Call for Submissions

Features for "Public"

The theme of our Summer 2024 issue is “Public.” What is public, and what is private? How have the lines dividing these spaces blurred or shifted?

For this issue, we’re looking for stories about things that happen in public—parades and political forums; skateboarding and social media; funerals and fireworks displays—and how we experience them, individually and collectively.

How are people working together to govern themselves, share power, and build community? Tell us about public ownership, public media, public libraries, public schools, or public pools. What is subjected to public scrutiny, and what isn’t? How does public perception affect our behavior and self-image? What people or groups are working to reimagine public life?

We welcome all forms of nonfiction writing, including essays, journalism, and excerpts from forthcoming or recently published books. Successful submissions will reflect our vision of an Oregon that invites diverse perspectives, invites challenging questions, and strives for just communities. We encourage submissions from writers of all levels of experience.

We encourage stories created with or by communities—classrooms, neighborhoods, congregations, or any other group with shared interests and experiences. Some examples follow:

Please send drafts of personal essays, which should push beyond simple narrative and consider larger thematic questions. If you’re pitching a journalistic or researched piece, please send a proposal, links to your clips, if any, and tell us why you’re the person to write this story. Features generally range between 1,500 and 4,000 words. All contributors are paid between $750 and $1,500, depending on the length and complexity of the piece. Currently the magazine is distributed free to 14,000 readers. Work from Oregon Humanities has been reprinted in textbooks, the Pushcart Prize anthology, Utne Reader, High Country News, and Best American Essays, and featured on public radio programs Think Out Loud, State of Wonder, and This American Life.

If you are interested in contributing to this issue, please read past issues and the guidelines for writers. Please note that we only accept work by writers who reside in Oregon, though no proof of residence is required. Then, submit one proposal or one draft by April 22 to editors@oregonhumanities.org.

 

Upcoming Themes

  • Winter 2025: Currents (December 2024, submissions due August 2023)

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