of that, I’m often actively seeking out pitches in the last week or so each month. I do make sure to look at each and every pitch, regardless of when it comes in.
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“One thing I look for in pitches is specificity. ... I am always excited to receive a pitch that truly highlights the writer’s unique perspective and is a story only they could tell."
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WOW: I’m fascinated by the creative ways that editors and writers start their day—whether through meditation or lots of coffee! For me, it’s cranberry-pomegranate juice. What gets you going in the morning?
Elinor: I’m very much not a morning person so I am probably not the one to give advice here, unfortunately! Coffee is a must-have though. I’m trying to get better at drinking a big glass of water first thing in the morning too.
WOW: You’re so right. I need to drink more water too! What’s new for Healthline Media? Are there changes coming up in the future that we should look for?
WOW: And what’s new for you? Are you working on any interesting personal projects you can tell us about?
Elinor: Not exactly a “project,” but I’m just about to kick off training for the NYC Marathon in November! Other than that, I am always working on photography projects, you can check out my work at www.elinorhills.com.
WOW: Elinor, again, thank you so much for being with us today. We at WOW are so appreciative and we wish you all the best in training for the marathon and your photography as well.
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HOW TO PITCH HEALTHLINE: Interested in writing for Healthline or Bezzy? First and foremost, be sure to check out any of the essays and articles mentioned in this interview to get a sense of the style Elinor is seeking. When you’re ready, you can pitch her directly through email at [email protected].
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Ashley Memory lives in southwestern Randolph County, North Carolina, surrounded by the mystical Uwharrie Mountains. She’s written five essays for Bezzy, and her most recent, M.S. Can’t Stop Me from Gardening, was just published. Her essay, My ‘Haunted’ Lamp, debuts shortly on PenDust Radio, a project of Rivercliff Books & Media. She has also written for Poets & Writers, NBC THINK, Wired, and Carve, and her first poetry collection, Waiting for the Wood Thrush, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2019. She is currently working on a memoir about finding love and happiness while living with a chronic illness.
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Dan Veach Prize for Younger Writers
Deadline: June 1
The Dan Veach Prize for Younger Poets solicits poems from college-age students, aged 18-23, on any subject or style. Poems with an international focus are especially welcome, but all poems must be written in English. The winning poet will be published in the Fall/Winter issue of Atlanta Review and will receive a $100 prize. No fee.
The Peggy Willis Lyles Haiku Awards for 2022
Deadline: June 1
The Heron's Nest is seeking haikus for its upcoming contest. Submit up to five (5) haiku in English. First place will receive $150, a copy of To Hear the Rain, and a miniature crystal turtle. Second place receives $75 and a copy of To Hear the Rain, Third place receives $50 and a copy of To Hear the Rain. Honorable Mention (up to five recipients) will receive award certificates and recognition on their "Awards" page and in their annual print edition. No fee.
Lorca Latinx Poetry Prize
Deadline: June 5
The 2022 Lorca Latinx Poetry Prize for an emerging poet welcomes submissions from all adult Latinx writers who have no more than one full-length collection of poetry in print. All unpublished, original collections of your poems written primarily in English are eligible (no translations unless your own). Manuscript must be pa total 10-15 pages in length, inclusive of the title page and table of contents. Each poem should start on a new page. The Winner of the Lorca Latinx Poetry Prize for an emerging poet will receive Spanish translation and bilingual publication of their manuscript, a cash prize of $500 from Letras Latinas, and 10 copies of the chapbook. Unpublished individual poems from the winning manuscript may also be offered standard publication in EcoTheo Review. No fee.
Gyroscope Review
Deadline: June 6
Gyroscope Press is geared toward publishing woman-identifying poets over the age of 50. Both emerging and established poets are welcome, although poets without a book or chapbook may be given preference. Submissions are extremely limited to give each chapbook the attention it deserves. Chapbook length: 25 - 40 poems. Some work may be previously published, but the bulk of the work (1/2) should be unpublished. If chosen for publication they offer a perfect-bound paperback with a matte or glossy cover, 15 author copies, the ability to buy more copies at half price, and a percentage of royalties as well as a page on their website. The opportunity will close after 20 submissions are received. No fee.
