Current Affairs

A Magazine of Politics and Culture

Writer's Guide

We’re so glad you’re interested in writing for Current Affairs! Here’s the basic information about how (and what) to submit to our magazine.

 

We are mainly interested in nonfiction articles on politics and culture. Check out our issue archive for a better sense of what a CA article is like. We accept a limited amount of fiction and poetry. We welcome book reviews. We are also looking for what we call “amusements”—ideas for fake ads, scripts for comics, satirical games, etc. (Examples can be found in our “Book of Amusements.”)

 

We strongly encourage pitches from people who have never written for a publication before. Don’t worry if you don’t have lots of bylines in fancy outlets, what matters to us is whether you have something worth saying. Our editors are here to help you polish your work. We have a specific project, funded by a grant from the Puffin Foundation, to commission work from people who are new to magazine writing.

 

Submit using our pitch form here:

In your pitch, please tell us what the main point of your piece will be, and the sources/evidence you’ll be using to support it.

 

If you don’t hear back from us within a month, it means we can’t use your pitch. Regrettably the volume of submissions we receive prevents us from responding individually to all pitches. However: even if a particular pitch doesn’t work for us, please do not be discouraged from sending us future pitches.

 

Other things to note:

 

  • ●   Online pieces generally range from 1,000 words to 6,000 words. Print pieces tend to be from 2,500 to 5,000.
  • ●   Online articles are paid $250, print articles $350, poems $75.
  • ●   Do not submit AI-generated writing. (We will know.)
  • ●   Our editorial process is very intensive compared to other magazines, pieces go through many drafts. Please bear with us through what can be a long process, the final result will be worth it.
  • ●   Payment is sent upon completion of the final draft. Payments are made on the 1st and 15th of each month. Our preferred payment method is Zelle, but a physical check or PayPal are also available.
  • ●   If you’re interested in more detail about what makes a good Current Affairs article, and what makes a good pitch, we have some suggestions here:

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Rights: Current Affairs may use the content in up to one print issue, in print and online compilations of Current Affairs content, and online in perpetuity. Current Affairs will retain sole and exclusive ownership over the content for the entire time of drafting, editing, illustrating, and publication, and for two (2) weeks after first publication online. Beginning two weeks after the content is first published online, Contributor may use the content in any manner, and Current Affairs may continue to use the content as agreed. If Contributor wishes to use the content prior to two weeks after its first online publication by Current Affairs, they may do so only with written permission from Current Affairs. Any use of the content by Current Affairs other than in print magazines, online articles, social media postings and books or other publications (e.g., for merchandise to be sold in the Current Affairs store) will require a new agreement.