In this issue

Our September/October issue features a special section on A Writer’s Education, including an overview of MFA programs creating nurturing spaces for diverse communities, MFA application advice, tips for making the most of writing workshops, and a look at twelve books on craft; a profile of novelist Namwali Serpell; essays by five of the year’s best debut nonfiction writers; Jonathan Evison on his experience with book banning; an in-depth interview with agent Annie Hwang; essays by David Sedaris, Valeria Luiselli, and Sara Nović; ten pro tips for the freelance book reviewer; self-publishing advice; writing prompts; contest deadlines; and much more.

Matejka Leads Change at Poetry

Adrian Matejka became the new editor of Poetry in May-the first Black editor in the magazine's 110-year history.

2 mins

Best Wishes

Stories from the front of the book-signing line

7 mins

HOW IT FELT

IN HER SECOND NOVEL, THE FURROWS: AN ELEGY, NAMWALI SERPELL CONJURES THE ROILING NATURE OF GRIEF IN A POWERFUL NARRATIVE THAT EXPLORES MEMORY, LOSS, AND BLACK IDENTITY WITHOUT RESTING ON WHAT SHE CALLS THE "MEANINGLESS PLATITUDE" THAT ART PROMOTES EMPATHY.

10+ mins

The New Nonfiction 2022

Non Fiction Books review

10+ mins

My Life in Book BANNING

THE AUTHOR OF OF LAST YEAR'S MOST CHALLENGED BOOKS CONFRONTS A CAMPAIGN OF THREATS, CYBERATTACKS, AND DOXING IN THE POST-TRUTH ERA.

10 mins

Annie Hwang - Agents & Editors

Annie Hwang of Ayesha Pande Literary talks about community building, professional burnout, the questions writers should ask when querying agents, and the demanding work of advocating for diversity in publishing.

10+ mins

Reclaiming My Book

TRANSLATING AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE TO TEXT AND SOUND

5 mins

Reviewers & Critics

A CONTRIBUTOR to the Boston Globe since 2007, Kate Tuttle became the newspaper's books editor in 2020. Over the past year and a half at the Globe she has interviewed an array of writers, including Kaveh Akbar, Rabih Alameddine, Lan Samantha Chang, Bernardine Evaristo, Gish Jen, Nick Offerman, David Sedaris, and Lisa Taddeo.

5 mins

On Writing About Books

TEN PRO TIPS FOR THE FREELANCE REVIEWER

9 mins

The Savvy Self-Publisher

DEBRA ENGLANDER is a consulting editor for Post Hill Press and a book coach who advises authors on the publishing industry, whether they're self-publishing or seeking a traditional publisher. She lives in New York City.

10+ mins

Read all stories from Poets & Writers Magazine

Poets & Writers Magazine Description:

For more than twenty years, Poets & Writers Magazine has been a trusted companion to writers who take their vocation seriously. Within its pages, our readers find provocative essays on the literary life, practical guidance for getting published and pursuing writing careers, in-depth profiles of poets, fiction writers, and writers of creative nonfiction, and conversation among fellow professionals.