Venues

I have been gathering information on venues where I might submit essays I write. This note consolidates what I’ve gathered, in a not-very-organized fashion.

Venues for Particular Topics

NYT: short (~1,000 word) essays on walking

Recent (2023) essays
1250 words — on walking; dialog w/ lopez writings
1025 words — excerpt from Sacks on Gardens…
1150 words — Hyde on Walking & thoreau
840 words — McCarthy, on walking (has quote

Venues from Best Am. Sci & Nature Writing

The New Yorker, NYT magazine, and the Atlantic generally have multiple winners; it is common to see a winner a year from Outside and Wired. I believe this is also where I came across the The Sunday Long Read, although it’s not noted below

2019

  • The New Yorker (4)
  • The NYT Magazine (2)
  • The Atlantic (2)
  • Lampham’s Quarterly (2)
  • Pacific Standard(2)
  • Outside (1)

2018

  • The New Yorker (5)
  • The NYT magazine (1)
  • The Atlantic (2)
  • Pacific Standard
  • Outside (2)
  • Orion (1)

2020

  • The New Yorker (7)
  • The NYT magazine (2)
  • The Atlantic (2)

???

  • The New Yorker (2)
  • The NYT magazine (5)
  • The Atlantic (6)
  • Outside (1)

ChatGPT: re venues for personal essays on science & nature

For personal, lyrical essays that focus on the outdoors and natural history, there are several publications that are well-suited to this genre. These venues often appreciate essays that combine personal narrative with reflections on nature, ecology, and the human relationship with the natural world. Here are some recommended places to consider:

  1. Orion Magazine: Known for its beautiful writing on the natural world, Orion is a perfect venue for lyrical essays about nature and the environment, especially those that also ponder the human connection to nature.
  2. The Sun Magazine: While The Sun covers a wide range of topics, they often publish personal, introspective essays that include reflections on nature and the outdoors.
  3. Outdoor Life: Ideal for essays that blend personal experience with outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and environmental conservation themes.
  4. Sierra Magazine: The official publication of the Sierra Club, this magazine is a great venue for essays that are not only personal and lyrical but also touch on issues of environmentalism and conservation.
  5. High Country News: Known for insightful reporting on the American West, they often feature essays that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world.
  6. Terrain.org: A journal of the built and natural environments, Terrain.org welcomes essays that merge the personal with issues of ecology, sustainability, and nature.
  7. Alaska Quarterly Review: Often features personal narratives and essays that explore the natural world, particularly in the unique context of Alaska’s landscapes.
  8. Earth Island Journal: Ideal for essays that are both personal and have a strong environmental angle, often focusing on conservation, wildlife, and the challenges facing the natural world.
  9. National Parks Magazine: This publication focuses on essays that explore personal experiences and reflections within the context of America’s national parks and natural landscapes.
  10. The American Scholar: While not exclusively focused on the outdoors, they often appreciate essays that blend personal narrative with broader reflections on nature and the environment.
  11. Ecotone: Known for its focus on the intersection between humans and the environment, Ecotone is a great venue for essays that are personal, lyrical, and deeply engaged with natural landscapes.

Chat GPT: Venues for Personal Essays on Computer Tech and the Future

1. Medium

  • Why: Medium is a popular platform that hosts a wide range of topics including technology and future trends. It’s accessible to a broad audience and allows writers to either contribute to existing publications within the platform or to publish independently.
  • Reference: No specific book or paper, but the platform itself serves as a practical guide.

2. Wired

  • Why: Wired magazine is renowned for its coverage of current and future trends in technology. Publishing a personal essay here can reach a wide audience of tech enthusiasts and professionals.
  • Reference: Look for submission guidelines on the Wired website or contact the editorial team directly.

3. The Verge

  • Why: Known for its in-depth coverage of the tech industry, The Verge might be a suitable place for essays that delve into the implications of technological advancements.
  • Reference: Submission guidelines are available on The Verge’s website.

4. Aeon

  • Why: Aeon publishes thoughtful essays on science, technology, and the future of society. It’s ideal for essays that explore philosophical or ethical dimensions of technology.
  • Reference: Check Aeon’s website for submission policies.

5. MIT Technology Review

  • Why: As a publication that focuses on the impact of technology, MIT Technology Review is an excellent place for essays that analyze how technology shapes our future.
  • Reference: Submission guidelines can be found on their website.

6. Slate

  • Why: Slate publishes a variety of articles, including those on technology. It’s a good platform for essays with a unique angle or personal narrative related to tech.
  • Reference: Slate’s website provides information on how to submit essays.

7. TechCrunch

  • Why: For essays that focus on startups, innovations, or the business side of technology, TechCrunch is a leading publication.
  • Reference: Submission guidelines can be found on TechCrunch’s website.

Venues for the Essay Form

Miscellaney

  • Ecotone (suggested by Kate Carmody)
  • The Sunday Long Read (not sure where I came across this)
    See “In the Land of the Very Old,” 5500 words
    and see this summary by ChatGPT

The Sunday Long Read (SLR) is an online magazine dedicated to curating and sharing the best long-form journalism and essays available on the internet. It was founded by Don Van Natta Jr., a veteran investigative journalist, and Jacob Feldman, a writer and editor, with the goal of spotlighting exceptional storytelling and in-depth reporting that readers might otherwise miss in the fast-paced news cycle.

