Submissions Are Open for Personal and Critical Essays!

Today, October 24, Electric Literature is opening submissions for personal and critical essays, as well as humor that reflects on the world of reading, writing, literature, and storytelling in all its forms. We’re particularly interested in pieces that examine the intersection of the literary world and other creative disciplines: film, fine art, music, video games, architecture — you name it. Submissions will remain open until November 6.

Some of our favorite recent personal essays include pieces about how an overwhelmingly white culture can colonize a writer’s inner life, about learning to love yourself through sports and reading, and about why men have to stop telling women to read David Foster Wallace. Has a book changed your life, or has your life changed how you read a book? Do you have a personal story about your favorite story? Bring us your sad, thoughtful, funny, illuminating experiences.

Critical essays may cover a single book, multiple books, a whole genre, or non-book pop culture like TV, music, and games. In the past, we’ve been interested in the neoliberal elements of “The Remains of the Day”; why people are so critical of incest memoirs; and why we’re so obsessed with creepy dolls. Some essays may be both personal and critical, like this one about how a Carmen Maria Machado short story brings up questions about why women aren’t believed.

Payment for personal and craft essays, as well as humor pieces, is $50. Length is up to you; most essays we publish fall between 1500–4000 words.

Submissions will be accepted on our Submittable account.