So You Want Your Story in the Paper of Record, Eh? How to Submit to the New York Times (Without Them Throwing It in the Recycling Bin)
Let's face it, getting published in the New York Times is the holy grail for many a writer. It's like winning the gold medal in the Word Olympics (except hopefully with less spandex involved). But before you dream of Pulitzer Prizes and celebratory breakfasts at Tiffany's, there's the small matter of actually getting your work in front of their discerning editors.
Fear not, fellow wordsmiths! This guide will navigate you through the murky waters of NYT submissions, all with a healthy dose of humor to keep us from diving headfirst into despair.
 |
| How Do I Submit A Story To The New York Times |
1. Know Your Niche: Not All Stories Are Created Equal (Especially Not For the Times)
The New York Times isn't your local rag that will print anything from dog-eared cake recipes to angry rants about the neighbor's overly enthusiastic lawn gnome collection (although, that gnome situation does sound intriguing...). They have specific sections with specific needs.
Action Plan: Do your research! Scour the Times website and get a feel for the kind of stories they publish in your target section. Are you pitching a heart-wrenching human interest piece? Or a scathing political commentary? Match your masterpiece to the right niche, my friend.
2. Craft a Pitch That Sizzles (And Doesn't Resemble Week-Old Toast)
The pitch is your chance to wow the editor and convince them your story deserves a coveted spot in their hallowed pages. Here's the thing: editors are busy bees. They get bombarded with pitches daily. Make yours stand out!
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Here's the recipe for a stellar pitch:
- A Headline That Hooks: Think of it as clickbait for editors. Make it short, intriguing, and relevant to your story.
- The Perfect Intro: Open strong! Grab their attention with a juicy fact, a surprising statistic, or a witty anecdote (related to your story, of course).
- The Meat of the Matter: Briefly explain your story, highlighting its newsworthiness and unique angle.
- Why You're the Hemingway They Need: In a sentence or two, explain why you're the perfect person to tell this story.
- The Call to Action: End with a clear request. Do you want them to schedule a call? Read the full manuscript?
Remember: Keep it concise and irresistible.
3. Patience is a Virtue (Especially When Dealing with the Times)
Getting published in the New York Times is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't expect an immediate response. Editors are busy (we already established that), and they might take a while to get back to you.
Pro Tip: Follow up politely after a week or two if you haven't heard anything. But remember, pestering them won't make them magically love your story.
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
How to Find the Right Editor to Pitch?
 |
Great question! Most sections of the Times will have their editor's contact information listed on their website. If not, some detective work might be required. Try searching online or reaching out to the general submissions email.
How Long Should My Pitch Be?
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Aim for short and sweet. Ideally, a pitch should be around 200-300 words.
How Should I Format My Submission?
Generally, a Word document is preferred. But double-check the specific section's guidelines, just in case.
How Many Times Can I Pitch the Same Story?
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Once is usually enough. If they reject it, move on and conquer new newsworthy horizons!
How Do I Know If I'll Get Published?
Unfortunately, there's no magic formula. But by following these tips and writing a killer story, you'll be well on your way to becoming a published author in the Big Apple (or should we say Big Onion?).
Now get out there and write something amazing! The New York Times (and the world) awaits your brilliance.
 |
