Narrative Matters is the peer-reviewed, personal-essay section of the policy journal Health Affairs.  Begun in 1999, it publishes literary nonfiction—based on firsthand encounters—that carry a policy message.  These “policy narratives” link a story or anecdote to the big picture.  They relate a strong incident or anecdote that draws the reader in and puts the policy issue on the table.

"Narrative Matters showcases some of health care's most stunning writing. The stories are moving, eloquent, and often unforgettable."—Atul Gawande, M.D.

--How To Submit A Manuscript:

--What We’re Looking For:

--Narrative Matters Essay Archive:

--Narrative Matters Book:

--Contact

--Writing For Narrative Matters [PDF]  

How To Submit A Manuscript:

Narrative Matters manuscripts are submitted online through the Health Affairs Web site at:  http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ha

• Manuscripts for Narrative Matters do not need an abstract.
• Submissions will be reviewed both within and outside of Health Affairs.

What We’re Looking For:  

• Well-written anecdotal stories, based on encounters with the health care system, that explore the personal, ethical, and moral issues of delivering or receiving health care today
• Topics with broad implications for health care that touch on policy issues
• Unique stories or perspectives with an insider’s view
• Introspective stories that reveal the author’s evolution in thinking about a health policy issue based on personal experience
• Stories with dialogue and with a distinct beginning, middle, and resolution
• A minimum of academic or technical language
• 2,500 words or less
• No editorials, op-eds, or commentaries; no footnotes or academic citations
  

Contact:

Ellen Ficklen, co-editor of Narrative Matters, at 301-656-7401 or eficklen@projecthope.org.

The Narrative Matters section is published with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

© 2001-2008 Project HOPE–The People-to-People Organization
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