Each call has its own timeline, which we include in the call for submissions page. Most decisions go out 4–6 weeks after the deadline. If it’s been longer than that and you haven’t heard anything, feel free to follow up via the contact form.

Yes—if it’s before the deadline. Use the contact form and include your full name, the title of your original piece, and a note that you’d like to submit an updated version. We’ll either update it for you or send instructions to do so.

If your question isn’t answered here, use the contact form to reach us directly. Be as specific as possible so we can route your question to the right person. We do our best to respond to all inquiries within 3–5 business days.

For additional information or specific inquiries, please use the contact form available on our website's contact page.

Once you submit through our form, you should receive an automatic confirmation email within a few minutes. If you don’t see it, check your spam or promotions folder. Still nothing? Reach out using the contact form with the subject line “Submission Confirmation Missing.”

Visit the directory application section on our website, select the appropriate category, and follow the detailed submission guidelines provided.

Works published through vanity presses, closed-membership platforms, personal blogs, or presses where you hold an editorial role are ineligible. Children’s books, plays, screenplays, and works targeting readers under age 12 are also excluded.

Literary agents must have successfully represented at least five authors published through recognized presses and hold membership in a professional association such as the AAR.

Yes, you can apply for multiple categories if you meet the criteria for each. Be sure to submit separate applications with supporting materials for each category.

Eligible works include poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, journalism, and scholarly texts such as biographies, histories, how-to guides, travel books, and book reviews. Self-published works are considered on a case by case basis.

Applications are typically reviewed within 4-6 weeks. You will receive an email notification once your application has been processed.

Yes, publishers specializing in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or journalism can apply if they have published at least three titles with standard book contracts.

The For The Writers Directory is a curated platform designed to connect writers, publishers, literary journals, and literary agents. It provides a professional space for showcasing literary accomplishments, fostering collaborations, and expanding industry networks.

Select self-published works are evaluated on a case by case basis by our DIrectory Development Team. Self-published works may be eligible if they demonstrate professional production, editorial oversight, verified distribution, or significant recognition such as awards or inclusion in respected anthologies.

Writers, publishers, literary journals, and literary agents actively engaged in the literary arts are welcome to apply, provided they meet the specific criteria outlined in our application process.

Literary journals must have a minimum of two years of continuous publication, professional editorial standards, and ISSN registration.

None of the above, and all of the things they don’t have time for. We’re not a traditional publisher or agency. We’re a creative development platform. Think of us as your behind-the-scenes team: coaches, editors, strategists, and real writers who help you navigate both the creative process and the professional realities of being a writer today. That said, we do maintain strong relationships with publishers and literary agents across the country. When we come across work that stands out, especially from writers who don’t yet have representation, we often make direct referrals or personal recommendations. It’s not something we promise, but it is something we do when we believe in the work and know it’s ready for that next step.

Nope. We offer a complimentary membership that provides access to most of our calls for submissions, articles, newsletters, and community updates. You’ll always be able to submit your work and stay connected without paying a dime.

Not at all. Some of our clients are writing their first essays or short stories. Others have multiple books out or bylines in major outlets. What matters most is that you’re committed to your voice, your growth, and your work. That’s it.

We built For The Writers because every one of us has been there—staring down a blank page, searching for guidance, trying to take our writing seriously in a world that often doesn’t. We’ve felt the confusion of navigating submissions without clear answers, the loneliness of trying to build a writing life without a community, and the exhaustion of constantly proving that our work—and our voice—matters. So we created the thing we needed most: a space that treats writers like professionals and people. A place that’s creative, rigorous, non-exploitative, and deeply human. A platform where you can get real feedback, honest mentorship, and support that doesn’t talk down to you, sell you fluff, or gatekeep opportunity. We don’t exist to uphold the old rules of publishing. We exist to help you write, grow, and move toward the career— and creative life you want. If you’re a writer, this space was built with you in mind.

Our services are for emerging and established writers, literary agents, editors, and creative professionals who want to write—and live—with more intention. We work with essayists, memoirists, journalists, novelists, poets, hybrid creators, and people who don’t yet know what to call themselves but know they have something to say.

Our paid membership is designed for writers who want to go deeper and help build something bigger than themselves. For The Writers is a nonprofit, member-funded platform powered by a small, passionate team of volunteers who are writers, editors, and literary professionals ourselves. We created this space because we genuinely want to see writers succeed on their own terms—not just creatively, but professionally. For just $5/month, your membership gives you full access to our growing library of self-led resources—including submission guides, pitch templates, craft tools, platform-building checklists, and more. These are the kind of practical, no-nonsense tools we wished we had when we were starting out—the ones that make a real difference. You’ll also unlock our extensive industry directory, featuring regularly updated listings of: Literary agents (and what they’re currently looking for) Writing contests and awards, sorted by genre, deadline, and eligibility Grants, fellowships, and residencies for writers at every stage Publishing opportunities across literary magazines, journals, small presses, anthologies, and more As a member, you also receive 10% off all services booked through For The Writers, including coaching, editing, platform strategy, and public relations. Our expert team is handpicked from the best in their respective fields—writers, editors, agents, brand strategists, and book professionals who know exactly what it takes to build a creative career that lasts. Every dollar supports our mission to keep this work accessible, ethical, and built with real care. And we’re just getting started.