The Blue Lynx Prize for Poetry
Deadline: June 15
The annual Blue Lynx Prize for Poetry awards $2,000 plus publication for a full-length poetry collection. The Prize is awarded for an unpublished, full-length volume of poems by a U.S. author, which includes foreign nationals living and writing in the U.S. and U.S. citizens living abroad. Manuscripts may include poems that have appeared in journals, magazines, or chapbooks. Poems that have previously appeared in full-length, single-author collections, are not eligible. Acknowledgments pages and author names may be included. Entries must be at least 48 pages in length. Fee: $28.
Swan Scythe Press 2022 Chapbook Contest
Deadline: June 15
Swan Scythe Press announces the submission requirements for its 2022 Chapbook Contest. Any poet writing in English is eligible to submit. The contest winner will receive 25 copies of her/his book, a prize of $200, and the opportunity to buy copies of their book at 50% of retail price. Submit up to 20 to 32 pages of poems. Fee: $18.
2022 Akron Poetry Prize Submissions
Deadline: June 15
Each year, the University of Akron Press offers the Akron Poetry Prize, a competition open to all poets writing in English. The winning poet receives $1,500 and publication of his, her, or their book as part of the Akron Series in Poetry. The final selection will be made by a nationally prominent poet. Other manuscripts may also be considered for publication in the series. Manuscripts must be a total length of at least 48 pages and no longer than 90 pages. Fee: $25.
Sappho Prize for Women Poets
Deadline: June 19
This contest only accepts submissions from women poets. ALL women are welcome to submit (cis and trans). The winning poet will be awarded $3,000 and publication in Palette Poetry. Second and third place will win $300 & $200 respectively, as well as publication. The top ten finalists will be selected by the editors, and guest judge Jos Charles will then select the winner and two runners-up. Submissions are open internationally, to any poet writing in English. There is no page requirement, but submission must be no more than 3 poems. Fee: $20.
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The Master's Review Flash Fiction Contest
Deadline: May 31
Guest Judge: Kim Chinquee. Stories under 1,000 words. The winning writer will be awarded $3,000 and publication in The Masters Review. Second and third place will be awarded $300 and $200, respectively, as well as publication in The Masters Review. Fee: $20.
Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition
Deadline: June 1
Open to completed full-length novels suitable for children/young adults aged somewhere between 7 and 18 years. A minimum of 30,000 words and a maximum of 80,000 words. The main prize is a worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House with a £10,000 advance (subject to contract). A panel of judges will select the overall winner, who will also receive an offer of representation from a top literary agent, Louise Lamont from LBA Books. Their bonus prize will be awarded to an author hand-picked by our Publisher and Chairman of the judging panel, Barry Cunningham. The prize is a worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House with a £7,500 advance (subject to contract) and representation by Louise Lamont from LBA Books. Fee is £20 – however, if you are in financial hardship, please email [email protected] by midday (UK time) on Tuesday 31st May to request a reduced fee of £15. You do not need to provide proof or justification when requesting the reduced fee.
PEN/Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children's and Young Adult Novelists
Deadline: June 1
Offered annually to an author of children’s or young adult fiction for a novel-in-progress. The award was developed to help writers whose work is of high literary caliber and assist a writer at a crucial moment in their career to complete their novel. The author of the winning manuscript, selected blindly by judges unaware of nominees’ names, will receive an award of $5,000. No fee.
Salamander 2022 Fiction Prize
Deadline: June 1
Submit your short stories to Salamander Magazine's new literary contest. All entries will be considered for publication. Each story must not exceed 30 double-spaced pages in 12 point font. Multiple entries are acceptable, provided that a separate reading fee is included with each entry. First prize receives $1,000 and publication. Second prize receives $500 and publication. Fee: $15.
Sapiens Plurum 2022 Short Fiction Contest
Deadline: June 1
Announcing the eighth annual short fiction writing contest “Inventing Beautiful Futures.” The winner will receive $1000 for first prize. Second prize is $500 and third is $300. Write a story that uses technology to transform something harmful into something beneficial or even beautiful. From crisis through chaos to social good. Let the reader see this future world through your eyes. Submissions must be the original work of the submitter, 1500-3000 words, in English. No fee.
