Writing guidelines for unpublished essays about work and career, relationships, parenting and family, health, grief, LGBTQIA+, and our relationship with our belongings for Open Secrets subscribers
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...
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
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?
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.
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.
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...
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
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?
We only publish personal essays. All accompanying artwork is by our authors or via stock photo sites that allow editorial use, with credit.
Understood.
Thank you for opening submissions. I'm keen!
Sent mine July 27! "I, Zebra" is all about a health condition hiding in plain sight.
Many thanks for the invitation!
Thank you for this opportunity! I will submit an essay for review soon.
Are you open to photo essays. Ie words and images?
We can include up to 3 photos per essay.
Thank you for sharing! I’ll definitely be submitting an essay 🌻
I'll send something over!
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.
See the section above under "How do I submit an essay to Open Secrets Magazine?" All the information on how to submit is there.
Dang. I totally missed the 'email' part. Thank you!
Just joined - hope to continue correctly. I plan an essay of an open secret I really knew nothing about.
Ok, so $50. That's something.
Other than that, a giant pile of words about what we're supposed to do for you.
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.
this is so cool,, I'll definitely try to submit something !!
What a wonderful, wide range of offerings. Thx for the opportunity.
Hi Rachel, I just emailed you a deeply personal relationship essay from shaihmahevash@gmail.com. Hopefully, it will speak to you!