Briarpatch Magazine

What this publication wants

This is BRYME's summary of the publication's focus — not a copy of their website. Type of writing: Journalism, Essays, Reviews, Analysis. Official guideline: Briarpatch Magazine guidelines.

Topics, themes and styles they look for

• Pitches on grassroots activism, current events, electoral politics, economic justice, ecology, labour, food security, gender equity, Indigenous struggles and international solidarity.
• Your contact information, an estimated word count, a list of recent publications if applicable, and a short writing sample.
• Back-page opinion: 700–800 word thoughtful pieces and well-aimed jabs that challenge readers.
• Be prepared to take your piece through two or three rewrites over the course of a month.

Subjects they avoid

• Features much beyond 2,500 words — they occasionally accept longer only when the topic and skill warrant it.
• An assumption that they will chase you. If you do not hear back within three weeks of the pitch deadline, assume it is a no.

Key requirements

• Email pitch
• Estimated word count
• Short writing sample
• Expect 2–3 rewrites

Who can submit

No nationality restriction stated on the submissions page. Briarpatch is a Saskatchewan-based magazine of grassroots politics, labour, ecology and social justice.

Rights

Not stated on the submissions page.

AI policy

Not stated in the guideline

How to write for them

Official requirement: always follow the publication's own guideline exactly.

BRYME's practical advice: write for the publication's audience, use a clear structure, keep paragraphs short, lead with a specific angle, and confirm the word count before submitting. These are practical suggestions — they are not the publication's official rules.

How to pitch

Where a pitch is required, this is the general pattern BRYME recommends — always adapt it to the publication's guideline.

1. Research the publication and read several recent pieces.
2. Choose a specific idea that fits their beat and audience.
3. Write a concise subject line naming your idea.
4. Introduce yourself in one or two lines (who you are, where you publish).
5. Explain the proposed piece in a short paragraph — angle, structure, length.
6. Say why it fits this publication.
7. Include 2–3 relevant clips or links.
8. Close professionally and thank them for their time.
9. Send through the official channel only.

Not accepting submissions at the last check.

Track this pitch

How to submit

Email pitch

Apply through the official channel below. BRYME only records submission destinations it has verified.

• Official guideline: opens the publication guideline (new tab)
• Submission: Email pitch
• Submission email: pitch@briarpatchmagazine.com

What the guideline asks you to prepare

• Read https://briarpatchmagazine.com/submissions and their guide to pitching Briarpatch.
• Check the editorial schedule for the issue theme you want to write for.
• Email your pitch to pitch@briarpatchmagazine.com before the 18 September 2026 deadline.

What happens after submission

Expected response: Within a week or two after the pitch deadline; assume no after three weeks

If the publication does not state a response time, BRYME records that it is unknown. A follow-up is generally reasonable after a couple of weeks; if there is still no response, treat that as a likely non-acceptance rather than a rejection. Acceptance is normally communicated by the publication. If they accept, they will tell you exactly how to submit the final piece and, for most, how and when payment is made.