Submission Guidelines

Send Us Your Pitches!

Do you have a story you’d like to write for Ms. Fit?

We’d love to hear your ideas for original feature stories. We are not engaging new columnists at this point.

Please read these entire submission guidelines before submitting your pitch. Pitches that do not meet our guideline criteria will be returned unread.

If you are unsure what a pitch should look like, click here for to link to an excellent sample pitch.

We’re interested in journalistic articles, personal narratives, profiles, humorous essays, and creative non-fiction on topics ranging from exercise, fitness, health, sports, and wellness; to addiction, survival, and recovery; to feminist pregnancy and parenting; to environmental health and ecology; to body image issues; to articles about sex and healthy sexuality; to healthcare and reproductive rights politics; to stories of global interest; and lots more that’s not listed here.

We also accept freelance submissions for the following columns:

“I did it!” Reader’s Stories of Personal Triumph

“D.I.Y. “ (Practical How-Tos)

Ms. Fit Momma (Fertility/Pregnancy/Childcare)

Ms. Fit’s voice is straight-forward, conversational, fun, sassy, irreverent, and informed.

Flesh out your pitch as fully as you can. Tell us what angle or hook your story will have. Why would our readers be interested in it? How is it relevant to their lives?

We are serious about good writing. All writers should expect to work with editors through a rewrite process. With your pitch, tell us about your writing background and include clips of previously published pieces or blog posts so we can get a sense of your voice. Ms. Fit pays for most assigned stories (we do not pay for “I Did It!” stories, which is the best forum for entry-level contributors), but we do not pay very much. If getting paid for your work is your primary motivation for writing for Ms. Fit, then perhaps we are not the best fit for each other.

Upcoming themes:

A Family Affair (pitch deadline July 15, 2013): A Family Affair will explore stories about our blood and chosen families, about the relationships on our lives and the impact of these relationships on our health, fitness, and wellness. We are also interested in stories about feminist pregnancy and parenthood, alternative families, and family healing.

Food and Sex (pitch deadline October 15, 2013): Journalistic articles and personal narratives exploring the roles of food and/or sex on our health and in our lives.

Send your story ideas to Pitch@MsFitMag.com

Pitches that do not include a full story idea outline plus sample writing clips will not be considered.

MsFit In Your Box

Recent Comments

Elle

May 13, 2013 | #

I have had sex with the same (awesome, patient, caring, attentive) partner for years, and thought my body was just ‘hit and miss’ with sex, and that that was my normal. I’m so happy to read this article and know that treatment might be possible for this condition if this is what I have. Time to see a gynecologist – thank you, Ms. Fit!

Lexa

May 13, 2013 | #

I read about a woman whose husband was a tattoo artist. He tattooed a nipple and aereola on her breast at her request. She said it wasn’t quite the same – there was no nipple you could touch or that stuck out – but from even a foot away it looked real.

It strikes me about our body parts and what they mean to us. I mean, what is a nipple, really? Just a bump. And yet if I were to lose mine…it represents so much. Your comment struck me the most: it has traveled!! It has been overseas.

I admire your bravery, your tenacity in processing, your evolving understanding and acceptance…and I am glad you are still with us.

Dylan

May 12, 2013 | #

This article is really amazing, seeing as I struggle with an extremely similar problem. I fight myself everyday and force myself to run on top of my busy dance schedule. I’ve been looking for a new way of thinking about my workouts. Your insight is amazing and inspiring. Thank you so much!

Brooke

May 11, 2013 | #

I completely agree with this comment. I’m a doctoral student in clinical psychology and recently gave a presentation on vaginismus and heteronormativity. So far, I haven’t found anything in the literature (medical, psych, or physical therapy) that talks about vaginismus with queer women. I interviewed several practitioners who use dilator therapy who did not understand why the treatment may not be appropriate for lesbians. Suffice it to say, I feel your pain, and I’ll do my part to try and add to the literature with my own work in the future. I second the call for Ms. Fit to do an article specifically about vaginismus (even vaginal pain in general, there’s so many conditions!) for lesbians and queer women. It really would mean a great deal. Thanks!

anna

May 10, 2013 | #

This was really interesting. I’ve never thought of using lube more often, but I think I’m going to have to. Thanks!

anna

May 10, 2013 | #

i love this post! i found it hard to unlearn the damaging crap from phys ed, and I’m glad and also depressed to not be alone in it. I especially love that you’ve mentioned that people get different things out of exercise, etc.

Thank you!