Submission Guidelines

How to Contribute to Write or Die Mag

Thank you for your interest in contributing to Write or Die Magazine. We publish original essays, author interviews, and blog content that pertain to the writing life. Starting in 2023 we will also be publishing featured fiction! We know that writing can be a solitary act, which is why Write or Die Magazine is both a publication and a resource for writers seeking creative connection.

We accept pitches and finished drafts for consideration via email. See below for contribution guidelines and who to send your work to. Editors aim to respond to all emails within 30 days of receipt.

*A Note on Pitches: If you are pitching an essay, blog, or author interview, please send us a brief 2-3 paragraph pitch that tells us a little bit about what you would like to contribute, why you think it is a good fit for Write or Die Magazine, and who you are. A link to past publications is helpful but not necessary.

What We Publish & How to Send Your Work:

  • Essays: We publish first-person narrative essays that explore the intersection of writing and life (whatever that means to you). We are always interested in essays that illuminate the strange, obsessive, spiritual/magical ways that writing and reading shape our reality. Published pieces usually run to a maximum of 3,000 words. Send your finished essays or pitches to Shelby Hinte (shelby@writeordiemag.com

  • Fiction: We seek short (including flash) fiction with a strong narrative arc and a distinctive voice. Tamar is looking for stories with a strong central emotion and moments of surprise. Please use Times New Roman, 12 point font and double space your work. Send finished drafts of up to 4,000 in an attached word doc, including a brief cover letter, to Tamar Mekredijian (tamar@writeordiemag.com) Fiction Submissions close on Feb. 28.

  • Author Interviews: We are currently looking for interviews with writers who have a book forthcoming or recently published. We are especially interested in featuring interviews with authors published by indie presses. If you would like to interview an author for Write or Die Magazine, please send pitches to Shelby Hinte (shelby@writeordiemag.com). 

  • Blog Content: Write or Die was first and foremost a place for writers to come when they needed an inspiration boost or a resource to support them in their writing practice. As such, we publish short articles (typically 1,000 words max) on the writing life that includes: “How To” articles, tips for freelancers, resources for writers (such as books, podcasts, residencies, etc.), and other useful information for writers. Send pitches to Kailey Brennan DelloRusso (hello@writeordiemag.com)

 

GUIDELINES FOR PUBLISHERS

If you would like Write or Die Magazine to consider a forthcoming or recently published book for possible review, you may query us with a full description of the book at hello@writeordiemag.com and/or shelby@writeordiemag.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept previously published work?

No. We only consider original, unpublished works.

How should I format my submission?

If you are sending a finished draft for consideration, please send via word doc attachment (12 point font, double spaced, with your name somewhere on the file) via email to the appropriate editor. If you are sending a pitch, simply write your 2-3 paragraph pitch in the body of the email and send it to the appropriate editor.

Do you accept simultaneous submissions?

Yes, but please email us asap if your work is accepted elsewhere.

 

Does Write or Die Magazine pay contributors?

No. We are a volunteer-run publication, so we do not offer payment at this time, but we hope to do so in the future. We offer our gratitude, community, and lots of shout-outs about you and your work on social media!

 

How long until I hear back from an editor after sending my pitch or finished draft?

Editors aim to respond to all emails within 30 days of receipt. If you have not heard back from an editor after 30 days, please feel free to follow-up.

 

Thank you, and we look forward to reading your work!