Why subscribe to Open Secrets Magazine?
Open Secrets Magazine is a home for memorable, revealing personal essays about all the subjects we're taught to keep “secret.” Open Secrets Magazine launched in April 2023 and publishes original personal essays and is edited by essayist, journalist, writing instructor, and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel.
We are currently closed to essay submissions with the exception of our new Climate vertical; the deadline to submit climate change- and climate-related personal essays is May 31, 2025. Subscribers will be notified if we issue a new general call for essays in 2025.
Our first in-person event, Open Secrets Live, will be held May 3, 2025, hosted by Open Secrets Magazine editor Rachel Kramer Bussel and featuring keynote speakers Jane Pratt and Sarah Cooper, along with over two dozen panelists on relationships, family, identity, LGBTQIA life, mental health, and work.
Subscribe for free to get full access to every essay as it’s published and the website archives. Proceeds from paid subscriptions and donations go directly to paying our authors.
Want to reach Open Secrets Magazine Editor Rachel Kramer Bussel? Email opensecretsmag at gmail.comzine
Why Open Secrets Magazine?
Open Secrets Magazine was founded and funded for its first six months by writer, editor, and writing instructor Rachel Kramer Bussel. After the closure of several prominent publications for essays in 2023, Rachel wanted to provide a home for the kinds of powerful essays she enjoys reading, in which writers share powerful truths about their lives and foster connections with readers.
All Open Secrets Magazine essays will be free to read at Open Secrets and will be emailed to free and paid subscribers.
From Editor Rachel Kramer Bussel: I have been a fan of the personal essay format for decades, as both a reader and a writer. I read as many essays as I can find and am always eager for more that make me feel like I’ve gotten a peek into the author’s inner life in ways that show me new ways to live my own life and will stay with me forever.
After the demise of several prominent publications for personal essays in 2023, I wanted to provide another outlet online for essay authors, both established and newcomers to the genre, to share their work with an appreciative audience.
What is Open Secrets Magazine’s comment policy?
Comments related to the text of Open Secrets Magazine essays are welcome. Comments may be removed at the discretion of Open Secrets Magazine.
Does Open Secrets Magazine hold in-person events?
Our first in-person event, Open Secrets Live, will take place May 3, 2025, in New York City. Open Secrets Live will feature Open Secrets Magazine essayists as well as other writers and editors from various publications. We will post details and registration information as soon as it’s available.
How can I contact Open Secrets Magazine?
To contact Open Secrets Magazine and Editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, email opensecretsmag@gmail.com
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