December 2019

Our annual education issue is here! Inside, you won’t just find our listings for dozens of MFA and MA programs for writers like you: You’ll also find the history of modern publishing, the first-place winner of our spring short story contest, and how one writer makes six figures off of writing each year (and how you can, too). We’ve also included tips for going back to the office after years of freelancing, knowing when to pitch an editor, and saving for retirement. 

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Rachael Herron

For love and money

By Rachael Herron

How one author brings home six figures without a day job – and how you can, too.

Features

The world of publishing: then & now

By Kerrie Flanagan

To understand where we are now, you’ve got to know how far we’ve come. Here’s a quick look at the history of modern publishing as we know it.

“Marta”

By Sharayah Hooper

Read the first-place winner of our 2019 spring short story contest.

Is an MFA in creative writing worth it?

By Jack Smith

Authors and educators weigh in.

Departments

From the Front Lines

The myths of you

By Yi Shun Lai

Why what you believe about yourself may be in your way.

Freelance Success

Role reversal

By Pete Croatto

Sometimes full-time freelance writers go back to the office.
They’ve done it. You can too.

Write Stuff

When to pitch an editor

By M.T. Schwartzman

Understanding the best times to send your story ideas.

Writer at Work

Taking stock

By Jennifer L. Blanck

A writer’s guide to saving for retirement.

Literary Spotlight

Copper Nickel

By Melissa Hart

Conference Insider

Chicago Spring Fling

By Melissa Hart