- this literary life
- Posts
- no. 21
no. 21
goodbye february, won't miss you
Nicole Tommasulo
March 02, 2025
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As always, thanks for signing up and scrolling through. I hope your pitches and/or queries land and the words flow this week.
Without further ado.
Table of Contents
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tips for freelance writers + novelists
craft
Don’t give in to backstory bloat. When writing first-person narratives, whether essays or a longform memoir, there’s always an urge to add backstory. But too much backstory can bloat your manuscript and slow your narrative momentum, pushing readers away. To help, create a separate file with backstory moments organized by category (context for behavior, pivotal moments of insight, and traumatic memories that relate to your journey). Put placeholders in your draft where you think backstory should go and then add backstory in revision. (Jane Friedman)
What does show-don’t-tell mean, anyway? If there is one piece of advice that gets shared to writers the most, it’s show don’t tell. But that doesn’t mean you need to cut exposition — it means you must be intentional about the details you share. These tidbits should invite readers to discover deeper truths about themselves as much as adding substance to a scene. Great showing gives readers the satisfaction of connecting the dots themselves, turning them from passive observers into active participants in your story. (This Debut Life)
Swap “and then” to “because of.” Every scene needs both external plot and internal meaning, with clear goals and stakes that force characters to make decisions that propel the story forward. When characters actively shape their journey rather than passively experience it, readers stay invested in what happens next and why it matters. (Edit in the Margins)
Deep POV involves more than just eliminating filter words. You must reconstruct your narrative to immerse readers directly in your characters' minds as events unfold. Similar to renovating a house, you first remove the barriers (filter words, emotional labels), then build with vivid sensory details and character insights, and finally refine with subtext and emotional beats. The key is to create an experience where readers don't merely observe your story; they live it through your character's unique perspective, feeling every sensation and emotion in real-time. (Writers in the Storm)
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all things book publishing
publishing news
Writers aren’t bigger scam targets than anyone else. While all creative fields attract scammers, writing's low barrier to entry makes it an especially rich target environment. The most dangerous scams exploit four key vulnerabilities: promising shortcuts around hard work, dangling unrealistic paydays, offering empty flattery, and claiming special "insider knowledge" that will unlock success. Your best defense is a combination of industry knowledge and healthy skepticism. Learn the publishing basics before diving in, stay alert to common scams, and remember that even experienced writers can be vulnerable when their ambition meets a clever con. (Writer Unboxed)
for querying writers
Reminder:
I have openings + a quick turnaround on query letter edits.
Samantha Wekstein, senior literary agent at Thompson Literary Agency, will be open to queries from March 1 - March 7. This month, books about trans kids by trans authors is at the top of her MSWL. She’s also looking for escapist, high concept projects, shorter (under 100k words) standalone fantasies, and more funny picture books and middle grade fiction. Query through QueryTracker.
Christine Goss, an associate literary agent at FinePrint Literary, will be open to queries from March 1 - March 7. Besides her normal MSWL, she’s hoping to see more fantasies in non-western settings, heists, thieves, and “girls up to no good.” Query through QueryTracker.
Morgan Wilson, junior agent at Belcastro, opened to queries on March 1 and hopes to see more fantasy, science fiction, horror, and romantasy. Specifically, she’s looking for science fiction that contains hard science, science fiction horror blends in the vein of Mira Grant, ghost stories, queer romantasy, and fantasy that breaks from conventional western methods. Query through QueryTracker.
Tommy Dean has joined Rosecliff Literary as an associate literary agent and is open to queries. He specializes in mystery, suspense, thrillers, crime fiction, and “upmarket fiction with a sharp edge”. He is especially drawn to “high-stakes narratives, complex characters, and stories that refuse to be put down.” Please send your query letter and one-page synopsis to [email protected].
calls for pitches +
paid creative opportunities
FYI: You can sign up for a subscription to receive pitches and creative opportunities a day early or right when I find them. If you appreciate these weekly roundups, feel free to leave a tip or buy me a coffee.
Reminder: Vet each opportunity before submitting.
Inclusion does not equal endorsement.
reported stories + personal essays
Francis Wade is now commissioning long-form essays and reported stories for Noema Magazine. He is particularly interested in stories on “the climate and the natural world, nations, democracy, AI and tech, or anything else the magazine covers.” E-mail pitches to [email protected].
