Pitch Us
Thank you for your interest in submitting to Narratively. We are excited to announce that we have opened up submissions for our Secret Lives sections. Note: For these, we are not accepting pitches at this time, only submissions. Please read on to get a taste of what we’re all about and what we’re generally looking for. And make sure you’re signed up for our email list to read our latest posts and stories from our archive.
We’re also currently in the midst of our 2025 Memoir Prize! You can read more below about how to submit your essay for a chance to win $3,000, publication on Narratively.com and in print, and to have your story read by our #1 New York Times bestselling guest judge, Susannah Cahalan.
Narratively is devoted to original and untold human stories. The true stories we publish are defined not by topic but by style: immersive, cinematic storytelling that takes readers inside another world, another life, through vivid scenes, colorful details and compelling narrative arcs.
The best way to get a clear sense of what makes a Narratively story is to read several pieces on our site, particularly from our Greatest Hits section. And to learn more about what a good pitch looks like, check out our StoryCraft pieces on Narratively Academy, “The 3 Best Pitches I’ve Ever Received,” which pulls back the curtain on how to get our attention, and, “So, What Is a Narratively Story, Anyway? (Hint: Surprising, Exciting and Delightful, to Start),” in which two Narratively editors break down what defines a feature story for the site, replete with advice on how to do it. Still have questions? Pop over to the How to Pitch Narratively thread and ask us anything!
To read our full guidelines and submit, click below!
Send Us a Story Tip
Not a writer but have a great idea for a story we should know about? Send us an email: hello@narratively.com.
Writing Contests
Everything we do at Narratively is built around the belief that every person has a story to tell. We work with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists and with first-time writers who have never had an article published in their lives. Our writing contests are all about discovering new voices and elevating diverse, authentic human stories.
Winners of each writing contest receive cash prizes, publication on Narratively and more. Read on for details of our recent and current prizes!
2025 Memoir Prize
The 2025 Narratively Memoir Prize is now live! As always, we’re on the hunt for revealing and emotional first-person nonfiction narratives from unique and overlooked points of view. The winning submission will receive a $3,000 prize, publication on Narratively.com, a virtual awards ceremony to celebrate — and for the first time, we’ll be publishing the winning story in a special limited print edition! We’re also overjoyed to announce that this year’s prize will be judged by #1 New York Times bestselling memoirist Susannah Cahalan. To learn more and submit, head here.
Narratively x Belletrist True Romance Writing Prize
Submissions for our Narratively x Belletrist True Romance Writing Prize, a very special collaboration with actor Emma Roberts and her team, are now closed. You can learn all about the contest winners here, and read their live essays here.