Pitch Us

Thank you for your interest in submitting to Narratively. We are excited to announce that we have opened up submissions for our Personals and Secret Lives sections. Note: We are not accepting pitches at this time, only submissions.

If you submitted before we reopened and you haven’t yet heard back, we absolutely plan to get back to you still, and will do so in the upcoming weeks. Thank you for your patience, and for your interest in publishing on Narratively.

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.


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!

Read + Submit Here

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 recent prizes (and above for our current prize!).

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. Stay tuned to learn about the winners in the coming weeks, and thank you for submitting!

2024 Memoir Prize

The 2024 Narratively Memoir Prize has closed. Congratulations to our two finalists: Matt Miller and Michelle DuBarry; and the grand prize winner, Lisa Williamson Rosenberg. You can read Lisa’s essay here and Matt’s here!