Kill Your Darlings magazine regularly publishes short fiction alongside commentary, essays, memoir, reviews, profiles and interviews that examine books and ideas, creative practice and the publishing industry.

The next pitching window for non-fiction will open on Monday 2 June 2025. 

We strongly encourage you to read our magazine before submitting fiction or pitching non-fiction to get a good sense of our tone, style and interests. 

Want to Make Your Pitch Stand Out? 

KYD has put together a short course called How to Pitch. This resource examines key pitching tips, how to develop your pitch and manage deadlines, and explores what kind of material the magazine looks to publish—all designed to improve your chances of publication. This online resource is available free for all KYD Members.

member 

For upcoming projects, opportunities and other submission dates, visit our Write for KYD page.

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Submit to Non-Fiction – KYD Magazine

Kill Your Darlings magazine regularly publishes short fiction alongside commentary, essays, memoir, reviews, profiles and interviews that examine books and ideas, creative practice and the publishing industry. We prioritise the reading of and responses to pitches from KYD members.
 

Non-fiction pitches are currently open and will close 11.59pm AEST, Sunday 15 June.

 

What we’re looking for:

This round, we’re looking specifically for pitches for work between 1500–2000 words that examine the rise and influence of literary YouTubers and BookTok. We’re open to all angles on this subject, but we’re particularly interested in how this content informs critical discourse, how it enhances (or puts the squeeze on) more traditional outlets that are struggling to retain readership, and who is carving out a genuine authority in this space. We are also keen to examine pitches that explore literary podcasts, especially (but not only) in the Australian context.

 

We will also consider pitches for the following content:

  • Intelligent and accessible essay/commentary (1000–2000 words) that analyses a cultural, political or societal issue of interest to KYD's progressive and engaged readership. Longer, investigative feature essays (2000–3000 words) will also be considered.
  • Memoir or personal essay (1200–1500 words) that reflects on or tells us something broader about society, identity and/or culture.
  • Smart, entertaining cultural criticism (1200–1500 words) that illuminates or engages with works and trends in art, literature or pop culture. 
  • Work that doesn't quite fit within the above categories but you think would be a good fit for us!

KYD pays all its writers. Minimum payment for non-fiction is $700. 

Want to make your pitch stand out from the crowd?

KYD has put together a short course called How to Pitch. This resource examines key pitching tips, how to develop your pitch and manage deadlines, and explores what kind of material KYD looks to publish—all designed to improve your chances of publication. This online resource is available free and for immediate access to all KYD Members.

Please note:

·  KYD prioritise responses to pitches from our members

·  Due to volume, only one pitch per writer can be considered each round

·  Pitches are open to Australian citizens (at home and abroad) and Australian residents

·  KYD is proud to publish writers at all stages of their careers

·  We encourage pitches from writers from diverse and/or marginalised backgrounds, as well as from writers from rural or regional areas

·  We endeavour to respond to pitches within one month of the closing date, though this sometimes takes longer at busy times of the year

·  Please do not make follow-up enquiries about the status of your pitch

·  If your pitch is successful elsewhere, please withdraw your submission from KYD as soon as possible

Contributor terms:

An invitation to submit a draft to KYD does not guarantee publication and payment. Upon delivery, if KYD determines that the delivered draft does not fit the agreed-upon brief or is otherwise unsuitable for further editorial work, KYD reserves the right not to proceed with publication.

Please note: Article titles and subtitles are decided upon byKYD staff, though suggestions are welcome.

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Submit to KYD School Writing Prize 2025

Now in its seventh year, the KYD School Writing Prize gives a voice to young people exploring aspects of contemporary life and society that concern them. 

In 2025, we are seeking entries from students that explore the theme of ‘leadership’.

We are looking for writing entries of between 1000 and 1500 words that responds to this theme as widely and creatively as possible in the following genres:

  • Short fiction
  • Essays
  • Personal reflections
  • Memoir and biography
  • Genre pieces (fantasy, sci-fi, historical, romance, crime)


Entries open: 10am AEST, Monday 12 May 2025
Entries close: 5pm AEST, Friday, 1 August 2025
Judge: KYD Editor Suzy Garcia
Prize: $500 cash prize and publication in KYD magazine
 

Entry to the KYD School Writing Prize is open exclusively to KYD School Members and their students. There is no additional entry fee.
 

KYD School Members also have free access to two 45-minute online courses designed to assist students in writing pieces to submit to the Prize.
 

For full terms and conditions on the 2025 Prize, click here.
 

Extra resources:

Please email info@killyourdarlings.com.au if you have any questions!

Kill Your Darlings