Marguerite McGlinn Prize for Fiction
Deadline: June 15
This is an annual national short fiction contest that features a first place $2,500 cash award and invitation to an awards dinner; a second place cash prize of $750; and a third place cash prize of $500. The winner stories will be published in the Fall print issue of Philadelphia Stories. Submit previously unpublished works of fiction up to 8,000 words. Only authors currently residing in the United States are eligible. Fee: $15.
The Writer 2022 Spring Short Story Contest
Deadline: June 20
Submit your very best fictional short story in 2,000 words or less. Any theme, subject, or genre is fair game, as long as it falls under 2,000 words. Grand prize: $1,000 and publication in The Writer magazine. Second-place winner will receive $500 and publication on the website; third-place winner will receive $250 and publication on website as well. Fee: $25
Air and Nothingness Press Fiction Contest
Deadline: June 30
"We are seeking stories for an anthology to be titled The Librarian which will collect stories about one Librarian's adventures roving through the multiverse. To be published in the winter of 2022 by the Air and Nothingness Press." Use the theme and character description of "The Librarian" to write your story. All stories should have a positive ending. This is to be an anthology of hope and knowledge. All stories are requested to be between 1000 and 3500 words in length. The pay is 8 cents per word. Anthology authors will receive one print copy of the anthology, plus wholesale pricing for additional print copies (40% off the retail price). No fee.
Aura Estrada Short Story Contest
Deadline: June 30
All entries must be related to this year’s theme of Speculation. The winning author will receive $1,000 and have their work published in Boston Review’s special literary issue Speculation (February 2023). Some finalists and semi-finalists will also be published in the issue or online. Stories must not exceed 5,000 words and must be unpublished. Fee: $20.
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Gasher Chapbook Prize CNF
Deadline: May 31
Gasher is currently accepting submissions for nonfiction chapbooks. Hybrid and collaborative works are acceptable. Manuscripts must be a minimum of 30 pages of prose and must not exceed 60 pages of prose (15,000 words) [this count excludes acknowledgments, notes, etc.]. Sections of the manuscript may be published, but as a whole, should remain unpublished. (Self-publishing counts as publication.) Please include an acknowledgments page indicating the published essays. Include a front cover with a brief summary of the project (250 words or less). The chapbook prize includes 10 free copies and $100 prize. Fee: $12.
Room Magazine's Creative Nonfiction Contest
Deadline: June 1
Room‘s contests are open to women (transgender and cisgender), trans men, Two-Spirit, and nonbinary people. Each entry must be original, unpublished, not submitted or accepted elsewhere for publication or previously to Room, and not entered simultaneously in any other contest. One submission is one piece of creative non-fiction (memoir, travel writing, nonfiction humour, essay, literary journalism, personal journalism, biography, profile, etc.) of up to 3,500 words. First Prize: $1000 + possibility of publication in Room. Second: $250 + possibility of publication in Room. Honorable Mention: $100 + publication on Room‘s website. 2022 Judge: Luna Ferguson. Fee: $35 CAD - $55 CAD, depending on your location, to submit your initial entry. All initial entries include a one-year subscription to Room.
The Fiddlehead's Annual Essay Contest
Deadline: June 1
One prize winner will receive $2,000 CAD for their best essay. Entries must be original and unpublished with a maximum of 6,000 words. You will receive a one-year subscription to The Fiddlehead with your first entry. The winning entry will be published in 293 of The Fiddlehead and on our website. There is a publication payment in addition to the contest prize. The current publication payment rate is $60/page. Fee: $35 CAD.
Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize
Deadline: June 15
One first place winner receives $1,000 and publication in Hunger Mountain Issue #27, and one runner-up receives publication in Hunger Mountain Issue #27. Please enter one original, unpublished piece of creative nonfiction, no more than 8,000 words. Submissions should be anonymous. Your name or any other information that would allow someone to identify you (email address etc.) should not appear anywhere on the manuscript. Manuscripts should be submitted double spaced and in 12 point type. This year’s judge is Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Editor, Sue William Silverman. Fee: $20.
