Getting published in The New Yorker remains one of the highest milestones for writers of fiction, poetry, humor, and narrative non-fiction. Thousands of manuscripts arrive every week, yet only a tiny fraction secure a spot in print or online. Understanding how submissions actually work helps bypass common mistakes and gets your work in front of editors properly.
The New Yorker accepts fiction, poetry, humor, Shouts & Murmurs pieces, and personal essays or reporting through specific channels. Unlike many digital publications, the magazine maintains traditional standards regarding reading periods, formatting, and submission methods. Knowing what editors look for and how they process incoming work gives you a realistic advantage.
How to Submit Fiction and Humor
For fiction, writers can submit short stories directly through the magazine's online submission portal. You don't need a literary agent to submit fiction or humor pieces to The New Yorker, which makes it accessible to unrepresented authors.
- Use the official The New Yorker Submittable portal for fiction and humor.
- Check the current status of reading windows, as the portal occasionally closes when backlogs grow too large.
- Submit only one story at a time. Wait for a response before sending your next piece.
- Word counts for short stories typically range from 2,000 to 8,000 words, though longer pieces occasionally run.
Humor and Satire pieces, including Shouts & Murmurs, should be brief—usually between 600 and 1,000 words. These pieces need an immediate hook and a sharp, consistent comedic voice. Read recent issues to grasp the specific intellectual and cultural humor the editors favor.
Submitting Poetry
Poetry submissions go through a separate process. The magazine receives tens of thousands of poems annually and publishes a select few each week.
- Send poetry submissions by mail to the Poetry Editor at The New Yorker office in New York, or check their guidelines page for current electronic submission updates.
- Include up to four poems per submission packet.
- Always include a stamped, self-addressed envelope (SASE) if submitting via physical mail for a response.
- Expect a response time that can stretch from several weeks to a few months due to the volume of verse received.
Pitching Non-Fiction, Essays, and Criticism
Unlike fiction and poetry, unsolicited complete non-fiction manuscripts are rarely accepted. Writers interested in contributing reporting, cultural criticism, or personal essays must pitch story ideas rather than finished drafts.
- Pitch concise, well-reported story ideas to the appropriate section editors (such as Critics, Books, or News Desk).
- Include a brief summary of your reporting access, your expertise on the subject, and why the story matters right now.
- Provide links to previous published clips demonstrating your writing and journalistic style.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many submissions get rejected immediately not because of the writing quality, but due to basic procedural errors. Avoiding these pitfalls keeps your manuscript under consideration longer.
- Ignoring formatting standards: Always use a standard, legible font like Times New Roman or Garret in 12-point size, double-spaced, with standard margins.
- Simultaneous submissions without withdrawal: If you submit fiction to multiple magazines and another publication accepts it, withdraw your manuscript from The New Yorker immediately through the submission portal.
- Cover letter bloat: Keep your cover letter brief. List your publication history concisely in two or three sentences, or simply provide your contact details if you are just starting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The New Yorker accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes, fiction submissions can be sent to multiple publications at once, provided you withdraw the piece immediately if it is accepted elsewhere.
How long does it take to hear back?
Response times vary widely. Fiction can take anywhere from two weeks to three months. If you haven't heard back after three months, it is generally safe to inquire or assume a pass.
Do I need a literary agent to get published here?
No. Fiction, poetry, and humor submissions can be sent directly by the author through the magazine's submission channels without an agent.
Can international writers submit work?
Yes, writers from anywhere in the world can submit work through the online portal, provided the work is written or translated into English.