The SLR typically focuses on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to politics, culture, technology, science, health, and sports. What sets the material published by the SLR apart is not just the length of the pieces but their depth and quality. The stories are often immersive, providing detailed explorations of their subjects, backed by thorough research and rich narrative. These pieces are meant to be savored and pondered over, offering insights and perspectives that go beyond surface-level reporting.

Each week, the newsletter compiles and shares a selection of long-form articles from various sources, including major newspapers, magazines, and digital platforms. The selection process is highly curated, aiming to include works that not only inform and entertain but also provoke thought and conversation. The SLR has become a valuable resource for readers looking for substantial and meaningful content, as well as for writers and journalists seeking examples of excellent long-form journalism.

In addition to its weekly newsletter, the SLR occasionally publishes original essays and stories. These pieces adhere to the same high standards of quality and depth as the curated content, providing a platform for voices and stories that exemplify the best of long-form journalism.

–ChatGPT

Gleaned from Best of Am. Essays books

  • Yale Review
  • Harvard Review
  • Granta [Sacks published “Cold Storage” here in 1987]
  • Sonora Review
  • Outside!
  • The American Scholar
  • Harpers
  • The New Yorker [Sacks published many essays here]
  • The NY Review of Books [Sacks published many essays here]
  • The Alaska Quarterly Review
  • Chataqua
  • Kenyan Review
  • Colorado Review
  • Slate
  • water-stone review
  • The New Atlantis
  • The Baffler
  • The Point
  • The Sun

ChatGPT Summaries of the above

(I have not validated these, but in the couple of cases where I am familiar with the venue the summary seems appropriate)

  1. Ecotone: This journal emphasizes a strong connection with place, particularly the natural world and ecological issues. Essays that blend creative writing with environmental concerns are often featured.
  2. The Commons: This journal tends to focus on essays that explore issues of common concern, particularly in the realms of politics, society, and culture. A perspective that brings new insights into public discourse is valued.
  3. Yale Review: Known for its literary and intellectual rigor, the Yale Review looks for essays that offer deep insights, are well-researched, and contribute to cultural and academic discussions. Literary and critical essays are common.
  4. Harvard Review: This publication often features essays that blend the personal with the intellectual. Essays that offer unique perspectives on a wide range of topics, from literature and the arts to social and natural sciences, are welcomed.
  5. Granta: Granta is known for its narrative nonfiction and memoir essays. They often publish works that are intensely personal, culturally relevant, and stylistically innovative.
  6. Sonora Review: This journal tends to favor experimental and boundary-pushing essays. Pieces that challenge conventional formats and explore new ways of expression in nonfiction writing are often selected.
  7. Outside!: As the name suggests, Outside! looks for essays that revolve around outdoor experiences, adventure, and environmental themes. Essays that combine personal narrative with broader ecological or geographical themes are ideal.
  8. The American Scholar: This quarterly magazine values essays that are thoughtful, well-informed, and accessible to a broad audience. Topics often range from literature and history to science and culture.
  9. Harper’s: Known for its prestigious reputation, Harper’s publishes essays that are often investigative, reportorial, and reflective of contemporary issues in society, politics, and culture.
  10. The New Yorker: This iconic magazine is famous for its in-depth, well-researched essays that cover a vast array of topics, from current events and cultural trends to art and literature.
  11. The Alaska Quarterly Review: This journal often features essays that explore personal experiences, particularly those that intersect with broader cultural, social, or environmental themes, often with a unique or innovative narrative style.
  12. Chautauqua: This journal focuses on essays that delve into issues of personal and social importance, often with a strong narrative style that makes complex subjects accessible and engaging to a wide audience.
  1. Kenyon Review: This esteemed literary magazine often looks for essays that are deeply engaging, both intellectually and emotionally. They tend to favor polished, thought-provoking pieces that explore a wide range of topics, from personal narratives to critical analyses.
  2. Colorado Review: This publication usually seeks contemporary essays that are diverse in theme and approach. They often feature works that are innovative in form, challenging in content, and polished in language.
  3. Slate: As an online magazine, Slate tends to publish timely, opinion-driven essays that are relevant to current events and culture. They often look for pieces that are provocative, well-argued, and accessible to a broad readership.
  4. Water~Stone Review: This journal typically publishes essays that are rich in language and imaginative in concept. They often look for works that are evocative, that challenge and expand the boundaries of the genre.
  5. The New Atlantis: Focused on technology and ethics, The New Atlantis looks for essays that deeply analyze the social and philosophical implications of scientific and technological advancements.  — https://www.thenewatlantis.com/contact
  6. The Baffler: Known for its critical and sometimes satirical approach, The Baffler publishes essays that challenge the status quo, offering incisive critiques of culture, politics, and society.
  7. The Point: This magazine typically features philosophical essays on contemporary life. They look for pieces that are not only intellectually rigorous but also accessible, engaging with big questions in an informed and personal way.
  8. The Sun: The Sun often publishes personal, reflective essays. They tend to look for narratives that are deeply personal, emotionally honest, and that touch upon aspects of the human experience.

Places Oliver Sacks Published

  • Discover, 1991, Remembering South Kensington [museums]
  • The New York Times, 2004, Greetings from the Island of Stability [elements]
  • The Threepeny Review, 2014, Libraries
  • Omnivore, 2003, The Elephants Gait
  • Natural History, 2002, Anybody Out There?
  • Columbia: A Journal of Art and Literature, 2010, Colorado Springs Revisited

Gleaned from Best American Science and Nature Writing