literary nonfiction: getting published?

[kangamitroo]

I'm wondering, do I need to pitch a story idea? Am I better off simply submitting essays? The idea of pitching is...intimidating.

I am interested in places like The Sun, Literary Mama, and at some point moving into larger monthlies like Yoga Journal and yes, Mothering.

I have so many ideas, and can't make myself complete them. I think if I had a goal, a specific publication to submit to (and a real hope of a chance!), I would get over my laziness.

thanks for any feedback.

[AndVeeGeeMakes3]

For literary nonfiction, or creative nonfiction, you can send to lit journals, and Lit Mama is considered a lit journal, (find those here, but don't worry that the site focuses on fiction and poetry - the journals, mostly, take CNF as well) without any sort of pitch. As an editor, I can tell you that we're always looking for GOOD CNF. It's amazingly difficult to come by for some reason. It's also pretty "hot" right now. For most journals, you get paid with copies, sometimes token payments.

If you're wanting, rather, to write for magazines, like Mothering, you are going to need to pitch. It's pretty straightforward. You can even google it and find some good references on pitching stories.

Good luck!!!

[marsupial*mama]

Great advice for me too AVGM3 - thank you!