Publication: Narratively
Topic(s): Personal essays, life-changing moments, surprising experiences
Rate: $300 per story
Deadline: Rolling basis
Submit Via: Submittable Form

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Narratively is inviting submissions for The Personals — a series of powerful, cinematic first-person essays about real, unforgettable experiences. These are not your average “dear diary” moments — they’re gripping, detailed stories centered on a single, transformative event: a split-second decision, a shocking twist, a rare insight that changes everything.

They’re looking for active, dramatic narratives told from a deeply personal lens — the kind of story readers can feel. Each piece should focus on one distinct moment (a week, a day, even a single night) that reveals a unique perspective on life, love, identity, or courage.

💡 Think:

• A last-minute decision that rewrote your destiny.
• The stranger who altered your worldview in one encounter.
• A confrontation that shattered your assumptions about someone — or yourself.

Read examples of past Personals:

• The Man Who Betrayed Me Was Also the Man Who Loved Me
• Unburying My Mother’s Secret
• I Was Taught to Hate My Lesbian Neighbors. They Took Me In Anyway

Word Count: 1,000–1,500 words (max 2,200)
Pay Rate: $300 per accepted story

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What They’re Looking For:

• Vivid, cinematic first-person stories with emotional depth.
• A single, surprising event that reveals something universal.
• Real scenes, dialogue, and character-driven action.

What They’re Not Looking For:

• Introspective essays or general opinion pieces.
• Stories that lack a strong narrative arc or active scenes.

Resources/Guides:

• Read past Personals to understand tone, pacing, and structure.

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How To Get This Client:

Narratively loves emotional honesty and strong writing craft. To catch their attention:
✅ Lead with a clear, gripping hook in your first paragraph.
✅ Write in scenes — show us what happened, don’t summarize.
✅ Edit ruthlessly — keep your story tight and cinematic.

If you’ve never been published internationally before, don’t panic. Our Sure Media Training Program will teach you exactly how to pitch editors like those at Narratively — from crafting irresistible leads to formatting submissions that get noticed.