21 Comments

That we now need to specify that you cannot use AI is horrifying to me. I understand why, but that anyone would even consider it, especially for a creative piece is just so....disheartening? depressing? I can't even.

I've tried AI for generating images, mostly to side step copyright issues, but honestly, I don't want to know any more than I do. I want it to away. But, Pandora's box...

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I agree it's disheartening, but necessary. During our previous calls for essays, I received many AI-generated submissions. I almost didn't post another public call because those are a waste of time to open but I decided to do it anyway and hopefully that line will deter people from trying it. Almost all the AI ones were also off topic and not personal essays. -- Rachel

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For those of us who are professional illustrators and photographers, thanks a lot for side stepping copyright issues: selling reproduction rights is how we make a living, ok?

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We only publish personal essays. All accompanying artwork is by our authors or via stock photo sites that allow editorial use, with credit.

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Understood.

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Thank you for opening submissions. I'm keen!

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Sent mine July 27! "I, Zebra" is all about a health condition hiding in plain sight.

Many thanks for the invitation!

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Thank you for this opportunity! I will submit an essay for review soon.

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Are you open to photo essays. Ie words and images?

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We can include up to 3 photos per essay.

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Thank you for sharing! I’ll definitely be submitting an essay 🌻

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I'll send something over!

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I'm ready to submit an essay but I don't see where/how that is possible. I've carefully perused the site and I don't see a portal for submitting, just guidelines. Can anyone show me where this rope is hiding? I'm a subscriber.

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See the section above under "How do I submit an essay to Open Secrets Magazine?" All the information on how to submit is there.

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Dang. I totally missed the 'email' part. Thank you!

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Just joined - hope to continue correctly. I plan an essay of an open secret I really knew nothing about.

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Ok, so $50. That's something.

Other than that, a giant pile of words about what we're supposed to do for you.

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Hi Open Secrets, I submitted an essay on October 15 entitled Scarlet-The Secret Women Keep. I am hoping to hear at least a rejection from you sometime soon. Thanks for your response in advance.

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this is so cool,, I'll definitely try to submit something !!

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What a wonderful, wide range of offerings. Thx for the opportunity.

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Hi Rachel, I just emailed you a deeply personal relationship essay from shaihmahevash@gmail.com. Hopefully, it will speak to you!

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