Creative Nonfiction Books: True stories by (or about) nurses
Deadline: June 27
For a special expanded anniversary edition of I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories of Becoming a Nurse, Creative Nonfiction/In Fact Books is seeking essays by and about nurses. "We’re looking especially for pandemic-era stories, which examine the complex and essential role nurses of all kinds have played in providing care and guidance for patients and families, as well as the ways in which the pandemic has affected both individuals and the healthcare system. We are looking for writers who can write dramatically and vividly about their work." Essays can be from 1,000 to 4,000 words but should be written in a narrative form, with scenes, description, vivid characters and a distinctive voice. This is a paying market. All submissions will be considered for the book and might also be considered for other CNF projects. No fee.
Narratively Spring 2022 Memoir Prize
Deadline: June 27
Narratively is accepting entries for their debut Spring Memoir Prize. "We’re on the hunt for revealing and emotional first-person nonfiction narratives from unique and overlooked points of view." Entries will be judged on a rolling basis in four rounds: the first three by experienced Narratively readers and staff, and the final by guest judges: Ashley C. Ford, New York Times–bestselling memoirist of Somebody’s Daughter; Nicole Rocklin, Oscar-winning film and TV producer behind the movie Spotlight; and Glynn Washington, host, creator, and executive producer of the podcast/radio show Snap Judgment. Grand Prize: $3,000; 2 Finalists: $1,000. Word count: 2,000 - 7,000. Fee: $20.
Tangled Locks - Abortion Essays
Deadline: June 30
"We tell our stories. Well, most of them. We often keep the stories of our abortions tucked in a little box. One in four women will have an abortion in their lifetime but very few tell their story. The imposed stigma makes it challenging to tell our stories.Speaking our truth can be powerful. We are running a special nonfiction issue focusing on first-person essays about abortion. We talk about our experiences, in our own voices, with all the complexity in our lives." No fee.
IFW My Funny Family Personal Essay Contest
Deadline: June 30
"We're looking for entries that are aimed at an adult audience and would be suitable for print in a magazine or anthology. (Think about the type of essay you would find in a Chicken Soup for the Soul collection.)" Personal essay of 1,000 words (or less) about a funny family story written in first person point of view. 1st place: $650; 2nd place: $350; 3rd - 5th place = $100. Fee: $19.
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Split Lip Magazine: Anniversary Issue Micro
Deadline: May 31
"Split Lip Magazine is turning TEN! Ten is a BIG deal, and we want to celebrate in all sorts of TINY ways! We are publishing a special anniversary issue of mini fiction, memoir, and poetry! Isn’t mini cute???" Poetry: No more than 20 lines, 10-15 words MAX per line on any subject. Memoir/Creative Nonfiction: 275 words or less on any subject. Fiction: 275 words or less on any subject. Pay is $75 per piece! No fee.
Minola Review
Deadline: May 31
Minola Review accepts poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction submissions from all those who identify as women and non-binary writers. They are seeking fiction (micro under 1000 words, and short fiction up to 5,000 words), creative nonfiction (up to 5,000 words), poetry (up to four poems), and reviews (200-500 words). For their June issue, pay is $175 per published story or CNF; poetry and reviews pay $50. For their September issue, pay is $75 for fiction and nonfiction; $25 for poetry; $20 for reviews. No fee.
1000 Below: Flash Prose and Poetry Contest
Deadline: June 1
Enter Midway Journal’s -1000 Below: Flash Prose and Poetry Contest for a chance to win the $500 grand prize. Submit up to 2 poems per entry, up to 40 words per poem. No more than one poem per page. For nonfiction and fiction, 1 piece per entry, up to 1,000 words per piece. All submissions will be considered for publication. First prize receives $500 and publication; second prize receives $250 and publication; third prize receives $50 and publication. Fee: $10.
