I first fell in love with literary nonfiction in college. Previously, you could find me collecting autobiographical poetry collections, magazine advice columns, documentaries, and other “real” stories, so I suppose it was only a matter of time.
For some reason, it never occurred to me prior that nonfiction could be written like fiction. Sure, I had heard of and read memoirs (I think The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls might have been my first), crafted college and application essays, but I was still under the impression that anything true I wrote had to be clinical.
I discovered a different way just in time and threw my own writing into the ring. I suppose that’s why I’m here where I am now. (Hint: the rest of my website shows you all of THOSE details and history!)
There is a beautiful world of true prose waiting for us…and so are submission opportunities. The great thing about creative nonfiction is that a lot of outlets are desperate for more of those kinds of submissions. Some magazines specialize specifically in creative nonfiction and its friends and are more competitive. Whether you’re looking for a soft place to land your piece or want a true challenge, I’ve curated a list of places that crave your truest words.
Off Assignment
I first heard of Off Assignment after enrolling in their very first Zoom class intensive experience. My session was specifically about the hybrid memoir and was led by Lilly Dancyger. Each session featured an author specializing in the genre. All classes were recorded and sent to participants. That’s to say that I enjoyed myself and the community they curated.
Besides classes, Off Assignment publishes stunning creative nonfiction with a lot of fun prompt options. “Letter to a Stranger,” for example, is exactly what it sounds like. “Under the Influence” invites the writer to describe the muses that influence their travels, such as musicians or authors. “What I Didn’t Say” gives writers a chance to revisit topics or “killed darlings” they didn’t get to explore in other essays or reported assignments. For more prompts, visit the submissions page for ideas and opportunities.
Narratively
Ah, a true white whale of the creative nonfiction world. Narratively is as competitive as it gets. To give you an idea of how unique a pitch or story should be, I once met a woman who said they rejected her story about nearly drowning in quick sand because they had something too similar.
Some of the their most well-known stories include…
I Was Taught to Hate My Lesbian Neighbors. They Took Me In Anyway
I’m Not an Asian Stereotype, But I Play One on TV
Narratively releases themed prompts in addition to their general first person stories like the examples above. Check out their current submissions here.
Redivider
The literary journal of Emerson College, Redivider is run by their graduate students at the Boston-based college. It was formerly known as Beacon Street Review until 2014. They only take unpublished pieces from both established and emerging voices. They publish online twice a year as well as one mini summer issue. Simultaneous submissions are allowed. See more submission guidelines here.
Hippocampus Magazine
Dedicated to all forms of nonfiction, Hippocampus Magazine is among the top 25 magazines showcasing the best of the craft. They look for “intensely personal experiences that reflect universal truths about what it means to be human.” They also highly encourage diverse perspectives and experiences from all backgrounds, including but not limited to, “folx from the LGBTQIA+ community, Black writers, Indigenous writers, and writers of Color, disabled writers, writers of all ages, genders, backgrounds, experiences, lifestyles, and identities.”
Think you have a good story? Look at the submission guidelines here.
Brevity
As the name suggests, they love itty bitty nonfiction pieces. 750 words or less. Brevity is also a sophisticated publication with a history of emerging voices and established MFA candidates. Submissions are $3 and accepted pieces are paid $45. You could be next. Look at their submissions page for current calls.
Have More Suggestions?
Do you run a literary magazine focused on creative nonfiction or are looking for more of it for your journal? Let me know so I can add it to the list!
Gretchen Gales 