If you’re a comedy writer who loves writing about issues important to women and collaborating with other funny feminists, you’ve come to the right place!
You may submit the entire story as you would like it published and we will send our final edits for your approval. Due to the volume of articles we receive, there is a two draft maximum back and forth between writer and The Syndrome editing team. Trust our judgement. We’ve been around the block!
Topic
At The Syndrome, we cover a broad list of topics from a feminist’s perspective, including those that directly address gender equality issues such as reproductive rights, pay equity, #MeToo, the glass ceiling, and women in politics (because we REALLY need to laugh about these things) and those that are lighter-hearted and focus on what it’s like being a woman in the world today, like how to put on a sports bra or why random people want to touch your belly even when you’re not pregnant. Funny is who we are and what we’re looking for, no matter the topic.
For some ideas, stories are organized by topic and sub-categories on our homepage.
- Health & Beauty: body perception, aging, mental health
- Work: sexual harassment, pay gap
- Relationships: parenting, family, friends, marriage, dating
- Equality: feminism, LGBTQ, racial justice, allies
- Culture: travel, politics, entertainment, immigration, holidays
Timely articles
While submitting, please let us know if your article is timely. We consider “timely” a piece related to top news stories released within the past 24-48 hours or issues that are ongoing and progressing on a regular basis. We tend to give priority to these articles as they often reach a wider audience. Let us know why you think your article is timely (feel free to include a link to a reputable online source or several points of reference throughout the story).
Length and style
Our feature articles are between 500-1200 words. We accept first-person experiential essays, satirical takes on hot topics, and funny lists. We only accept completed articles, not concepts, abstracts or pitches. You may send your article by copying and pasting it in the text box of Submittable or with minimal formatting if you send it as an attachment. No unusual colors or styles.
SEO Value
With your target audience in mind, pinpoint a theme for your piece and research it before or after your article is complete. Repeat it as one or two keywords when it makes most sense throughout your article. For example, “ageism” or a key political figure as well as a hot topic of public interest could open the door to more readers for your piece. Utilize Google’s search engine to see which keywords may be the best match for your story. We want to see you succeed in the name of gender equality!
Titles
As you’re putting the final touches on your story submission, dedicate a thoughtful moment to how you want to brand and present your work. For example: “Puppies” won’t fare as well as “A Bad Girl’s Guide to New Year’s Eve in Lockdown.” Research suggests the following strategies for attracting more attention to your article:
- 60 characters or less
- eye-catching, informative and interesting
- avoidance of too many keywords; think human eye vs. SEO engine
- numbered lists and guides
- problem solving from personal experience
- advice from an expert’s point of view
- newsworthy and relevant
- controversial
- time and life savers
Grammar and formatting
Before sending us a submission, check your work carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. We know you’re a hoot but can you spell and distinguish between you’re and your? Utilize that spell check, ladies!
Previously published work
Previously published work will not be accepted; if something was submitted to other publications in the process of inclusion in The Syndrome Mag, please let us know. We like to feature your work exclusively here first but would love to collaborate with you in the future!
Feedback on submissions
The Syndrome is committed to publishing the best material possible and that usually requires some edits. If you’re not comfortable with positive constructive criticism, this may not be the place for you. Our editors are truly nice people who know a lot about being funny and also less humorous things like where to put a semicolon and how to avoid redundancy.
We’ll get back to you as quickly as we can to yay or nay your quirkiest can of worms. We will respond to every writer regardless of acceptance or rejection. If you receive a “no” this time, try again soon for a “yes” next time.
Payment
We believe in the importance of compensating people for their work and we’re proud to offer $30 for articles chosen for publication. Many writers, however, donate their pieces in support of our non-profit mission to increase gender equality through comedy.
You’ve Got Mail
Immediately upon submitting a story, you’ll receive a message of receipt from Submittable. If you do not see it in your inbox, please check your junk mail box and approve messages from Submittable. It is the main source of communication with our writers and also the way we secure compensation for contributors.
