So You Want to Be the Next Hemingway (But for the Toronto Star)?
Ever crack open the Toronto Star and think, "Hey, I could write something better than this article about rogue squirrels!" (No offense, valiant nut gatherers). Well, my friend, you might be onto something! But before you dream of Pulitzer Prizes and a bidding war between Hollywood studios for your story, let's navigate the thrilling (and slightly confusing) world of submitting your work to the Star.
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| How Do I Submit A Story To The Toronto Star |
Aim High, But Know the Territory
The Star is a big fish in the Canadian journalism pond, and they get a ton of submissions. Don't expect your grocery list (unless it involves a particularly dramatic encounter with a rogue avocado) to make the cut. They're looking for newsworthy stories, insightful opinions, or narratives that resonate with their audience.
Here's a handy cheat sheet:
- News: Does your story have a local angle? Did your poodle win the Toronto Poodle Pageant in an upset victory? That might be news-worthy!
- Opinion: Got a hot take on the best places to get a butter tart in the GTA? Back it up with wit and evidence, and you might have an op-ed on your hands.
- Features: Do you have a unique perspective on Toronto life, a heartwarming tale of community spirit, or a hilarious anecdote about your neighbor's overzealous lawn gnome collection? These could be feature-worthy gems!
Remember: Great writing and a strong hook are your best friends.
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
Submission Shenanigans: Don't Be That Guy (or Gal)
The Star has a specific process for submissions, and following it will make the editors love you (or at least not hate you). Here's the skinny:
- Don't email your masterpiece to "[email address removed]" (although, that would be pretty funny). Check their website for specific submission guidelines. Different sections might have different requirements.
- Proofread like your life depends on it. Typos and grammatical oopsies scream "amateur hour."
- Keep it concise. Unless you're the next Tolstoy, brevity is your friend.
Basically, make it easy for the editor to say "yes!"
You Sent it Off! Now What? ♀️
Now comes the waiting game. Submitting your work is like flinging your masterpiece into the great unknown. Try not to refresh your email every five seconds. The editors are busy people, and processing submissions takes time.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
In the meantime, channel your inner Hemingway (minus the excessive daiquiris) and keep writing!
FAQ: Submission Shenanigans Demystified
How to find the submission guidelines?
Head to the Toronto Star website and search for "submission guidelines". They might be hiding under a different name, so some detective work might be required.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
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How long should my story be?
It depends on the section you're targeting. Check the guidelines for specific word counts.
How will I know if they received my submission?
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
They likely won't send a confirmation email, but following their submission process should ensure it gets to the right person.
How long does it take to hear back?
Patience is a virtue! The timeframe can vary depending on the volume of submissions they receive.
How do I deal with rejection?
Rejection is a normal part of the writing life. Take a deep breath, analyze any feedback (if provided), and keep writing!
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