- this literary life
- Posts
- no. 23
no. 23
Nicole Tommasulo
March 16, 2025
In partnership with
hey there.
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
Adding emotional depth is the key to keeping readers interested. Compelling storytelling hinges on creating dynamic emotional journeys, where characters experience meaningful shifts that prevent narrative monotony. By strategically mapping emotional transitions, using visceral reactions, and balancing contrasting feelings, writers can craft scenes that pulse with authentic energy and keep readers deeply engaged. (Writers in the Storm)
Turns out, boredom isn't the enemy. Being bored can be the ultimate creative hack our overstimulated brains desperately need. By intentionally creating digital detox moments and embracing the awkward silence our phones are always trying to save us from, writers can tap into a low-key genius mode where wild, unfiltered creativity actually thrives. (Psychology Meets Writing)
Rhythm isn't just for musicians. It's the hidden heartbeat of powerful writing that turns words from mere information into an immersive experience. By strategically orchestrating sentence structures, playing with repetition, and crafting language that moves and breathes, writers can transform their prose into a living, breathing composition that lingers in readers' minds long after the last page. (Writing to Learn)
marketing
Stage freight can be conquered. Public speaking is less about perfection and more about authentic connection, transforming nerve-wracking moments into opportunities for genuine audience engagement by shifting focus from personal anxiety to the value you can offer. By embracing strategies like preparing flexible content, practicing with passion, and reframing speaking as a service rather than a performance, writers can turn public appearances from terrifying ordeals into powerful platforms for sharing their unique stories and insights. (Writer Unboxed)
Book promotion isn’t about a magic marketing formula. It’s about crafting a strategic, multi-pronged approach that transforms your book from a solitary product into a conversation starter across multiple platforms. Authors can create meaningful momentum that extends far beyond traditional sales metrics by strategically placing companion pieces, seeking out targeted interviews, and understanding that publicity is a marathon of relationship-building and persistent visibility. (Humor Me)
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all things book publishing
publishing news + notes
Paying bills with book royalties is dying off. The golden age of prolific literary careers is quietly fading, with millennial writers facing a publishing gauntlet that feels designed to stifle creativity and productivity. As advances shrink, midlist support evaporates, and the industry gravitates toward blockbuster titles, writers must become more strategic (and resilient) to build meaningful, sustainable literary careers. (Counter Craft)
for querying writers
Reminder:
I have openings + a quick turnaround on query letter edits.
Katrina Lemaire, a literary agent apprentice at Corvisiero Agency, hopes to see more fantasy/romantasy and speculative, cozy, & folkloric YA/A blends with lush prose. Submit queries through QueryTracker.
Becca Langton, literary agent at Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency, is looking for offbeat YA, crossover, and NA. She’s also looking for cult stories and horror similar to Yellowjackets. E-mail queries to [email protected].
Ann Rose, literary agent at Tobias Literary Agency, is looking for books that feel “like a warm hug.” Submit queries through QueryTracker.
Ameerah Holliday, literary agent at Serendipity Literary Agency, is looking for dark academia NA or spicy Romance with a Doechii-like persona as a romantic lead. LGBTQ is a bonus. Submit through Serendipity’s submissions manager.
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
Barn Raiser is always open to pitches of reported pieces “on topics that affect people in rural and small-town America.” They are particularly interested in pesticides and corporate accountability, including anti-trust action or litigation against companies like Bayer/Monsanto, sewage sludge, PFAS, and more. Rate: $500 for reported stories, $200 for opinion pieces. E-mail pitches to [email protected].
Conz Preti, deputy editor at Business Insider, is looking for pitches of personal essays on the following topics: Being an older parent, kids being disruptive, millionaires and relationships, names, and Tesla/Cybertruck. She is also looking for pitches of personal essays “from parents who lived through the 2007-2009 recession. E-mail pitches to [email protected].
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
Travel: Matador Network has opened up for Spring 2025 pitches. Right now, they’re especially interested in articles focused on destinations that might disappear in coming years, articles that tie your personal experience with a deeper topic, March and April key events (St. Patrick’s Day, Holi, etc), and stories that can only be told because the writer experienced something. Please pitch using the submission form.