The Common
Deadline: June 1
Send up to five poems, or one prose piece, or three flash pieces per submission. Fiction, nonfiction, translations, and poetry will be considered for print and online publication. $200 honorarium per prose piece, and $40 per poem. Fiction and nonfiction word limit is 10,000 words. Submit up to 5 poems. Fee: $3.
Burning Word
Deadline: June 10
Submit flash fiction and flash nonfiction of no more than 300 to 500 words per piece. You may submit up to two (2) pieces per issue, may be submitted as one file, should run fewer than 5 pages in length, and must be unpublished. Your poetry submission may contain up to five (5) poems, may be submitted as one file, should run fewer than 10 pages in length, and must be unpublished. Fee: $3.
Tangled Locks Journal
Deadline: June 12
"We welcome all authors and their words with one caveat in mind — if you can sum up your female character in one line (or worse yet: one word), our publication is probably not for you. For our quarterly publications, we are looking for pieces 2000 words or less. There is no minimum word count." Submit poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Pay is $15 per published piece. Fee: $4.
Antithesis Journal Volume 32: Tender
Deadline: June 12
"Tender is the night, tender is the flesh, tender is … well, ubiquitous. But what does it really mean to be tender or show tenderness? Is it the appearance of a new bruise or maybe not that obvious? How and when are we tender or, at least, supposed to be? Where do you feel tenderness? Is it an act, an emotion, a concept or all the above? How does it shape societies, families, our sense of self, and the world around us? Would our lives be any better if we all just showed a little more tenderness?" Seeking creative nonfiction (up to 3,000 words - pitch first), scholarly research articles (up to 7,500 words), poetry (up to 100 lines), and artwork. Pay is AUD50 for contributors to the print magazine. No fee.
14 Hills
Deadline: June 15
They accept the following genres for unpublished unsolicited submissions: poetry up to 3 poems (maximum 7 pages); and fiction and creative nonfiction up to 6,000 words) OR 3 pieces of flash fiction (1000 words per piece). If your submission is accepted for publication in the journal, you will receive two free copies of Issue 29. Fee: $2.
Sequestrum
Deadline: June 15
Sequestrum publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual arts on a rolling basis. Their current theme for poetry and fiction is: Sci-Fi. "Genres such as science fiction regularly offer complex, literary-quality writing. And that’s where we come in. In short, we want your most ambitious sci-fi writing in its most imaginative form." Fiction should not exceed 12,000 words. Poetry should be no more than 35 lines. Submit a maximum of 4 poems per submission. Fee; $6.35.
Channel Magazine
Deadline: June 15
Channel is an Ireland-based literary magazine born out of the climate crisis, publishing poetry and prose with an environmentalist perspective. They are seeking essays (up to 6,000 words), short stories (up to 6,000 words), poetry (up to 4 poems), and artwork. They publish work that engages with the natural world. "We have a particular interest in work which encourages reflection on human interaction with plant and animal life, landscape and the self. Each issue includes a mix of poetry and fiction, alongside a selection of essays which may include creative non-fiction, criticism, and the occasional review of new creative work or of community-based environmental projects." Pay is €50 per poem and €50 per page of prose up to a total maximum fee of €150. No fee.
Chestnut Review
Deadline: June 30
Submit poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and flash fiction or nonfiction. Poetry: Length and format are open. Poems should be single-spaced and all in one document. Begin each poem on a new page, and clearly indicate when a poem extends beyond one page. For fiction and nonfiction, submit one piece between 1000 and 5000 words, single-spaced throughout. Prose submissions can be works of fiction or nonfiction. Flash: Submit one piece of up to 1000 words, single-spaced throughout. No fee for poetry and flash; $5 for prose.
Cloud Lake Literary
Deadline: June 30
"We accept unsolicited submissions for publication in our digital magazine from Canadian writers in the following categories: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and children’s literature (up to and including YA)." Fiction, children, YA, and nonfiction submissions are to be a maximum of 3500 words. Pay is $50 CAD/per page to a maximum of $150 CAD. No fee.
