Creative non-fiction & Personal Essays - Submission deadline August 31, 2026

Note: Submissions for this reading period will be open August 15-31 and September 1-15 until capacity is reached. If you're interested in submitting, please do so early!

Are you a Black woman writer with a story to tell that’s bursting with emotion, grit, and soul? We want to hear from you!

midnight & indigo is excited to announce an open call for submissions for personal essays. We’re looking for previously unpublished, personal, and evocative first-person essays that forge an immediate connection with readers.

Personal essays offer a window into the soul, capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of individual experiences. They provide a powerful platform for Black women to share their truths, challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. We want to celebrate and showcase writing that resonates on a deep level.

Need context? Check out our previously published essays.      

General Guidelines

• Essays must meet our minimum 1,200 word count requirement.
• Please submit only ONE piece (we want to read your best!). Multiple submissions are no longer allowed and will automatically be declined.
• We pay for all accepted pieces. Our rate is $150 for work accepted for publication. We pay upon publication.
• Submissions should be submitted in proper manuscript format with your name, email address, and the story’s total word count on the first page.
• All submissions will be considered for publication on midnightandindigo.com, in our print literary journal or in our upcoming long-form anthology (est. February 2027).

We accept only previously unpublished work. Responses will be provided by December 15, 2026.