If you’ve written a personal piece that doesn’t quite fit anywhere else — something reflective, vulnerable, or quietly powerful — The Sun Magazine might be the right home for it.
They publish work that leans into the hard stuff: grief, love, memory, change — the things that shape who we are, even when we don’t have all the answers.
And they pay $200 or more for accepted essays, short stories, and poems.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to write for The Sun: from the kinds of writing they’re looking for to how to submit your own work.
Let’s get started.
What is The Sun Magazine?
The Sun is an independent, nonprofit literary magazine based in North Carolina.
Founded in 1974 by Sy Safransky, it’s spent decades publishing writing that’s unafraid to ask hard questions, sit with discomfort, and seek out truth.
They publish:
- Personal essays
- Short stories
- Poetry
- Interviews
In print, they also feature black-and-white photography.
The Sun is ad-free and reader-supported, with over 60,000 subscribers.
Their work has been featured in:
- Best American Essays
- Best American Short Stories
- Best American Poetry
- The Pushcart Prize
It’s a place for writing that’s thoughtful, emotionally rich, and deeply human.
What kind of content do they accept?
They accept three main types of writing:
- Personal Essays
- Fiction
- Poetry
Personal essays
Essays that feel unguarded and emotionally honest — the kind you might hesitate to publish elsewhere.
These often explore:
- Grief, loss, or recovery
- Relationships and identity
- Major life shifts
- Regret, resilience, or joy
If it’s raw, true, and reflective —
they want to read it.
Fiction
Stories of any genre, as long as they’re emotionally grounded and character-driven.
They look for:
- A strong voice
- Stories that take creative risks
- Emotional honesty
They’re not just looking for polished prose —
they want fiction that feels real.
Poetry
Poems that are accessible, personal, and quietly powerful.
They tend to prefer narrative poems —
those that tell a story or uncover a deeper truth.
Themes they often publish include:
- Family, memory, or faith
- Longing, love, and loss
- Nature and time
What they care about most is feeling something genuine when they read your work.
What are their writing guidelines?
- Language: English only, but writers from anywhere in the world are welcome
- Length: Most pieces are under 7,000 words; up to 5 poems per submission
- Formatting:
- Use a legible 12-point font
- Double-spaced, 1-inch margins
- Put your name, genre, and title on page 1
Minor typos or formatting errors won’t disqualify you.
The heart of the piece matters more than the polish.
Who can write for them?
Writers of all backgrounds are welcome —
from first-time authors to established voices.
They actively encourage submissions from:
- Writers of color
- Queer and trans writers
- Disabled writers
- Incarcerated writers
- Anyone whose voice is often underrepresented
They accept submissions from anywhere in the world.
If you’ve got something to say and you say it with honesty —
you’re the kind of writer they want to hear from.
How much do they pay?
They pay $200 and up, depending on length.
- Personal Essays – $200 and up
- Fiction – $200 and up
- Poetry – $200 and up
You’ll be paid after publication, via PayPal or direct deposit.
They purchase one-time print and online rights, so you keep the copyright — meaning The Sun can publish your piece once in print and on their website, but you still own it.
After that, all rights remain with you, and you’re free to republish it elsewhere if you’d like.
Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.
Why should I write for them?
Because writing for The Sun means sharing work with people who are actually listening.
The editors treat each submission with care, and their readers are known for being thoughtful, curious, and willing to sit with difficult emotions.
There’s no advertising, no social media noise —
just space for your story to breathe.
Contributors often see their work reprinted in anthologies like Best American Essays or awarded honors like the Pushcart Prize.
But even beyond the accolades, publishing here is a meaningful milestone.
It means you wrote something real —
and it found its way to people who needed to read it.
If you’ve been holding onto a piece that feels too intimate, too complicated, or too honest for most outlets, this might be exactly where it belongs.
How do I get started?
Start by reading the free sample essays, stories, and poems on their website.
They’ll give you a clear sense of tone, voice, and emotional range.
The Sun does not accept pitches or queries.
You’ll need to send a complete manuscript.
How to submit:
- Online via Submittable – $2.50 fee (helps cover the cost of reviewing 2,000+ unsolicited submissions per month)
- By mail (free):
The Sun – Editorial Department
109 N. Roberson St.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516 If submitting by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).
Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Just notify them if your piece is picked up elsewhere.
Average response time is about 3 months — sometimes more.
Before you submit:
Paid writing opportunities like these are limited — and they exist because editors are still willing to accept unsolicited submissions from writers around the world. To help keep these opportunities open, don’t submit AI-generated content or low-effort work clearly intended as spam. It wastes the editors’ time and takes away chances from real writers who care about the craft. Respect the opportunity. Respect the process. And respect the people reading your work.
Ready to submit your essay, story, or poetry?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
The Sun isn’t about being trendy, clever, or polished to perfection.
They’re about truth.
If you’ve written something that’s deeply personal, emotionally revealing, or hard to pin down — and you’re looking for a place that won’t water it down — this might be it.
You don’t need a degree, a big following, or literary connections.
You just need:
- A story that matters
- A voice that’s honest
- And the courage to share it
If that sounds like you — give it a shot.
Your words might find a home where they’ll truly be heard.
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You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.
Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.
SEE THE FULL LIST ➤
