How To Get Published as a Teenage Writer

Once in awhile, you write something for school, a personal blog, or just for yourself that you’re actually proud of.

I’m not talking about the last-minute synopsis of The Great Gatsby that you churned out at 4 AM once you’d finally finished the book- I mean a piece of writing that means something to you on a personal level. These pieces, whether they feature an interest, experience, or opinion, shouldn’t be kept in a journal under your mattress or a Tumblr blog with only a handful of followers. These are the stories that people want to read- and local newspapers know this better than anyone.

Most local papers, and even many larger ones, have columns and sections of the newspaper that feature the work of teenage contributors. The editors of these sections are actively seeking teenage voices- and they are grateful for submissions! These pieces give voice to a generation that is typically absent from news publications, and they are growing in popularity. Worldwide news outlets like the Huffington Post, US News, and CNNall have teen-curated branches.

So, the next time that you’re proud of something you’ve written, get it out there. Send a polite email with your submission and ask to work with an editor to get it ready for publishing. Editors information is nearly always available on the news outlet’s website. Not only will it feel great to get your work out there, but having your work published is an amazing addition to a resume or college application!

Check out a piece written by 18-year-old GLA Alum Mariange Hope Wurbain, who did exactly that. She reflected on her time spent in Ghana on the GLA Children of Africa Program, and made a connection with a local editor to have her work published! Her work was featured in the Cape Cod Times “Being There” column. Way to go, Mariange!