Editorial Calendar

Writer's Digest 2026 Editorial Calendar

We urge writers to get creative in their interpretations of our 2026 issue themes. We offer a brief description of how we interpret them, but look forward to ideas we weren’t necessarily expecting.

Find out more about our submission guidelines here.

Editor’s Note: After trying a year of using forms to accept pitches instead of email, we’d like to continue this process for 2026. Instead of emailing editors or a general submission inbox with your pitch for the print magazine, we ask that you use the links below to submit pitches for each issue. Each link is specific to that issue and will ensure we collect all the info we need and stay organized. If you have a pitch not directly connected to an issue theme, please use this form (also updated for 2026). While you are more than welcome to submit more than one pitch per issue, please reuse the form for each idea rather than submitting them all at once. Thanks in advance for submitting your ideas using these forms! 

An issue dedicated to pacing in any and every interpretation of the word as it relates to writing and publishing. That means, how to keep the pace going in a specific genres, or how to write dialogue that comes across as quick banter. It also means, advice for indie authors on how to pace the release of their books and understanding traditional publishing timelines, and much more.  

+ WD Self-Published Book Awards Announcement + Profile 

Click here to submit your pitch for March/April 2026: https://forms.gle/aAe5GRpUKXAy79TW7  

While this may sound like a more business-focused issue than usual, with this “Write Like a Pro” theme, we’re not only looking for articles on demystifying aspects of the publishing industry for both traditional and indie writers or providing advice for freelancers, we’re also looking for craft-related articles that help writers elevate their writing to the next level.  

+ WD’s 101 Best Websites for Writers 

+ WD Personal Essay Awards Announcement + Profile 

Click here to submit your pitch for May/June 2026: https://forms.gle/EfesP5HwHcPqhvF17

In this issue, we’re focusing on writing what matters, because writing matters more than ever. Whether it’s advice for writing emotions that give fiction deeper life truths, writing about so-called taboo topics that deserve to be addressed, or writing about hard truths in memoir, this issue aims to give writers the courage to create writing that matters. 

+ WD Self-Published E-Book Awards Announcement + Profile 

+WD Poetry Awards Announcement + Profile  

Click here to submit your pitch for July/August 2026: https://forms.gle/ukm39gp7qiKhZwJG8  

For this issue, featuring the Annual Agent Roundup, we’re interested in including articles related to individuality (and celebrating one’s identity) in writing. Things like, how a writer can create their public author persona (including deciding what they do and do not share with their readers), how to create characters that feel like distinct individuals, turning life into literature (whether fiction or nonfiction), and any other ways you can think of for writers to foster individuality. 

+ The Annual Agent Roundup 

+ WD Short Short Story Awards Announcement + Story/Profile 

Click here to submit your pitch for September/October 2026: https://forms.gle/TdAEbuLtvDUf3kc5A 

For this end-of-the-year issue, we’re looking for articles to help spark readers’ creativity during the busy holiday season. That means, articles to help get words on the page when life is chaotic, how to make the most of the writing they did during the year even if they might not have hit their goals, or even non-writing activities writers can do to get bring back their creative spirit. 

+ WD Annual Competition Announcement + Profile 

Click here to submit your pitch for November/December 2026: https://forms.gle/KfdvzavBQurU68EGA 

With a sub-theme of The Rejuvenated Writer, this issue aims to help writers start the new year strong. That means, articles to help writers get motivated to finally finish their manuscript, tips for building a writing routine, and craft articles on the various parts of writing a book.  

Click here to submit your pitch for January/February 2027: https://forms.gle/2aXEc2qQpzenxqyPA