Omg this is, and you are, so effing inspiring! I am SO hoping I can write a post in two years saying "At the beginning of 2024, I had, essentially, zero bylines. Since then (in the span of two years), I’ve published nearly 50 short essays." Thank you so much for sharing these insights!
I'm in the same boat! There have been times in the past that I've thought of an essay idea but had no idea how to pitch it or get started (I write mostly fiction), and these posts give me inspiration as well as concrete tools. And I love this idea too that there's a place for stories leaning in a positive direction. It seems like readers are interested in hearing about "shifts" (in situation, thinking, etc) and that doesn't have to be a shift to the negative!
A great lesson in how to give a publication and an editor what they want. Also, how to find the story in your current situation or circumstances. 👏🏾 Anna
Hi Anna, I noticed here you submitted the article rather than a pitch. Do you think they have a preference?
Good question! I think you can do either. I sent the full piece because I already had it written — but they’ve accepted just pitches from me, too.
Omg this is, and you are, so effing inspiring! I am SO hoping I can write a post in two years saying "At the beginning of 2024, I had, essentially, zero bylines. Since then (in the span of two years), I’ve published nearly 50 short essays." Thank you so much for sharing these insights!
I'm in the same boat! There have been times in the past that I've thought of an essay idea but had no idea how to pitch it or get started (I write mostly fiction), and these posts give me inspiration as well as concrete tools. And I love this idea too that there's a place for stories leaning in a positive direction. It seems like readers are interested in hearing about "shifts" (in situation, thinking, etc) and that doesn't have to be a shift to the negative!
This is so kind! Thank you. I had so many other writers who helped me learn how to pitch — and I hope some of these tips help in the same way.
Loved this. Congrats on getting another piece out there and for such great tips!
Thank you so much, Brit!
Your lovely quiet vacation and this wonderful piece about it made me so grateful for my time raising young children before everyone had a cell phone.
Ah. There were different problems then, I’m sure — but I’m so glad you had an entire childhood full of this type of quiet
Thanks so much for sharing your awesome tips, Anna! I always love reading your Substacks.
I appreciate this so much, Heather — thank you!
I love everything about this story. You are so generous with other writers, and you are so gifted.
This is so kind — thank you, Amy!
Wonderful tips and insights, as always, Anna!
Thank you, Karen!
A great lesson in how to give a publication and an editor what they want. Also, how to find the story in your current situation or circumstances. 👏🏾 Anna