Join me for this online workshop for Grub Street! Details and to sign up here.

Do you have a personal essay draft you love, or an idea you’re excited about, but no idea how to get it published? Have you ever wondered how writers turn lived experience into a compelling pitch that grabs an editor’s attention? Does the idea of distilling a nuanced, personal story into a clear, concise query feel daunting? Whether you’re new to publishing or accustomed to other genres of writing and curious how pitching creative nonfiction works, this class will help you navigate the path from idea to inbox with confidence.

How to Pitch a Personal Essay demystifies the submission process and gives you practical tools to approach editors strategically and professionally. We’ll cover what makes a strong pitch, how to identify the right publications for your work, how to articulate your angle and stakes, and what to expect from the editorial process. You’ll draft and refine your own pitch, receive feedback from fellow writers, and leave with a polished query letter and a concrete plan for submitting your work.