HeartWood
Deadline: June 30
"We are interested in writing that pushes into, dares to reveal, its own truth, that takes emotional risks, that gets to the heart of the matter. Poetry submissions may include lyric, narrative, experimental, prose poems--we're open to all variations of the poetic voice. Fiction submissions may include short stories, flash fiction, or novel excerpts if the excerpt can stand alone. We're open to a wide range of nonfiction, with the exception of academic articles, or that which would be considered more traditionally journalistic. Personal essay, memoir, lyric, literary journalism, or some blurring in between, are all acceptable." Submit 3 to 5 poems no more than 10 pages total. Fiction and nonfiction should be no longer than 3,000 words. No fee.
2022 LAR Literary Awards
Deadline: June 30
Using the online submission system, submit up to three poems of no more than 50 lines each, a short story or essay of up to 2,500 words, or a piece of flash fiction of up to 1,000 words. Prizes include a $1000 honorarium and publication via LAR Online and in the best-of annual print edition of the Los Angeles Review. Fee: $20.
The Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize
Deadline: June 30
Exceptionally international in scope, the prize supports writers who have not yet published a book-length work, with no limits on age, gender, nationality, or background. The winners of each category will receive a £1,000 cash prize and publication and will be published in Wasafiri’s print magazine. Shortlisted writers will have their work published on Wasafiri’s website. No entry may exceed 3,000 words. A single poetry entry can include up to three poems, which together total no more than 3,000 words. Fee: £10.00.
Mud Season Review
Deadline: June 30 (opens June 1)
Mud Season Review accepts submissions of fiction (up to 6,000 words), nonfiction, and poetry. “We seek deeply human work that will teach us something about life, but also about the craft of writing or visual art, and work that is original in its approach and that in some way moves us.” Pay is $50. They have both no fee and paid categories.
Sunspot Lit Rigel 2022 Contest
Deadline: June 30
Rigel is the brightest star in the Orion constellation. Sunspot Lit is looking for the single short story, novel, novella, artwork, graphic novel, or poem that outshines all the rest. Rigel offers $250 plus publication to the winner, and offers publication to select finalists. No restrictions on theme or category. The length for prose is restricted to a maximum of 5,000 words for short stories, or ten pages for poetry and graphic novels. Fee: $6.
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WOW! Women on Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction and Creative Nonfiction Contests
Deadlines: May 31 (Fiction) and July 31 (Creative nonfiction). Our favorite writing community offers quarterly contests judged blindly with multiple cash prizes and more for 20 winners, up to $1,350 (fiction) and $1,175 plus a gift certificate to CreateWriteNow (nonfiction), an affordable critique option, and a 300-entry limit on each contest. What’s not to love? This season's guest judge is Literary Agent Sharon Pelletier with DG&B. Fee: $10 (Flash Fiction) and $12 (Nonfiction).
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June 1st is Go Barefoot Day, so kick off your sandals and run wild in the grass or beach sand. After you’ve done that, and you’ve begun rinsing off your toes, consider writing about things outside the margins. Retreat West is hosting their flash fiction contest under the theme of margins with cash prizes for the top three winners. Fee is £8. Submit by June 25.
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[This article was originally published in WOW's Short & Sweet Issue #69]
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By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon
Listicles are not only great staples for seasoned freelancers, but are also a good way for new writers to break into print. I have been writing these bite-sized, easily digestible articles for years. Listicles used to be called refrigerator articles, because folks would cut these informational short pieces out of the newspaper and hang them on the fridge for easy reference. Also called list articles or round-ups, these can be written on just about any theme: humor, fun facts, pop culture, or “how-to” service pieces. Listicles have two main parts: an introduction and the list. A closing paragraph is optional, usually depending on the publication.
Look through your Facebook feed or the covers of magazines at the grocery store for examples of published listicles. Here are three I saw today: Shape magazine: “16 Foods for Peak Energy,” Yoga magazine: “13 Ways to Break Out of a Rut,” and In Style magazine: “Four Rules for Matching Prints.”
Once you start looking, you will see them everywhere! Want to try your hand at writing a listicle? It’s so easy! Just follow the steps outlined below.
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"Listicles can be written on just about any theme: humor, fun facts, pop culture, or 'how-to' service pieces."