Food/Drink/Travel: Christie Rotondo, senior editor for Vox Creative, is always commissioning writers “for assignments in the food, drink, and travel space.” She told Study Hall that Vox is “constantly creating Eater heatmaps and Thrillist local guides and want to grow our roster of local writers.” Rate: $750 for maps or guides. E-mail bio and 2 -3 clips of relevant work to christie@[email protected] with subject line: Local Writer Pitch From [Your City].
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.
lifestyle + culture
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.
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.
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].
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].
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.
Marquita Harris, senior editor for Gloria, told Study Hall they are looking for “essays and reported features on topics that are relevant to women who are midlife. Think: pop culture, entertainment, relationships, and beauty. We also love original, compelling, quirky, and relatable ideas” for “women who aren’t yet old but aren’t still young.” Rate: $400 for 800 - 1200 words. Pitch: [email protected] with PITCH in the subject line.
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.
Roxane Gay is accepting nonfiction essays from emerging writers for her newsletter, The Audacity. Emerging writers have “fewer than three article/essay/short story publications and no published books or book contracts.” Essays should be between 1500 and 3000 words. Rate: $1500. Submit through Submittable.
Cake Zine is looking for pitches of deep dives, recipes, flash fiction, poetry, essays, criticism, and more on the theme of “Forbidden Fruit.” The issue “explores temptation and transgression in the context of fruit. We are looking for pitches about secrets, contraband, vice, and indulgence—if it’s irresistible, illicit, or intoxicating, we want to hear about it. Successful submissions will have a clear but creative connection to fruit, whether literal or more metaphorical.” Rate: $125-$175 for 350 words or less. Pitch: [email protected] with “WRITING PITCH — Last Name” or “VISUALS PITCH — Last Name” in the subject line by March 24.
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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.
Salon is looking for a full-time Senior Editor, Ideas to add to their team. Your role will be to help Salon reimagine their opinion coverage while leading the editorial vision for the exchange of ideas “on-site and across [Salon’s] multi-platform channels.” Ideal candidates have 7+ years of journalism experience, proficiency in digital analytics tools like Chartbeat, and an understanding of Salon’s voice and editorial vision. Rate: $81k - $90k, plus benefits + unlimited PTO. Position is covered by Salon’s Writers Guild of America, East, Collective Bargaining agreement.
from previous issues
The Arena Group seeks a freelance commerce writer in the men’s lifestyle sphere. You will be responsible for pitching and writing 2 - 4 commerce stories daily and updating and optimizing existing stories. Ideal candidates have commerce writing experience, a BA in journalism or related field, and “a sense of fun, urgency, and a can-do attitude.” Rate: $25 - $30/hr.
Bustle Digital Group is hiring a part-time affiliate shopping writer (fashion & women’s lifestyle) for their Commerce and Affiliate Marketing Team. You will be responsible for writing articles, reviews, and round-ups aimed at helping BDG’s audience make “informed purchasing decisions,” with successful articles earning affiliate revenue. Ideal candidates have 3+ years of experience in writing, editing, or creating content in a digital publishing and/or affiliate marketing environment. Rate: $22 - $25/hr.
Dotdash Meredith is hiring a full-time commerce writer for Food & Wine. You will be responsible for writing and updating product reviews and lists, researching new products and trends, assisting in testing, and finding and interviewing expert sources for background information and quotes for reviews. Ideal candidates have a degree or equivalent experience, 2 - 3 years experience writing online in the food space, and have a passion for food, cooking, and drinks. Rate: $60k - $70k/year.
Dotdash Meredith is also looking for a full-time shopping writer for PEOPLE. You will be responsible for contributing daily stories about new-to-market products, brand sales, celebrity trends, and reviews. Idea candidates have 2-3 years of experience and can pitch and write timely stories incorporating search words and from a clever pop culture angle. Rate: $60k - $70 ($64k - $73k for NYC)/year.
Dotdash Meredith is adding a full-time PEOPLE shopping writer to their Transaction team. You will be responsible for covering products tested by the PEOPLE Tested library, plus keeping publishing stories up-to-date, and attending weekly and monthly meetings. Rate: $60k - $70 ($64k - $73k for NYC)/year.
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.
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.
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 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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