How to Sell Creative Nonfiction Essays

Creative nonfiction is one of today’s most popular genres. Writers utilize the literary techniques that characterize the work of fiction writers and poets—such as scenes, descriptions, dialogue and flashbacks—in the hopes of conveying a powerful account of an important subject. Works are intended to engage the reader and evoke an emotional response. Once you master the format and produce an essay fit for publication, read the below tips to learn where and how to sell it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Writer’s Market handbook

1. List four categories that describe your essay. This will assist in identifying a suitable market. For instance, an essay about three quarrelling 17-year-old friends might be described as: feud, high school, interpersonal relationships, young adult.
2. Familiarize yourself with Writer’s Market. Updated and published annually, Writer’s Market lists 4,000 markets for your essays, stories, books and poems. You can search by subject (these categories are located in the table of contents) or by publication name (listed alphabetically in the back).
3. Use the table of contents to find an appropriate publication (the categories you outlined in step one will narrow the options). Consumer magazines, trade publications and newspapers are best suited for creative nonfiction submissions, so limit your search to these areas. Each entry lists publication name, contact, circulation, payment range, percentage written by freelancers, response time for submissions, columns and departments accepting submissions, and tips.
4. Amass a list of potential publications. Read through each entry thoroughly to make sure your piece fits with word count, content and tone/voice. Also, note whether the publications accept simultaneous submissions—that is, they allow you to send your work for consideration to more than one place at a time. Most newspapers and magazines frown upon this practice as they like to have an “exclusive” look at a submission.
5. Write a cover letter or email, depending on what the Writer’s Market entry lists as the best contact method. Your note should include one sentence for each of the following: introduce your piece including title and word count, describe what the piece is about, say why it fits with the publication, include your credentials, thank the editor. In a cover letter, less is more.
6. Submit a copy of your work (never an original) along with the cover letter.
7. Keep a list of where you have submitted along with your contact and the date sent. This will ensure you don’t send the same piece to an editor twice.
8. If you do not hear back from the editor after the time frame indicated in the publication’s Writer’s Market entry, phone and follow up with the editor. Give it two days before submitting your piece elsewhere.

Tips & Warnings

• While other books and online resources exist to help freelance writers sell their work, Writer's Market has the most advanced and up-to-date information. It is your best resource.
• Writing is a tough market for freelancers. Don’t be discouraged if your piece isn’t picked up by the first few publications you try. Consider rewriting if you get rejected or don’t hear back from seven or more editors.
• Don’t be shy in asking editors who have rejected your piece why it wasn’t right for their publication. Any advice you get will aid your chances in the future.