Creative Nonfiction

 Do you have an idea for a literary timeline? An opinion about essential texts for readers and/or writers? An in-depth, working knowledge of a specific type of nonfiction? Pitch us your ideas; Creative Nonfiction accepts query letters for the following sections of the magazine:

 AFTERWORDS is the final page of the magazine. We're open to just about any idea that can be presented completely in one page, though we are more inclined toward pieces that take a lighter look at the genre, craft, and/or industry. Examples: First sentences from first books (#38); The ever-expanding nonfiction subtitle (#39); Side gigs for the nonfiction 99% (#45).

 BETWEEN THE LINES focuses on the business of writing and the contemporary publishing landscape. This section is reserved for more serious, newsy (in a general way) topics.
Examples: The future of literary magazines in America (#38); A defense of navel-gazing (#39); The line between documentation and exploitation (#44).

 REQUIRED READING catalogues and explores essential texts for nonfiction readers and writers. Pieces can be as simple as a list or as complex as a lyric essay.
Examples: David Shields' inspirations and recommendations (#38); Norman Mailer's indispensible nonfiction, as recommended by his biographer (#39).

 THEN & NOW tracks significant developments in the genre and can include timelines or other creative comparisons.
Examples: A history of the genre (and the magazine) from 1993 to 2009 (#38); Environmental writing since "Silent Spring" (#44); Our longstanding obsession with true crime (#45).

 LIFE ONLINE provides a unique perspective of what the literary life is like online. Examples: The virtual realities of online advice columnist Sugar (#42); Of online anger, puppy dogs and ice cream (#43); Is online publishing permanent enough/ (#44).

 UNDER THE UMBRELLA explores one subset or type of writing that falls under the creative nonfiction umbrella--dad memoir, extreme travel writing, as well as lesser-known kinds of creative nonfiction--and the patterns that connect these types of writing.
Examples: CNF's Armchair Guide to Stunt Writing (#38); Family History Narrative (#41); Sex Worker Memoirs (#45). 

 WRITER AT WORK offers an analysis of or an in-depth look into a specific writer's writing process.
Examples: Gay Talese's approach to composition (#39); E.B. White's use of literary effect in "Death of a Pig" (#41).

  Note: Nothing increases your publishing chances more than a familiarity with the magazine; we recommend you become a subscriber, but a working knowledge of our recent issues is a great place to start, too.

 Queries only. Please do not send completed pieces. Please do not send attachments. Please send brilliant, original ideas and a solid plan for turning those ideas into brilliant pieces of writing.

NEW NONFICTION BY OLD(ER) WRITERS

Creative Nonfiction is currently seeking submissions of new nonfiction work by older (60+) writers. We’re looking for personal essays/memoir, experimental work, science writing, profiles, historical nonfiction, lyric essays … any kind of lively fact-based writing. Your work might directly address issues related to age/aging, but there is absolutely no requirement that it do so. 

4,000 word maximum; please include a word count on the first page of the essay and a cover letter with complete contact information and a brief bio. 

Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 pm on Monday, February 22, 2021.

There is a $3 convenience fee for online submissions. Subscribers to CNF/TS never pay a reading/convenience fee of any kind when submitting. Ever. Not a subscriber yet? Choose the discounted subscription add-on when uploading your submission.

****Please do not submit to this category if you are not a current Creative Nonfiction or True Story subscriber.***
 If you are not a subscriber, would like to become a subscriber, or extend your subscription, please submit using this category.


NEW NONFICTION BY OLD(ER) WRITERS

Creative Nonfiction is currently seeking submissions of new nonfiction work by older (60+) writers. We’re looking for personal essays/memoir, experimental work, science writing, profiles, historical nonfiction, lyric essays … any kind of lively fact-based writing. Your work might directly address issues related to age/aging, but there is absolutely no requirement that it do so. 

4,000 word maximum; please include a word count on the first page of the essay and a cover letter with complete contact information and a brief bio. 

Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 pm on Monday, February 22, 2021.