Digital platform featuring in-depth storytelling, journalism, and personal essays.

Longreads is a digital platform dedicated to publishing and curating the best longform nonfiction storytelling on the web. Founded in 2009 by Mark Armstrong, it focuses on original nonfiction work including personal essays, reported features, criticism, reading lists, and occasional book excerpts and interviews.

The ultimate ranking of the world's liveliest indie literary magazines, curated by author and editor Charlie Fish. These are the passion projects; the kaleidoscopic cutting edge.

FISH List of Lively Indie Literary Magazines 2026

Publications with pieces chosen for Pushcart Prize anthologies. Recognition of exceptional quality across poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

Lit Mags Featured in Pushcart Prize Anthologies

A comprehensive guide to journals that regularly nominate work for the Pushcart Prize.

Literary Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

Explore the all-time most popular nonfiction literary magazines. These outlets have been influential for writers of essays, memoirs, and nonfiction.

Most Popular Nonfiction-Only Literary Magazines of All Time

Find out the all-time most submitted-to nonfiction literary magazines. These publications are the go-to for writers of creative nonfiction.

Most Submitted-To Nonfiction-Only Literary Mags of All Time

Essay-focused publications with works selected for Pushcart Prize anthologies. These journals have repeatedly identified nonfiction that resonates with Pushcart editors and readers.

Nonfiction Magazines Featured in Pushcart Prize Anthologies

Highlights publications that regularly put forward essays, memoirs, and other creative nonfiction for Pushcart consideration.

Nonfiction Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

Longreads

Essays
We accept pitches for researched and critical essays, or combinations thereof. Rates start at $500, with the fee depending on the reporting required, as well as the total word count. Here are details we look for in pitches for essays:

The gist. What’s the story? How do you plan to deliver it? Tell us about the shape your essay will take, the concerns that power it, the evidence that you’ll use to make your case, and the conclusion your readers will take from their experience.
The context. What makes this the ideal moment for your essay? What makes Longreads the ideal forum?
The length. A distinguishing feature of any Longreads story. Does your essay need 5,000 words rather than 2,000? Why? In your pitch, briefly explain how length is necessary to your essay’s success and your readers’ enjoyment.
We also publish personal essays, but are not able to commission them based on a pitch. We’ll gladly consider your full, polished draft. We look for smart, unexpected angles and compelling voices across a wide range of topics. Our rate for personal essays is $500. Please attach a completed draft (PDF, Google Docs, or Word doc) to your submission, though you can also include the draft in the body of the email. Essays are fact-checked as necessary.

Longreads

Highlights

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