For The Writers is a platform built by writers, for writers. We offer coaching, editorial support, submission opportunities, and professional development for people who are serious about their creative work. Whether you’re just getting started or building a long-term literary career, we help you develop your voice, sharpen your craft, and build the professional foundation your writing deserves. In addition to our digital magazine and publishing platform, we also produce a semi-annual print publication that features selected work from our community. The print edition requires rigorous planning and editorial curation, and contributors are chosen through open submissions and editorial outreach. Writers published in print are also featured in our online magazine and across our professional networks.

We don’t rewrite your voice, but we do edit for clarity, structure, accuracy, and narrative flow. If your piece is accepted, it will go through a collaborative editing process. You’ll have the final say before anything is published.

We understand that not every part of a personal story can be “verified” in the traditional sense, especially with trauma, memory, or lived experience. That said, we expect writers to represent the truth as honestly as possible, and we reserve the right to flag concerns or request edits if something doesn’t feel credible or clearly framed.

We don’t tolerate plagiarism or misrepresentation of authorship. If a submission is found to contain uncredited content, misattributed quotes, or AI-generated material passed off as personal experience, it will be rejected. Repeat or intentional violations may result in a ban from future submissions.

Yes, but you need to disclose that clearly in your author’s note or cover letter. We accept the use of pseudonyms or altered details to protect privacy, especially in sensitive stories, but transparency with readers is essential. If you’re unsure, please let us know and we’ll discuss it further.

If something is published and later found to be incorrect, misleading, or harmful, we will update the piece and/or include an editor’s note. In rare cases, we may remove a story. We’re committed to transparency and accountability, not perfection.

Yes. While we focus on personal narrative and creative nonfiction, we fact-check any claims that involve dates, events, data, or references to real people or institutions. If your piece includes statistics, quotes, or historical references, we may ask for sources or clarification.

Rates vary based on the service, project length, and scope. We’re transparent about pricing and will always send a custom quote before work begins. Yes—we offer flexible payment plans for longer engagements or larger projects, because access matters.

We offer tailored support for writers at every stage of their career—from emerging voices to established authors. Our services include one-on-one coaching, manuscript feedback, pitch and query consultation, publishing guidance, and editorial mentorship. For those seeking to expand their presence, we offer a comprehensive platform-building strategy, encompassing author website development, brand positioning, media training, and targeted public relations support. Whether you’re preparing your first submission, planning a book launch, or establishing your long-term public presence, we meet you where you are.

These services are for writers who are ready to take themselves—and their work—seriously, even when the world doesn’t. Too often, writers are treated like hobbyists or “starving artists,” and that cultural narrative can be internalized. We reject that narrative. If you’re a writer with something to say, you deserve the same professional infrastructure as anyone in business, tech, or media. That means taking the time to build your author platform—your website, your public presence, your reputation—with the same care and strategy you'd apply in any other field where digital visibility determines opportunity. Whether you’re just getting started or leveling up after a book deal, this is for you.

Great question! Here’s the breakdown: Life or executive-style coaching helps you focus on mindset, productivity, time management, and the big-picture vision for your creative life. If you’re struggling to start, stay consistent, or move through fear and burnout, this type of coaching can be transformative. It’s about clearing internal and external blocks so you can do the work. Literary coaching is centered on your writing goals, voice, and craft development. It’s ideal if you’re working on a specific project (like a memoir or essay collection), trying to shape your ideas, or learning to write with more intention and impact. Think of it as a creative partnership where getting the work done right comes before just getting it done. Editing focuses on the page. Structural editing helps you shape the story; line editing polishes tone, language, and clarity; copyediting catches the technical details. Editors come in when a draft is on the table and you’re ready to refine it for submission or publication. In reality, these roles often overlap. Many writers benefit from a blend of coaching and editing, especially when the writing process is deeply personal or professionally high-stakes. If you're not sure what you need, we’ll help you figure it out in a free consultation or project assessment.

Tifané Falvey is our resident life and executive coach—and she’s a writer, too. She’s co-authored a book about her son’s story with the support of a ghostwriter, so she deeply understands what it means to revisit painful experiences and shape them into something cohesive, meaningful, and shareable. That process requires more than writing skills—it requires support, structure, and emotional clarity. That’s exactly what she offers. Tifané’s coaching is for writers, creatives, and professionals who are navigating more than deadlines. Whether you’re processing personal trauma, facing burnout, restructuring your time, or struggling with visibility and confidence, Tifané meets you where you are. She blends trauma-informed coaching with performance and executive strategy, helping you move through creative and emotional blocks with both compassion and precision. Clients work with her when they’re stuck—not just creatively, but personally. Whether you're trying to finish a book, transition careers, move on from a relationship, rebuild your energy, or reclaim your voice, she helps you move forward with purpose. If you need someone who can hold space for both your story and your ambition, this is the place to start.

