Success as a Disability Writer – by Kerry Ridgway

Many writers have a disability and, sometimes, it’s even the reason they write…
Many writers have a disability and, sometimes, it’s even the reason they write…
You can make money by selling slices of your memoir – stories from your past – as I have for the last ten years!
If you think of literary journals as not a 5-star hotel that only a few privileged people can get into, but more of a public park where you can have a picnic anytime, anywhere, then submitting becomes far easier…
“Now What? is a monthly e-zine aimed at the unchurched that addresses the “felt needs” of people. Each issue centers on a personal experience, with optional objective articles related to the topic if the author provides them. Stories show an individual’s struggle that either led them to faith in Christ or deepened their walk with God.” Welcomes new writers.
Pays $25-$65 for 1,000-1,500 words. Submit query by email.
“Northwest Quarterly is a city/regional lifestyle and business publication highlighting the best of life in the Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin and Northwest Chicagoland regions. Across two sister editions, we cover a wide variety of people and places that make our 16-county coverage area a great place to live. We especially enjoy topics such as conservation, local history, arts & entertainment, things to do/see, dining, home & garden, health & fitness, recreation & destinations, mind & spirit, personal finance, and business.” Welcomes new writers. Publishes 11 issues a year, 6/year in Northern Illinois. Pays on publication. Publishes ms 3-6 months after acceptance. Buys one-time rights. Occasionally accepts reprints. Responds within less than a week.
Pays $125-$500, depending on scope of assignment.
“Christian reader for adults. Favors true first-person testimonials. Also considers fiction, how-to and as-told-to. Stories must be from a Christian point of view and must have something the reader can readily identify with. We do not accept Bible-based fiction.” 100% freelance. Welcomes new writers. Circ. 15K. Quarterly. Pays on acceptance. Period between acceptance and publication varies. Buys first rights. Accepts reprints. “We evaluate completed manuscripts. Response time varies but should be less than eight weeks.
Pays $0.10/word for first rights; $0.07/word for reprints; $60 for first rights poems and $42 for reprinted poems.
“The mission of the Kenyon Review is to identify exceptionally talented emerging writers, especially from diverse communities, and publish their work (fiction, poetry, essays, interviews, reviews, etc.) alongside the many distinguished, established writers featured in its pages. Kenyon Review is also committed to the advancement of literary writing through education, seeking to improve the skills of young people and adults through intensive, high quality workshops.” Welcomes new writers.
Pays flat rate of $50 for Online book reviews; $0.08 per published word for prose ($80-$450); $0.16 per published word for poetry ($40-$200).
“Kaleidoscope magazine creatively focuses on the experiences of disability from the perspective of individuals, families, friends, caregivers, educators and healthcare professionals, among others. The material selected for publication challenges and overcomes stereotypical, patronizing and sentimental attitudes about disability. The criteria for good writing apply: effective technique, thought-provoking subject matter and a mature grasp of the art of storytelling.” Biyearly. Pays after publication. Publishes ms 6-12 months after acceptance. Buys one-time rights. Accepts reprints. “Email us to have your contact information added to our electronic list for notification each time an issue is posted online.”
Pays: $10-$100
As with every Winter contest, you can expect some chill (brrrr!) and maybe some thrill! Or, maybe some suspense, some humor, some mystery? You’ll soon find out! We are super excited about this topic!!
Simple acts of goodwill CAN and DO lead to more book sales!