Electric Literature

What this publication wants

This is BRYME's summary of the publication's focus — not a copy of their website. Type of writing: Personal essays, Essays, Creative nonfiction. Official guideline: Electric Literature guidelines.

Topics, themes and styles they look for

• When open: a full draft of a narrative essay that interrogates, investigates, adventures or introspects.

Subjects they avoid

• Do not submit while Submittable says closed, unless you are an EL member using the member link.
• Generative-AI work except rare, disclosed artistic uses.

Key requirements

• Wait for a public window or join as a member
• Full draft
• 2,000–6,500 words

Who can submit

No country list. Public windows are limited; $5/month or $50/year members may submit year-round.

Rights

Official: $100 for publishing rights, with 90-day exclusivity.

AI policy

Prohibited

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

Submittable when a public window opens — or EL membership

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

• Official guideline: opens the publication guideline (new tab)
• Submission: Submittable when a public window opens — or EL membership

What the guideline asks you to prepare

• Read https://electricliterature.com/about/submit/.
• Do not use the public Submittable link while it says closed.

What happens after submission

Expected response: About six to eight months when open

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.