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Start by brainstorming ideas and themes. The best articles are about something you’ve experienced, or a subject you are interested in. Have you figured out fun ways to get your kids to eat their veggies? Or do you have the lowdown on the best hiking trails for families in your locality? Grab a notebook, pick a theme, and see if you can scribble down five to ten ideas that could become bullet points for a list. Don’t worry if you don’t have many items; you can add more by doing what writers do best—research! For example, while writing an article titled, “Save Money and the Environment by Using Green Homemade Cleaners,” I was able to easily write down several green cleaning methods that I use in my own home. But because I don’t have either granite or tile in my house, I read up on environmentally-friendly cleaning tricks for those to add to my list.
Once you have your theme and several bullet points, start writing your article.
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Your intro should explain to readers what your listicle is about and why this information will be useful. In other words, why should they read this list?
Here’s the intro to one of my most popular articles, “8 Truly Useful Gifts for New Parents.”
Headed to a baby shower in the next few months? Then you will probably be ogling those cute onesies, soft toys, and blankets in the baby section while shopping for the perfect gift. But how about getting the parents-to-be a truly useful present? Here are some items experienced parents know will be greatly appreciated.
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Next, each item should have a bullet point that states the item or idea in bold, followed by a comment, short explanation, or even hyperlink to a product if applicable. Feel free to add humor or personal anecdotes for flavor.
Here’s the first item in the article mentioned above:
Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: A vacuum that charges and is cordless is even better. These are great for when baby starts throwing food, and all of life’s little messes.
Some bullet points will require more explanation than a couple of lines, especially if you are offering ideas for crafts or activities. Here’s one such example from one of my craft articles: “7 Indoor Winter Activities.”
Jack Frost Paintings: This is another fun activity that uses Epsom salt to form crystals. Mix equal parts Epsom salt and warm water. Give kids paint brushes of various widths, and they can dip the brushes into the Epsom salt solution and paint snowflakes or other designs onto dark-colored construction paper. Dark blue and black-colored paper works best. As the water evaporates from the paper, beautiful crystals are left behind.
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Not all listicles require a conclusion, as they are supposed to be short, sweet, and to the point. I add a conclusion when I have more information or ideas to convey that didn’t fit the list format.
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The length or word count of your finished article depends on both your theme and the publication. One of my listicles, “5 Party Themes for Tweens and Teens,” had long explanations for each bullet point, so five items was plenty. But if you are writing a round-up of the best parks in your town, readers will want more than two or three options. Most list articles are 700 words or less. Check the guidelines for the publication you are aiming for. For example, Listverse asks for 1,500 words per list, while Scary Mommy’s guidelines say it likes lists under 900 words.
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Once you’ve drafted your article, it’s time to edit. Take a deeper look while considering the following:
- Does the introduction tell the reader what they will be reading and why they should read it?
- Is your article written in a warm, conversational tone that invites the reader in?
- Does your list include snappy, short explanations of each item or idea?
- Did you include any tidbits of personal experience or anecdotes?
- For service articles, are your words inspirational with a “you can do it” vibe instead of a judgmental “you should do this” tone?
- Is the article easy to scan quickly and get the basic ideas?
- Did you have a friend or writing partner read it and give you feedback?
Read through your listicle to catch any typos and grammatical mistakes. Once your piece is error-free, it’s time to start targeting publications.
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Once your article is polished and you’ve given it a catchy title, start sending out queries to publications. For parenting, home economics, thrift, and family life listicles, check your local newspaper, parenting publications, and women’s magazines. Mommy Blogs are another great spot to place listicles.
Before you send in your article to your targeted publication, make sure to read a few of the pieces in the magazine or blog to get a feel for what they publish, if you hadn’t already before you wrote your listicle. For example, Scary Mommy offers essays and listicles on just about anything parenting and family related and is aimed at a younger audience.
You can do it! Not only are listicles fun to write, they can sharpen your writing skills and help you get that first—or one-hundredth—clip.