You’ll be working with a small, dedicated team of literary professionals who are writers first, just like you. We’ve navigated the blank pages, the rejections, the imposter syndrome, and the pressure to justify this path to everyone else in our lives. We know what it’s like to be the only writer in the room—at work, at the dinner table, or in your friend group—and to question whether this work really counts. We created this space to be the support system we wished we had: honest, skillful, and human. You can expect direct, personalized feedback—no vague praise, no cookie-cutter advice. We’ll help you see what’s working, where you can improve, and how to move forward with clarity. Most writers leave our sessions feeling more grounded—not only as writers, but as creative professionals, as people trying to honor their voice while navigating the expectations of family, community, and society. Here, you don’t need to explain why this work matters. We already know it does.

No. We only accept original, unpublished work. This includes personal websites, as well as platforms such as Patreon, Medium, and Substack. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but please notify us if your piece is accepted elsewhere.

All selected contributors are paid only for contributions utilized in our printed edition. Payment varies slightly by call, but you’ll be compensated for your work and retain the rights after a limited exclusivity period. You’ll also be featured on our platform, receive editorial feedback, and be invited into our contributor community.

Voice, perspective, and emotional clarity. We’re not looking for perfection—we’re looking for resonance. Tell us something that matters. Say what only you can say, and say it without trying to impress us. The best pieces usually come from writers who are willing to sit with complexity and avoid the easy ending.

Anyone with a story to tell. Our calls are open to emerging and established writers, as long as you’re submitting original, unpublished work that fits the theme. We welcome voices from across genres, identities, and lived experiences—especially those that are often underrepresented in mainstream publishing.

Absolutely. Some of our most powerful pieces have come from first-time contributors. If you’ve got a story and you’re willing to dig in, we want to hear from you.

We primarily publish personal essays, creative nonfiction, and narrative journalism—first-person, voice-driven stories that engage with the theme in a thoughtful, authentic way. If it’s honest, well-written, and evokes a genuine emotional response, we want to read it.

Due to volume, we can’t offer personalized feedback on every piece—but we do flag work that stood out, even if we couldn’t accept it, and may invite those writers to submit again or consider future calls. If your work made it to a second or final round, we’ll often let you know.

Yes, if you’ve submitted to a past call and weren’t accepted, we absolutely encourage you to try again. If you’re submitting multiple pieces for the same call, limit it to two maximum, and be clear in your file name and bio which is your primary submission.

Yes. We welcome submissions that speak openly and honestly to the lived realities of war, displacement, generational trauma, political silence, and the complexities of identity. If you are writing from personal experience—particularly as a Palestinian, Arab, Jewish, diasporic, or displaced individual—we invite your voice with care, respect, and a commitment to honoring your truth. Whether your story is shaped by survival, grief, resistance, memory, or the struggle to be heard, this is a space created to hold it. We accept personal essays, narrative reflections, and hybrid nonfiction that centers lived experience and emotional clarity. If you're unsure whether your piece is a fit, we encourage you to submit or reach out with questions. To better understand our editorial stance on the current crisis—including the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israeli civilians, in which over 1,100 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage, as well as the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which as of July 2025 has resulted in the deaths of more than 38,000 Palestinians, the majority of them civilians, and displaced over 1.9 million people—we invite you to read What Does It Mean to Tell the Whole Truth? A Reader’s Call for Honest, Uncomfortable Journalism in Times of War published by staff writer James Bierre.

If your piece involves war, genocide, military occupation, or state violence, we expect accuracy. You’re not required to provide citations like in journalism, but if you include data, dates, names, or specific incidents, they must be verifiable. We will fact-check as needed. If you’re sharing personal testimony, we trust your voice, but ask that you name speculation, emotion, or perspective as such.

We understand that writing about this topic carries risk—emotionally, professionally, and in some cases, physically. If you need to submit anonymously, use a pen name, or request that your location or identifying details be withheld, we will work with you to protect your safety and autonomy. We’ve created this platform to be a space for the stories that too often get buried.

We do not promote political parties or ideologies, but we are not neutral in the face of human suffering. We stand for truth, dignity, and the historical record. When human rights are being violated, silence is complicity. Our editorial lens is grounded in accountability, transparency, and the moral responsibility to tell the stories that mainstream outlets may ignore, distort, or selectively frame.

We are committed to documenting critical moments in history through our #ForThePeople series, especially those at risk of being erased, rewritten, or buried. We recognize the dangers that come with speaking out, and we will never publish work that puts contributors at risk. In these cases, we archive stories and release them only when it is safe to do so, because the truth deserves to be preserved.

Yes—critique of governments, institutions, and systems of power is not only allowed, it’s necessary. We publish work that is factually grounded, ethically responsible, and critically engaged with the realities of state violence, policy failure, and historical injustice. However, we do not publish work that promotes or excuses hate speech, antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of group-based vilification. Submissions must distinguish clearly between governments and the people they represent, between ideology and identity, and between policy critique and personal attack. Broad generalizations, conspiratorial claims, and dehumanizing language will not be accepted.