Submission Guidelines

A pile of books open on a table

We invite writers and artists to submit pitches and work to be considered for publication.

Journalism pitches should be written in the body of your email. A successful pitch will provide a description of your subject, evidence of original research and intended approach and intended format, and your credentials. Samples of previous work should be provided as attachments (.doc, .docx, or .rtf for text and .jpg for photos and illustrations) or web links.

Fiction, poetry, and art submissions should be included as attachments. Please do not pitch short story or poem ideas; we will consider only completed drafts.

Please note:
  • Do not follow up on your pitch by phone; we will respond by email.
  • Unsolicited materials sent by mail will not be returned without proper self-addressed and stamped envelopes.
  • Do not submit more than one short story or six poems every three months.
  • The Walrus does not accept simultaneous submissions.
  • Before sending a pitch, make sure you are familiar with the breadth and style of content at The Walrus, and confirm that your story idea isn’t one that has already been examined by The Walrus and that it concerns a topic relevant to a Canadian audience.
  • The Walrus receives submissions daily. Please allow us a few weeks to respond to your query before following up.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

Short Essays

The Walrus publishes timely short essays (maximum 1,200 words) reported from Canada and around the world. These take the form of reported narratives, memoirs, or small features focusing on a specific topic or issue. They demand a singular, focused argument and a strong writing voice—the author should have something original and significant to say. Our essays differ from newspaper op-eds in their breadth, depth of research, and quality of prose.

Writers new to The Walrus or without long-form journalism experience are encouraged to pitch to this section before seeking longer assignments.

Examples:

Long Reads

Long-form narrative journalism at The Walrus focuses on issues relevant to Canadians, in the fields of politics, international affairs, the arts, the environment, health, science, sports, and so forth. Good articles are distinguished by thorough research, access to sources (when relevant), interesting characters, and the ability to tell compelling stories through narrative. Journalists pitching feature stories should have experience writing for magazines.

Please note that memoirs or autobiographical works will be considered only on spec.

Examples:

Arts & Culture

The review section of The Walrus covers architecture, art, books, dance, fashion, film, media, music, poetry, television, and theatre, with a special focus on literature. These pieces take the form of thematic reviews exploring new works in the context of other works; timely profiles of important figures in the arts; and narrative essays on new or ongoing phenomena in the cultural world. Writers in this section should have some authority in their area of interest.

Examples:

Digital Features

The Walrus publishes online features and essays covering a range of timely, relevant subjects at thewalrus.ca. A general familiarity with our website is the best guide to what we’re looking for. Topics of particular interest include politics, business, society, international affairs, and arts and culture. Digital pieces are differentiated from print pieces by their timeliness—they maintain the same quality of originality, reportage, and language.

Examples:

Fiction

The Walrus publishes original work of Canadian literary fiction by new or established writers. Short stories range from 2,000 to 5,000 words. We welcome stories on any subject, but please note that we do not publish mystery, historical romance, thrillers or genre fiction.

Examples:

Poetry

The Walrus publishes work by new and established Canadian poets. Poems should fit in a single half-page column. Please send no more than six per submission and note that The Walrus does not consider work that has already appeared elsewhere, including on personal blogs.

Examples:

Visual Features

Photographers who have produced a range of images on a particular theme are invited to submit their work for inclusion in The Walrus as a photo essay.

Examples:

HOW TO SUBMIT

Pitches of any kind may also be mailed to The Walrus.

Editorial
The Walrus
411 Richmond Street East, Suite B15
Toronto, ON, Canada M5A 3S5