Chicken Soup for the Soul is now accepting true stories about habits and/or attitudes. Whether you’re breaking bad habits, changing your attitude, or even if this story call-out inspired you to make a change, CSFTS wants to hear about it. Deadline for “habits and attitudes” is May 30. Submit here.
Katie Corvino, VP of editorial for Betches, is looking for pitches of candid essays and humor pieces “from late bloomers, anything from a first kiss in your 20s to learning to ride a bike as an adult.” Rate: $250 - $400 “dependent on angle and type of story.” E-mail pitches to [email protected].
Jared Keller, managing editor of Military.com, is looking for pitches of “compelling analyses of war movies new and old” for “Theater of War,” a new column. Analysis can focus on “a certain character, a particular scene, or broader theme.” Rates: start at $400. E-mail pitches to [email protected].
Narratively is looking for pitches for “The Personals,” a new series of “super unique and interesting first-person stories that focus on one moment, one day, one week, one season.” Specifically, they are looking for “active, exciting first-person stories that resolve around dramatic scenes and moments.” Rate: $300 for 1000 - 15000 words. Submit through Submittable.
from previous issues
food
Grocery Diaries: Stephanie Pitera Statile, Lifestyle/Entertainment editor at Business Insider, is looking for fresh pitches for their Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe’s grocery diaries. Rate: $175. Pitch here.
Whisky: Glug Magazine’s sister, Stramash, is looking for contributors with fresh, interesting things to say about the whisky world. Rate: $.25/word. E-mail pitches to [email protected].
Food Writing: Taste Cooking is looking for a variety of topics, including recipes and food culture features. "We’re most interested in your well-reasoned idea. A story with a strong point of view that is backed by clear reporting and/or supported by proven expertise." With your pitch, please include "why you are qualified to write this story. And if we don’t know you, we’d like to see some of your work. Links are great. The pitch should outline the story in detail, with specifics. For us, the excitement comes from not just colorful copy but substance to back it up. A wise turn of phrase is not a substitute for detailed observation and reporting. If you pitch a feature involving recipe development or sourcing from chefs, clips of similar work are required." E-mail pitches to Matt Rodbard at [email protected].
Food: Gastro Obscura is open for pitches. They have a very in-depth breakdown of how to pitch them, including examples of what they’re looking for. Pay: $.50/word.
Food: Vittles Cooking is opening the cooking section for pitches for the first time. Although there are no restrictions on what you can pitch – beyond the need to be related to home cooking in one way or another – they’re especially interested in stories on “the rules don’t matter” (the pleasures of ignoring the ‘right’ way of doing things), “..maybe they do” (techniques and approaches that transforming/optimize cooking), “cooking and work” (fitting cooking into daily life), “cooking and climate crisis” (impact of ecological disasters and seasonal disruptions in markets and the kitchen), “cooking under duress (what it takes to keep yourself/others fed during illness, grief, turmoil), and recipe sets. They’re also particularly interested in hearing from people whose work challenges the traditional European and/or American-centred perspective of mainstream food writing. Rate: £150/40p a word for shorter pieces, £500 for 500 - 800 word essays. Pitch: [email protected] with the subject, COOKING PITCH.
travel
Food/Drink/Travel: Daria Smith at Late Checkout seeks travel, food, and drink stories with Gen Z energy. Pitches must be newsworthy/have a news angle (why does this story need to be told now?) and have accompanying visuals. Successful pitches also focus on one specific column, are 200 words max, nail Late Checkout’s voice, and have a fleshed-out concept. Rate: $200. Read full pitching guidelines here. E-mail pitches to: [email protected].
New England Travel: Jen Rose Smith, editor at Seven Days, is always looking for pitches for a travel series “about visiting Québec aimed at people living in Vermont.” “We're next-door neighbors, so stories can assume some basic familiarity. (i.e., this is not the place for ‘Montreal!! A cosmopolitan wonderland with Euro flair!!’)." They generally cover places within a few hours of the Vermont border — Montréal, the Eastern Townships, Québec City, etc., “but we're also open to big, dreamy stories that showcase how vast and diverse the province is.” Rate: $250-$325 for 1,200-1,800 words. Pitch: [email protected].
Travel: Atlas Obscura is open for pitches. They have a very in-depth breakdown of how to pitch them, including examples of what they’re looking for. Pay: $.50/word.
Travel: Off Assignment seeks submissions for their "Letter to a Stranger," "Under the Influence," "No Equivalent," "What I Didn't Say," and "Witching Hour" columns. Only completed drafts are considered for publication. Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Pay range: $100 (Witching Hour) - $300.
