When it comes to prestigious magazine placements, few titles hold as much influence and cultural authority as Esquire. With a long-standing legacy of compelling journalism, powerful essays, and cutting-edge commentary, Esquire continues to be a desirable platform for writers worldwide. But with that prestige comes a competitive submissions process.
This guide to esquire submissions will walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding the magazine’s editorial tone to crafting an irresistible pitch that captures the attention of editors. Whether you’re a budding freelancer or an established journalist, the roadmap laid out here will elevate your chances of getting published.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Esquire Brand and Voice
Before sending a pitch, immerse yourself in the Esquire voice. The magazine is known for its unique blend of wit, sophistication, and cultural insight. It covers a range of topics including politics, culture, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, and long-form investigative journalism.
What sets Esquire apart is its voice—irreverent, bold, deeply analytical, yet conversational. Writers need to mirror that energy while offering a fresh perspective. Reading recent issues will help you understand current editorial trends and topic preferences.
Who Should Consider Submitting to Esquire?
Esquire is a highly competitive market, and while its bylines often feature big names, it is not closed off to new or freelance voices. If you have:
- A timely, relevant angle
- A unique perspective
- Journalistic integrity and storytelling skills
…then esquire submissions may be a viable route for your work.
Types of Content Esquire Accepts
Before writing or pitching, identify where your idea fits in their ecosystem. Esquire accepts various forms of content across its print and digital platforms:
- Features and Longform Essays:
These are deeply researched, often narrative-driven pieces running 2,000 to 5,000 words or more. Think profiles, investigations, and cultural essays. - Op-Eds and Commentary:
Sharp, opinion-driven takes on current events. These pieces often make a bold statement and back it up with thoughtful analysis. - Personal Essays:
Stories rooted in the writer’s experience but broadened to appeal to a wider audience. - Service Journalism and Lifestyle Content:
While Esquire is high-brow, it also publishes accessible content related to fashion, grooming, dating, and modern life for men. - Pop Culture Critique and Reviews:
TV, film, books, and music are all fair game—if your take is sharp and original.
How to Prepare for Esquire Submissions
Preparation is everything when it comes to Esquire. Here’s how to get your materials submission-ready:
- Craft a Targeted Pitch
Your pitch should reflect clarity, originality, and a strong hook. It should:
- Identify the story idea in the first line.
- Highlight why the story is timely and relevant now.
- Establish why you are the right person to write it.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of Esquire’s style and audience.
- Research the Right Editor
There’s no universal Esquire submissions inbox, so you’ll need to send your pitch to the appropriate editor. Use the masthead, LinkedIn, or Twitter to find names and emails. Tailor your pitch to the editor’s section of the magazine (e.g., culture, politics, features). - Subject Line Matters
Be concise and specific. Examples:
- “Pitch: How Gen Z Is Redefining Masculinity”
- “Freelance Pitch – Essay on Modern Fatherhood”
- Attach Relevant Writing Samples
Include 1-2 links or PDFs of published work. Choose samples that reflect the same tone or topic as your pitch. - Keep It Brief and Impactful
Editors are busy. Aim to keep your email under 300 words. Let your idea shine without fluff.
Tips to Increase Acceptance Odds for Esquire Submissions
- Know What’s Already Been Done
Avoid pitching stories Esquire has recently published. Bring a fresh take or unexpected angle to familiar topics. - Follow Editorial Calendars and News Cycles
If your idea ties into a cultural moment or upcoming event, time your pitch accordingly. Esquire editors love relevance. - Be Persistent but Respectful
If you haven’t heard back within two weeks, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up. After that, consider pitching elsewhere. - Avoid Mass Submissions
Do not send the same generic pitch to multiple outlets. Editors can spot a template from a mile away. - Build Relationships
Follow editors on social media, comment on their published work, and gradually engage. Networking organically can open doors later.
What Happens After Submission?
If your pitch is accepted, you’ll receive an assignment letter or informal agreement via email. From there, expect:
- A defined deadline
- Word count and angle expectations
- Rate discussion (rates vary but are often competitive)
- Edits and fact-checking process
Rejected? Don’t be discouraged. Many accepted Esquire writers were turned down several times before landing their first piece.
Rates and Rights: What Writers Should Know
While Esquire doesn’t publicly post its pay rates, freelance rates can vary between $0.50 and $2.00 per word depending on the type of content and experience of the writer.
Rights typically fall under “first serial rights” or “all rights,” depending on the contract. Always read the fine print or consult a writers’ union for advice.
What Editors Are Saying About Esquire Submissions
Several editors have weighed in—either via interviews, social media, or workshops—on what they love to see in pitches:
- “Don’t give me a subject. Give me a story. A subject is ‘climate change.’ A story is ‘The Woman Who Left Her Oil Exec Husband and Built a Solar City.’”
- “Voice matters. I want to hear the writer in the pitch. That’s half the battle.”
- “Don’t bury your lede. Put the gold in the first sentence.”
Digital vs. Print: Where Should You Pitch?
Both versions of Esquire have different editorial teams. Digital editors may be more open to new voices and publish more frequently, offering faster turnaround and exposure. Print is more prestigious but highly selective.
To increase your chances, start by pitching Esquire digital, especially for timely essays, lifestyle topics, or cultural commentary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Esquire Submissions
- Sending full drafts instead of pitches
- Ignoring the magazine’s style or tone
- Submitting a story with no clear narrative arc
- Poor subject lines or missing editor names
- Pitching outdated or overly niche topics
Success Story Spotlight
Author and journalist David Peisner once said that persistence, paired with the right pitch at the right time, was the key to landing his first piece in Esquire. He pitched ten times before getting a response—and that one story launched a lasting relationship with the publication.
This kind of anecdote shows the value of patience and precision in your esquire submissions journey.
Resources to Help with Esquire Submissions
- Who Pays Writers – crowdsourced info on freelance rates
- Freelancing with Tim – newsletter featuring freelance pitch calls
- The Open Notebook – great for science and feature writing examples
- Substack Newsletters by Editors – some Esquire editors share what they’re looking for
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Esquire Submissions Process
Getting published in Esquire is an admirable goal and one that is well within reach for writers who prepare, pitch smartly, and stay persistent. With careful targeting, a compelling story, and alignment with the brand’s voice, your esquire submissions can go from inbox to page.
For freelance writers aiming to build a portfolio of impressive bylines or contribute to meaningful cultural conversations, Esquire remains a pinnacle publication. By treating your pitch as a professional opportunity rather than a shot in the dark, you’ll dramatically increase your odds of success.
Keep refining. Keep pitching. And remember—editors are looking for you just as much as you’re looking for them.
