Submissions

Commentary Submissions

We publish original political commentary, analysis, creative work, and visual storytelling from contributors across the country. Selected pieces live in our volumes and featured issues—always credited, always your voice.

Reading window: ongoing · Next volume release: early 2026

Ready to submit?

Email your PDF to thepeopleandthepen@gmail.com. Include “Your Name – Submission Type” in the subject line.

Send Submission Email

Average Review

4–8 weeks

We respond as soon as possible and notify you if your piece advances to editing or prize consideration.

Accepted Formats

Essays · Op-eds · Art · Poetry

We welcome all forms of commentary - written, visual, research-driven, or hybrid works that illuminate policy impact.

Contributor Rights

You keep your voice

We publish with full credit, license the work for our platforms, and collaborate on edits. No co-authorship imposed.

Track One

Standard Submissions

Open year-round for original commentary, narrative journalism, visual essays, and poetry. We review every piece blind, centering clarity, rigor, and storytelling that advances public understanding.

• Simultaneous submissions are fine, but please notify us if the work is accepted elsewhere.
• Expect an acknowledgment email within 7 days; editorial decisions follow after full review.
• Selected works are edited in partnership with the author prior to publication.

Track Two

The Pen Prize

An annual $100 prize for a standout submission engaging a current policy question. Finalists are featured in our launch announcements, and the winner leads the next published volume.

• Submission deadline: December 1, 2025

• Winner announced: January 1, 2026

• All prize submissions remain eligible for standard publication even if not selected.

Before You Send

• Submit a single PDF that includes your work and any captions or artist statements.
• Attach original media files (PNG, MOV, etc.) in the order they appear in the PDF.
• Include a short bio, preferred title, and any relevant publication history.
• We request first publication rights; ownership reverts to you after release.

How to Submit

Prepare your PDF and supporting files.
Email thepeopleandthepen@gmail.com with subject line “Your Name – Submission Type.”
Describe your piece briefly in the body of the email, including any relevant information.
We’ll confirm receipt and follow up with next steps.

Questions?

Reach out before submitting if you have accessibility needs, collaborative pieces, or new media formats that require special handling. We’re glad to help.

Contact the Editorial Team

Contributor Agreement

By submitting, you confirm the work is your original creation and has not been published elsewhere. If your piece is selected, you grant The People and the Pen the right to publish it in digital and print formats while you retain authorship credit and long-term ownership. We retain exclusivity for 60 days following publication before you may republish the work elsewhere.