Send us the work that feels too raw, too personal, or too daring, or even too damning to publish anywhere else—the story where you’ve stripped yourself bare in the sole effort of sharing your truth. We want work that demands editors you can trust and compassionate readers who will honor your vulnerability.
Offer us a clear-eyed reflection on your biggest mistakes, a heartfelt celebration of your hard-won victories, or a poignant account that brings a newsworthy event into vivid, human focus in a manor in which it hasn't before.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Submission Guidelines
Genres of Work Accepted
How to Submit
Response Time
Payment
General Submission Guidelines
Language
For The Writers welcomes English-language submissions from writers worldwide.
Length
Formatting
General Submissions
Simultaneous Submissions
Response Time
Withdrawing Your Work
Payment Methods for Accepted Submissions
Understanding Your Rights
Additional Questions
Genres of Work Accepted
FICTION
Send us your emotionally honest story—the one that helps us step into another’s shoes and see the world through a fresh lens. We’re seeking fiction that doesn’t just entertain but moves us, challenges us, and helps us learn what it truly feels like to be someone else.
Share satire that cuts to the quick, reflecting truths we can’t ignore. Offer tragedy that is cathartic, not manipulative, leaving us with a sense of understanding and release. Or craft a parable that lingers long after we’ve turned the final page, inviting us to carry its lessons into our daily lives.
We’re open to any genre of fiction—literary, speculative, historical, experimental—as long as it takes risks to reveal something raw and true about ourselves and the world we inhabit.
Through these stories, we aim to inspire profound emotional resonance in our readers. We want them to feel the weight of choices made in desperation, the surge of courage in impossible circumstances, or the quiet triumph of an ordinary moment turned extraordinary. We want them to laugh, not just at the wit of the words but at the piercing accuracy of a truth they recognize in themselves. We want them to cry, not out of manipulation but because your story has tapped into something they’ve buried deep.
Your fiction should ignite curiosity, challenge comfort zones, and provoke thought. It should transport readers to worlds both familiar and strange, allowing them to inhabit lives they’ve never lived and grapple with questions they’ve never asked.
We hope your stories spark the kind of reflection that stays with readers long after they’ve finished. Maybe it’s a new understanding of their own humanity or the realization of a connection to someone they’ve never met. Maybe it’s the courage to face their fears, the inspiration to change, or the simple comfort of knowing they’re not alone.
This is fiction that doesn’t just tell a story but creates an experience—fiction that dares to be bold, honest, and unforgettable. Whether it’s humor, heartbreak, or hope, your work has the power to leave a lasting mark on the hearts and minds of readers.
NONFICTION
We’re captivated by narrative nonfiction that pushes boundaries, offering fresh perspectives that challenge conventional thinking and invite us to wrestle with life’s most intricate questions. These are the stories that resist simple answers, encouraging thoughtful dialogue and deep reflection.
Through these narratives, we aim to inspire a full spectrum of emotions in our readers. We want them to experience the heart-wrenching ache of loss as though it were their own, the radiant warmth of unexpected joy through shared victories, and the quiet, reflective solace of realizing they are not alone in their struggles. We strive to foster empathy that bridges divides, bringing readers closer to understanding lives and experiences beyond their own and sparking a curiosity to explore life’s complexities further.
The best nonfiction stories leave readers with goosebumps, a lump in their throat, or a tear slipping down their cheek—not solely from the power of the words but because those words resonate deeply, unlocking something profound within. We want readers to pause, revisit, and carry the story’s essence long after they’ve put it down.
This is the kind of writing that prompts readers to question their assumptions, reexamine their beliefs, and even alter their perspectives entirely. It is writing that challenges, heals, and connects, serving as a reminder that in moments of isolation or struggle, the human experience is one we all share. Whether it’s the spark of hope, the sting of grief, or the pride of triumph, your story has the potential to move readers profoundly, leaving them enriched, awakened, and eager for more.
How to Submit
We accept submissions exclusively through our website's Submissions Portal, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process for both writers and our editorial team. To help offset the costs associated with processing and thoughtfully evaluating over 1,000 unsolicited submissions each month, we charge a nominal $2.50 submission fee for online entries.
This fee supports the time and resources needed to maintain our commitment to reviewing every piece with care and attention. We believe in creating a space where all voices are heard, and this process allows us to continue offering meaningful opportunities for writers.
Please note that we do not accept unsolicited submissions via email or USPS at this time. Our Submissions Portal is designed to provide a secure and convenient way for you to share your work with us, ensuring it reaches the right hands efficiently. Thank you for entrusting us with your creative efforts—we look forward to reading your submissions!
Response Time
We strive to respond to all submissions within 90 days, ensuring that each piece receives the thoughtful consideration it deserves. However, due to the high volume of manuscripts we receive, occasional delays may occur. Rest assured, your work is important to us, and we are committed to giving every submission the attention it warrants.
We understand that waiting can be difficult, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding throughout the process. If you haven’t heard from us after 90 days, feel free to check in via our Submissions Portal for an update on the status of your work. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us—we’re honored to review your submission.
Payment
For The Writers offers payment starting at $100 per submission, with final compensation determined by factors such as page length, depth of the work, and overall quality. We believe in valuing the time, effort, and creativity that goes into each piece, and we strive to provide fair compensation that reflects the impact of your contribution.
Whether you’re submitting a concise, powerful poem or a thought-provoking long-form essay, we evaluate every piece with care to ensure it aligns with the high standards of our publication. Our goal is to support and uplift writers by recognizing the intrinsic value of their work, offering not just a platform but also meaningful financial acknowledgment.
By submitting to For The Writers, you’re joining a community that prioritizes creative voices and ensures your work is treated with the respect and appreciation it deserves. Thank you for trusting us with your craft—we’re excited to celebrate and share your unique perspective.
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