Outdoors: Ryan Wichelns, founding editor at Trails Magazine, is looking for pitches from through-hikers or members of the Appalachian Trail Community about Hurricane Helene, its impact on the trail/trail community, or its recovery. Pitch: [email protected].
Outdoors: Stasia Stockwell, managing editor for Trails Magazine, is looking for pitches on backpacking food. “We need recipes as well as stories: Think a profile of a backcountry chef or a review of a unique piece of camp kitchen gear. Rate: $.50/word. Pitch: [email protected].
home + garden
Mortgages: Jessica Orwig, senior editor at Business Insider, is looking for pitches of personal essays about home mortgages. “Are you aiming to pay, or have paid, your mortgage off early? If yes, why, and has it been beneficial? Or do you refuse to pay off your mortgage early and are using those extra funds for other endeavors?” Rate:$250. Pitch: [email protected].
Moving: Paige DiFiore, Deputy Editor of Lifestyle and Entertainment at Business Insider, wants pitches from “folks who moved away from a place they loved living in for years, moved for a job or a partner's job, unexpectedly fell in love with living in a place they never thought they'd love or have lived many places until finding one that they adore.” Rate: $240 for 600 - 700 words. Submit pitches here.
Renovations: Paige is also looking for stories from writers who “recently did renovations and remodels and have regrets. Outdoor spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, fixer-uppers — you name it.” Rate: $230 for 600 - 700 words. Submit pitches here.
Groceries: Mara Weinraub, Senior Editor at The Kitchn, is looking for pitches from new writers who have “ingenious advice and strong opinions about the groceries we buy and the retailers and we buy them from.” She is looking for personal essays, reported features, expert-approved tips, noteworthy trends, cultural phenomena, and more. Rate: $150/300 word story. Pitch: mara.@[email protected].
Sustainability: Lynn Freehill-Maye, managing editor at Hudson Valley Viewfinder, is looking for pitches on reported stories on “sustainability, agriculture, science, wildlife, outdoor recreation, green transportation, and more” related to the Hudson Valley. Rate: $500 - $700 for 500 - 700 words. E-mail pitches to [email protected].
parenting + relationships
Parenting: Rosemary Donahue, Health & Parenting editor at Business Insider, is looking for pitches of personal essays on “co-parenting, nontraditional engagements, parenting in 40s or older, not following milestones in relationships in the traditional order, supporting a family financially/being the breadwinner,” and more. Rate: starts at $225 for about 600 words. Pitch: [email protected] with [Pitch: Your proposed headline] as the subject line.
Parenting: Conz Preti, deputy editor at Business Insider, is looking for pitches on feel-good stories, parenting teens, having kids later in life/not having grandchildren, comparing US vs other countries (i.e. did you move to another country and parenting was easier?). Send pitches to [email protected].
lifestyle + culture
Personal Stories: Jessica Reed, head of narrative at The Guardian US, is always looking for pitches about “normal people. Normal people who go on, endure, preserve, resist.” Think: “Walmart workers, broke teachers, gentrifiers meeting the gentrified, struggling surgeons, hard-working farmers, taxi drivers on the brink, unhoused people who choose to go to jail, etc.” Pitch: [email protected].
Culture: Douglas Greenwood, film editor at i-D, is looking to commission across “culture, fashion, art, and photography for i-D this month. op-eds, new talent profiles, left-field looks at what’s cool rn, and introductions to what will be cool tomorrow.” Pitch: [email protected].
Health, Culture: Starlight Williams, editor at Nat Geo, is open to “smart (not academic), interesting (not just to you), and relevant (to a global audience)” pitches. Some examples include hidden histories, health explainers, health debunkers, or “I wonder” stories. Be sure to include sample hed/dek that matches Nat Geo style, plus a Nut Graph that answers the 5 W’s, emphasizing why you are telling this story, and your bio plus relevant clips. E-mail pitches: [email protected].
Literary Life, Culture: LitHub is always open to pitches about "literary life and culture," especially "the ways that books or their authors fit into the culture at large.” They also note they “enjoy rigorous criticism for a general audience." Send pitches (2 - 3 paragraphs outlining your idea) to [email protected].
