Ploughshares is currently accepting applications for regular contributors to the Ploughshares Blog. Applications are due November 10, 2021 at 9:00am (Eastern Time). 

Regular contributors are contracted on a twelve-month basis, with contracts starting January 1, 2022. Regular contributors are responsible for writing one critical essay per month (regular contributors may occasionally write personal essays or conduct interviews in place of their monthly critical essay assignment). Publication dates for these pieces will be set by Ploughshares Blog editors before January 1, 2022, and regular contributors will be responsible for submitting pitches at least ten days prior to these predetermined publication dates and drafts at least seven days prior to these predetermined publication dates. All drafts undergo editing, though the level of editing needed is determined case-by-case; at a minimum, all pieces will be line edited, copy edited, and fact-checked. Regular contributions are between 1,300 and 1,999 words each; regular contributors are paid $35 per piece contributed. Regular contributors are permitted to submit pitches for book reviews and longform essays outside of their regular contribution contract. 

To apply, please email blog@pshares.org with the subject line “2022 BLOGGER APPLICATION” and the following materials attached: 

·         • 3 pitches, following the suggestions outlined here 

·         • 3 writing samples, of published and/or unpublished but finished work 

Please read the blog to get a sense of what we cover and what we’ve already covered. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary literature, and remains at the forefront of American publishing by providing readers with groundbreaking poetry, prose, and literary coverage across a variety of print and digital formats. They value strong voices and new perspectives on literature above all.

All applications will receive a response. Writers interested in publishing one-off pieces may pitch the Ploughshares Blog editors at any time, following the guidelines available on the website.