Publication: Newsela
Topic(s): Short fiction, educational fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, adventure, love stories, contemporary realistic fiction
Rate: $1,500 per accepted story
Deadline: 15 March 2026
Name of Editor: Not specified
Submit Via: Email (editorial@newsela.com)

Newsela is commissioning original short fiction for its instructional content platform, with a focus on stories that students genuinely want to read. This is a high-paying fiction writing opportunity for writers who can deliver compelling, classroom-appropriate narratives across multiple genres.

The goal is to move beyond dry “lesson texts” and publish engaging, un-put-down-able stories that spark a love of reading while supporting English Language Arts (ELA) instruction.

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About Newsela

Newsela is a leading instructional content platform used in classrooms across the United States. It adapts real-world content into standards-aligned learning materials, helping educators build literacy, critical thinking, and background knowledge through relevant, engaging texts.

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Target Age Groups (Specify One in Your Submission)

Writers must clearly indicate which grade band their story is written for:

Upper Elementary (Grades 3–5)
Stories centered on wonder, discovery, friendship, humor, and curiosity, with clear plots and distinctive characters.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Stories exploring identity, belonging, moral dilemmas, and adventure. Multiple genres are welcome, provided they respect the emotional depth of early adolescence.

High School (Grades 9–12)
Sophisticated narratives with complex themes, ambiguity, and authentic young adult voices that encourage debate and analysis.

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What Newsela Is Looking For

1. Strong Narrative Hook
Stories should begin in action or with a compelling question. Avoid slow, exposition-heavy openings.

2. Instructional Depth
Submissions must support classroom analysis, including clear themes, symbolism, irony, character arcs, and inference opportunities.

3. Diverse Perspectives
Newsela actively seeks stories reflecting a wide range of regional, cultural, and social perspectives.

4. Fresh Genre Takes
Genre fiction should subvert expectations. Horror should be psychologically engaging rather than graphic. Speculative fiction should feel modern and relevant to students’ lives.

5. School-Appropriate Content
No gratuitous violence, sexual content, or hate speech. Profanity is generally avoided, with limited exceptions for high school texts upon review.

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Submission Requirements

• Word Count: 1,500–5,000 words
• Format: Double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman
• Originality: Previously unpublished work only
• AI-generated content: Strictly prohibited
• Deadline: 15 March 2026

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Rights & Payment

• Pay Rate: $1,500 per accepted manuscript
• Rights: All rights transferred to Newsela upon acceptance
• Newsela retains the right to edit, excerpt, level, and adapt content for instructional and assessment purposes, in perpetuity.

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How to Submit

Send your completed story to editorial@newsela.com.

Email subject: Newsela Original Fiction
Include in email body:

• Your full name
• Target audience (Upper Elementary, Middle School, or High School)

Writers will be notified of acceptance decisions in April 2026.

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Contact Information

Email: editorial@newsela.com
Website: https://newsela.com/