Features on Echoes: Sophia Epstein, editor at Digital Frontier, is looking for pitches for features on the theme of “echoes.” This can be interpreted as “however you want — as long as it relates to emerging and digital tech, and its impact on our lives.” She's interested in past cultural movements, strange theories about tech moguls being historical figures reincarnated, and more. Rate: up to £0.30 per word. Pitch: [email protected] by February 4.
Neurodivergent Living: Lauren Quinn, managing editor at Motley Bloom, is always looking for pitches of “voice-driven pieces that feature lived experiences of neurodivergence” on “travel, beauty, home design, work and career, product reviews–anything that falls under the umbrella of Neurodivergent Living.” Rate: $300 (short articles) to $500 (longer researched and/or first-person pieces). Pitch: [email protected].
Gaming: Jack King, British GQ contributing editor, is always looking for writers (including US-based) to help expand gaming coverage. “I'd love to meet some great writers — especially with experience across profiles and in-depth feature reportage, and a distinct voice — in the space.” Pitch: [email protected].
Living with disabilities: Rooted in Rights is looking for pitches for blog posts from disabled writers interested in “sharing resources ranging from organizing tips, strategies on getting basic needs met, highlighting a direct service organization, to things that bring you joy, books, comedy, or media recommendations, accessibility workaround, tips for finding community, strategies for rest, and strategies for resistance.” Rate: $400 for 500 words (w/ option to publish anonymously). Pitch here.
gender/identity/sexuality
LGTBQ+ History: QueerAF is looking for pitches for 700-1000 word history articles for Trans+ History Week. They want 'think piece’ style histories, aiming to be thought-provoking and speculative, focusing on the lessons we can learn from history. To pitch, you must provide examples of previous work, a working headline, and four to five bullet points about what your article will cover. One of these bullet points should tell us how the piece will conclude with what learning there is from this history lesson. Pitch here.
Girls and women: Sarah Little, founder of More to Her Story, is looking for more pitches on under-told stories about girls and women worldwide. Their focus isn’t just what’s in the headlines but the stories slipping through the cracks in mainstream media. Pitch here.
literary magazines
Many literary magazines pay to publish your creative work, whether they’re short stories, essays, poems, or other mediums. ChillSubs has an amazing (free) database you can use to find the right opportunities.
Reminder: Vet each opportunity before submitting.
Inclusion does not equal endorsement.
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remote writing + editing jobs
Since we’re all already on LinkedIn, I will do my best to find remote writing and editing jobs not on LinkedIn and/or set to Easy Apply. These job listings were active when this newsletter was scheduled to be published (March 1) but may have expired since.
You can sign up for a subscription to receive job opportunities a day early or right when I find them. Or, if you appreciate these weekly roundups, feel free to buy me a coffee.
Reminder: Vet each opportunity before submitting.
Inclusion does not equal endorsement.
TheTravel is adding more Freelance Travel Writers to their team. These writers have experience, especially as a travel writer, with exceptional research skills, in-depth knowledge about travel trends, and strong writing skills.
Axios is looking to add a full-time Local Editor to join the team covering the South, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Huntsville, AL. You will be responsible for working with a regional editor to help oversee and edit the production of daily local news coverage in Axios’ Local’s cities in the South, managing multiple reporting teams in the cities across the South, assist with research, write newsletters, and more. The ideal candidate is located in the South with a deep sense for the culture, proven experience in a fast-paced newsroom, and experience managing reporters at varying levels of seniority. Rate: $87k - $92k, depending on experience, location, and skill.
Dotdash Meredith is looking to fill several remote positions, including an Associate Editor for Serious Eats. You will work closely with editorial and growth teams on day-to-day operations, oversee recipe roundup production, pitch/report/write and produce original content, and work with new and established freelance contributors. Ideal candidates have over 3 years of experience in editorial writing, with a strong focus on culinary content. Rate: $64k - $65k.
Dotdash Meredith is looking to hire a full-time Evergreen Editor to join their Allrecipes team. You will report to the Editorial Director and will be responsible for assigning, editing, updating, and creating both non-recipe and recipe content for Allrecipes. The ideal candidates will have 3 to 5 years of experience in digital editing and writing, preferably within the food category, and strong SEO, writing, and time management skills. Salary range: $55k to $65k.
from previous issues
Dotdash Meredith seeks a full-time Evergreen Editor to assign, edit, update, and create non-recipe and recipe content for Allrecipes. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of digital editing and writing experience, preferably in a food category. Pay: $55k - $65k/year + benefits.
