The logistics: publishing articles and essays

A couple of weeks ago I put in a plug for the writers’ podcast, Launch. Host and author John August walks listeners through his process of producing a middle-grade novel from start to finish and answers all sorts of logistical details about contracts, cover art, agents, editors, and even fonts.

This week I promised to share some of the lessons I’ve learned publishing articles and essays. I am by no means an expert, though I’ve had some success, publishing in places like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Slate, and The Christian Science Monitor. Probably my most important credential is that I’ve gotten quite comfortable with rejection–a necessary part of the process.

After participating in a March for Our Lives event with my kids, I wrote this essay for Yes! Magazine.

So, let’s say you’re interested in selling some short-form writing. I can…