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.

Apply by August 9.

Editorial Internships
Creative Nonfiction’s editorial internship offers graduate and post-graduate individuals the opportunity to learn new skills while providing experience working in the realm of literary publishing. Because our office is small, interns often can become involved with various projects and gain an understanding of all aspects of running an independent literary organization.

Typical tasks include reading submissions, fact-checking and research, working on the CNF website, and other tasks that vary depending on current CNF projects. Please note: Much of the work performed by our interns and volunteers is not glamorous, but is vital.

We value quality of work over quickness, but interns and volunteers should have the ability to multitask, work between multiple projects, and change directions often. Applicants should display strong research skills, an attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and creativity.

We offer two or three unpaid internships per term and require at least a 15 hour-per-week commitment. We can generally work with interns to schedule around other jobs or commitments, though all interns will be expected to attend a weekly hourlong meeting (schedule TBA). All internships are currently fully remote.

Applicants are encouraged to work with their school to get credit.

If you would like to be considered for an editorial internship submit a cover letter, CV/resume, and brief writing sample. Please upload your information as a Word file, pdf, or link.

The Creative Nonfiction Foundation is a private not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and welcomes all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, or disability.

Application Due by August 9, 2021.