Non-fiction is informational text dealing with an actual, real-life subject. This genre of literature offers opinions or conjectures on facts and reality, including biographies, history essays, speeches, and narrative non-fiction.
Format:
MLA appropriate format (12 Times New Roman Font, Double Spaced, etc. )
For more information please visit: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/13
1500 word limit
Content:
Any type of nonfiction will be considered, but we strongly encourage creative, unique pieces as opposed to a standard five-paragraph-style essay.
The writing should be mostly original ideas, not a summary or collection of others' work. Strong pieces should have an overarching theme or message and should demonstrate cohesiveness of thought, as well as consistent and artful command of language.
As we are a school organization, we cannot publish any pieces that are extremely political or religious, and the published pieces must be school appropriate. Please do not let this be a deterrent from submitting your writing but please understand and take this factor into account when submitting.
If you wish, your name can remain anonymous or your work can appear underneath a pseudonym. If this is the case for you, please contact us after you submit your piece.
As a new feature this year, we are accepting submissions written in foreign languages (mainly Spanish, French, and German). All the same guidelines apply to these submissions. If you have any questions, please let us know.
General Advice:
Stay focused on your main topic. If there are too many issues, ideas, or sources, then your main message could be lost by your audience.
When choosing or brainstorming a topic, take time to consider your audience: literary magazine editors, Central Magnet students, parents, teachers, etc. What might they relate to the most or what issues do they face in their lives?
Insight-fully explain and elaborate on any sources, evidence, or narratives you might use. Why is it important/effective/meaningful?
Carefully consider your diction and sentence structure as they can have an impact that's just as strong as your most nuanced argument