Here are a few bigger markets to aim for:
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Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a freelance writer, essayist, and mixed media artist. Her work has been featured in This Land Press, CNN, The Christian Science Monitor, Parents.com, Submittable, ParentMap, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. She lives near Seattle, Washington with her husband and three children, where she teaches creative nonfiction at a local college. She loves to hike and make art.
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By Margo L. Dill
Welcome to this month’s success stories. We love when you share any success with us, and we love to see how you are being published in magazines and on websites, and you are getting book deals and publishing your own work. We love that you are writing every day and finding the words flowing, and you want to share that with us and our community! As always, these are inspirational, so enjoy them. Take some time on the Facebook and Instagram posts to tell your fellow writers, “Congrats!” and then let us know your own success for next month by emailing Margo at [email protected] or [email protected] or watching for the post on our social media pages, mid-month!
Bethany Jarmul writes, “I had a flash essay entitled ‘Cloudy’ accepted by The Citron Review. It will be in their summer issue.”
Rosie Simms writes, “I won the 1997 (first ever) Nashville Network Songwriting Contest with the song ‘I’d Like to Help You Out’ with my cowriter Jack Fischer. We were flown to Nashville and appeared on Gary Chapman’s show, Nashville Now (the network no longer exists), where the song was performed. It was the experience of a lifetime!”
Heather Baver writes, “I recently participated in a first chapter contest that I learned about through WOW! It was just the catalyst I needed to move forward with a novel writing project that had been in the works for a long time.”
Angela Mackintosh writes, “I recently had my lyric essay, ' Super Bloom' published in the fantastic journal, Under the Sun. I'm proud of this essay because it was a team effort. I wrote it in Naomi Kimbell's WOW workshop on lyric essay writing, and my Mem-warrior group provided feedback. I also had my essay 'Fake Nails and a Gun' accepted by Harpur Palate. It will appear in their next issue."
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Classes starting June 5th:
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Research: Prepping to Write Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults
4 weeks starting June 5
Nonfiction for children and teens lines the bookshelves of libraries and bookstores, fills magazines and e-zines and is used in classrooms around the world. The first step in taking your place in this market is learning to do the research. That may sound relatively simple, but done right it includes researching markets and possible topics as well as locating accurate source materials. This course will help you develop the skills you need to take on these tasks with confidence.
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Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults
4 weeks starting June 5
Biographies, science, history, how-to, and more. Nonfiction is published in book form, online and in both magazines and e-zines. Not only do teachers and school librarians seek nonfiction for their students, children and teens read it for fun. In this course, you will learn how to organize your material, write and revise not only the manuscript you workshop in class but future projects as well. Learn from Sue Bradford Edwards!
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Pitching, Querying, and Submitting Your Work
4 weeks starting June 5
Whether you write essays, short stories or novels, sending your work to an agent, editor or publisher is a daunting task. This course will teach you to assemble submission basics including a pitch and a query letter. We will also discuss how to find markets and how to manage rejection. Led by Sue Bradford Edwards, an author with over 600 sales to her credit, including 30 traditionally published books.
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Manuscript Editing Package With Consultation (For Novels, Collections, and Memoirs):
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When you type “The End” at the completion of your manuscript, you feel a sense of accomplishment and often relief. But soon questions arise of what to do next. If you are looking for someone to help you, Margo L. Dill, author and editor, offers a manuscript draft editing package to help writers who are looking for someone to read their entire manuscript in a short amount of time and offer feedback on the whole project.
Are you lost on how to turn your draft into a published book? Are you too close to your story? Do you need someone to read the whole manuscript and give you some suggestions—what is working and what is not? Margo can help! In this package, she will:
- Read through your draft (up to 100,000 words)
- Create a bullet point list of what works in the draft and what doesn’t
- Write at least a one-page letter on suggestions for revision and what to do next
- Schedule a 30-min Skype or WhatsApp call or a phone call meeting to discuss suggestions and answer questions on Margo’s feedback
- 25 percent off on future services on this manuscript only (no expiration date)
For WOW! writers only, this package also comes with a page of technical edits. Margo will list errors to look for in your manuscript that she noticed while reading. WOW writers can use this guide to edit their manuscripts and fix their common errors.
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