Calls for Submission

Exploring the Boundaries

Creative Nonfiction is currently seeking experimental nonfiction for the "Exploring the Boundaries" section ("experimental," "boundaries" … yes, we know these can be loaded terms). We're looking for writing that is ambitious, pushes against the conventional boundaries of the genre, plays with style and form, and makes its own rules. As always, we have only one absolute rule: nonfiction must be based in fact.

Please note that this is NOT a call for an entire "Exploring the Boundaries" issue of the magazine; accepted pieces will be published one per issue, and earliest possible publication will be in Issue #72 (Fall 2019).

4,500 word maximum; please include a word count on the first page of the essay, and a cover letter with complete contact information and a brief bio. Any additional questions can be directed to information [at] creativenonfiction.org.

Submit your work online: 

Deadline to upload files: 11:59 pm Eastern Time, Monday, May 13, 2019.

Upload submissions here »
Free submission (***current subscribers only***) »

There is a $3 convenience fee for online submissions. Subscribers to Creative Nonfiction and/or True Story never pay a reading/convenience fee of any kind when submitting. Ever. Not a subscriber? Choose the discounted subscription add-on when uploading your submission.

*** Please note that we will check all free submissions against our subscriber database. If you are not an active subscriber, you can become one by submitting through the $25 option (which is a 25% discount off our regular subscription rate). Submissions uploaded through the free option by non-subscribers will not be read.