Summary

Inspired Writer is currently closed for new writer applications but provides detailed submission guidelines for when applications reopen, emphasizing the importance of personal storytelling and quality writing.

Abstract

The "Inspired Writer" platform is a community-focused publication that aims to support emerging writers by providing a space for them to share their stories and develop their writing skills. Although they are temporarily not accepting new writer applications, they offer clear instructions for future submissions, including the preference for unpublished drafts and personal stories that resonate with their audience. The guidelines stress the need for quality storytelling, error-free submissions, and the potential for stories to be featured and curated. They also encourage writers to engage with their mentoring program and to consider taking a personal essay course to refine their craft. The publication is committed to responding to every submission with feedback and aims to give writers from diverse backgrounds a chance to be heard.

Opinions

The platform values quality over quantity, preferring to limit the number of daily publications to ensure each writer has the opportunity to be featured.
They are not currently accepting stories on the topic of writing from new writers, indicating a preference for a broader range of subjects.
Inspired Writer is particularly interested in personal stories that are relatable and encouraging, showcasing themes of kindness, courage, growth, and inspiration.
They explicitly state they do not accept stories about tech, politics, or sex, nor do they typically publish "how-to" type stories.
The team consists of experienced writers and editors, including Kelly Eden, Ash Jurberg, and Joe Donan, who are committed to helping new writers polish their content and enhance their chances of being curated.
They promise to provide brief feedback on every submitted article, whether accepted or not, to help guide writers in their future endeavors.
The publication has a specific process for submitting drafts, including sending an email to a designated contact with a draft story link.
They aim to respond to submissions within 48 hours but invite a follow-up email if there has been no response within a week.

New Writers: Submission Guidelines

Write for Inspired Writer

Update: We are currently CLOSED for new writer applications.

Are you an emerging writer with a story to share? You’re in the right place!

Inspired Writer aims to bring together experienced and emerging writers to share their knowledge and stories. We want to support new writers, like you, to share your story, develop your writing skills, and kick-start you career.

How to Apply to Be a Writer

Remember to become a follower of Inspired Writer and join our newsletter to keep up with the best stories, opportunities and mentoring, and writing tips.

Read all the guidelines carefully before submitting.

If we accept you as a writer, you can then submit your story directly to Inspired Writer.

*Please Note: We ONLY accept unpublished drafts from new writers. Please only submit one story at a time.

Here’s what we look for:

We generally do not take stories on the topic of writing from new writers.

We do like Personal Stories

If you’re inspired to share your story, we’d love to hear it.

We are looking for quality storytelling.
Please check your work for errors before you send it in.
If you need help developing your writing, you may wish to take our personal essay course.

Mentoring Program

How to submit your work to Inspired Writer’s mentoring program

medium.com

Non-fiction related to your story:

Such as self-improvement, mental health, family, life lessons, humor etc. We like personal stories, so include examples from your own life.

We are not interested in stories about tech, politics, or sex. We don’t accept most “how-to” type stories.
We really like to read creative personal stories and essays.
We love to read relatable, encouraging stories that show kindness, courage, growth, and lift our readers up — we love to hear about what moved, changed, or inspired you!

Read these to get an idea of what we love:

To My Fellow Unorthodox Asian Americans

My Best Friend Died. This is How I Celebrate His Birthday

How Do You Rise From the Ruins

Fiction

If you have an outstanding short fiction piece under 1000 words, we publish fiction on Thursdays.

Before you send your story:

Importantly, we look for stories that are ready to publish. Go through this checklist carefully before you submit a story.

Your Essential Checklist for Polished Writing on Medium

7 things you need to consider before you submit your story

medium.com

Submitting your draft:

Once your draft story is ready — with a title and subtitle, send an email with a draft story link to Ash at [email protected]

When will you hear back:

We are only a team of two, but we aim to get back to you within 48 hours. We give brief feedback on every submitted article — to try and help give you direction for the future if you’re not accepted — so please be patient if it takes a couple of days. If you don’t hear back within a week, email a follow up in case your submission got missed!

We look forward to working with you!

Our promises to you as an Inspired Writer:

We only accept your story if we believe it has a chance of being curated.
If we accept your story, we will work with you to make minor edits to enhance your curation chances. (Stories about Medium are not curated but may still be accepted by us.)
We limit the number of stories we publish daily so that every writer gets a chance of being featured. We believe quality is better than quantity.
We respond to every submission. If we don’t accept your draft we give brief feedback as to why.
We will do our best to give new writers from all backgrounds a chance to share their voice on our platform.

Who are we:

Kelly Eden

Hi, I’m Kelly Eden. I live on the edge of a beautiful rain-forest in New Zealand with my family.

I’m a professional writer with over 12 years of experience in the writing industry. I’ve been featured in newspapers, blogs, and online and print magazines. Some of these include Thought Catalog, Mamamia, Zoosk, Natural Parent, Family Times, and Highly Sensitive Refuge.

I have also worked with clients from around the world, helping writers, businesses, and government organisations to develop and polish their content.

I am passionate about writing and love to see others find and share their own unique writing voices.

Ash Jurberg

G’day I’m Ash Jurberg. I live in the world’s most livable city — Melbourne, Australia.

I have worked in Marketing for (a LONG time) and have written copy for advertisements, websites, brochures, and blogs during that (LONG) time.

I am a passionate writer who believes that being a successful writer is a combination of 50% writing skill and 50% marketing skill.

I would love to be able to assist writers of all levels in how best to promote, market and sell their skills — across Medium — and other markets.

Joe Donan

Hello! I’m Joe Donan, and I’m a teacher and a writer from the smallest country in the Continental Americas: El Salvador.

Having a background in education, I believe writing is a skill that can be learned and honed. My approach to editing reflects this, as I always provide detailed feedback on submissions.

My mission as an editor for Inspired Writer is to help new writers find their voice and inspiration, and to make their stories shine through the myriad of content on Medium!