Blavity is looking to fill two remote, part-time contract roles. The first is SEO Content Strategist ($30/hr, 20 - 25 hrs a week), who will conduct thorough keyword research to help identify relevant and high-traffic keywords for assignments, perform daily Google Trends searches, and work closely with the Associate SEO Director. The other is a Content Editor ($25/hr, 25 - 29 hrs a week) to edit and publish 8 - 10 articles and 5 - 10 web stories daily and write 2 - 3 articles weekly.
Dotdash Meredith seeks a full-time Content Update Editor for Travel + Leisure. You will be part of the Quality Team working on the existing library of T+L content to help improve reader experience, drive additional traffic, and ensure the accuracy of already published content. Ideal candidates have three years of writing or editing travel content for a digital or print publisher. Note: Applications must include three travel articles they have written and published in the past year. Rate: $28-30.
Raw Story also wants to add a Night and Weekend Newswriter to their ranks to cover breaking news in national politics, criminal justice, social justice, extremism, and more. Ideal candidates can find new stories or different angles on events/mainstream issues, have a deep interest in the breaking news cycle, and have the ability to work independently on nights and weekends.
Visionpoint Marketing is hiring a full-time SEO Content Writer to join their growing Digital Experience & Analytics Team. You will be responsible for creating and publishing engaging content, leading discovery sessions (focus groups, stakeholder interviews, etc.), and other responsibilities. Ideal candidates have 3 - 5 years of experience in strategic marketing content, specifically related to inbound marketing.
Gannett/USA Today is seeking a full-time Developmental Editor/Content Creator to produce audience-focused financial content that will develop revenue. You will work closely with the Content Monetization Team to identify content opportunities to grow revenue and the USAT audience. Ideal candidates have a degree in journalism and at least four years of professional experience. Rate: $68k - $93k.
Gannett/USA Today is also seeking a full-time Developmental Editor/Content Creator to produce audience-focused home services content. You will work closely with the Content Monetization Team to identify content opportunities to grow revenue and the USAT audience. Ideal candidates have a degree in journalism and at least four years of professional experience. Rate: $68k - $93k.
Seahawk is looking for a full-time Content Writer to join their team. You will be responsible for creating blog posts, social media posts, and other digital materials. Ideal candidates have over four years of experience in content creation, good knowledge of SEO tools, and experience using Google Docs, Google Analytics, WordPress, and social media tracking software.
Everyday Health wants to add a full-time Editorial Assistant to their team. You will be responsible for helping to manage the editorial content pipeline, assigning new articles, and helping to recruit new freelancers. Ideal candidates have CMS, SEO, and digital editorial experience, especially in health, fitness, or wellness. Pay: $50k - $65k.
Angi wants to add a full-time Staff Writer to its team to produce high-impact content that promotes the Angi and HomeAdvisor brands. Ideal candidates have 3 - 5 years of experience creating search-driven content, working in a CMS like Contentful, and a degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field. Pay: $60k - $70k plus benefits.
Dotdash Meredith is hiring a full-time Digital News Writer-Editor (Crime) ($35/hr) for PEOPLE Magazine.
Dotdash Meredith is also looking for a full-time News Updates Editor for Better Homes and Garden and a full-time contract Business & Finance News Writer for Investopedia.
Everyday Health is looking to hire more freelance editors. Ideal candidates have experience working on clinical and lifestyle content. They should also be able to write assignment briefs, edit new and updated content, and perform minor updates to optimize existing content. The rate is $30/hr.
Additionally, Axios seeks a full-time Senior Technology Reporter. The ideal candidate is “obsessed with chronicling the companies and individuals who are building AI. You must be well-sourced inside the major tech companies and AI upstarts, and eager to break stories and explain the day’s news to Axios readers.” Pay: $87,500 - $175,000 + benefits.
Eleven is adding more freelance Topic-Expert Writers on a rolling basis. Ideal candidates have “subject-matter expertise as demonstrated by a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent or 3+ years’ industry or relevant writing experience,” plus familiarity with SEO, research skills, and the ability to take constructive feedback. Pay: monthly basis.
The Nerd Stash is looking for part-time weekend Entertainment and Celebrity reporters. Ideal candidates have a proven track record in covering celebrity news, soap operas, reality TV, and related entertainment verticals at established media outlets.
recommendations
podcasts
And as always, here are the podcasts I listen — and re-listen — to.
limited series
culture, news, politics, history
books, movies, tv, writing
true crime
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