To Be Honest Best Creative Nonfiction A project of The Itch Press (see other related projects). About Some things are too strange to make up.To Be Honest is our creative nonfiction anthology, dedicated to the complicated, uncomfortable, funny, devastating, and deeply human stories that make nonfiction unforgettable.We’re looking for personal essays, memoir, flash nonfiction, lyric essays, fragmented narratives, experimental nonfiction, and work that challenges the boundaries of the genre.We aren’t looking for tidy resolutions or universal lessons.We want the truth, however you tell it. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions, and they do not offer monetary payment for accepted submissions. The fee is USD $8 (below average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2026 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationUnknown contest frequency AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Nonfiction Open Fee-based Dates:Open to nonfiction submissions through 28 February 2027* (approx. 107 days from now).Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 1,500 words. Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 1,500 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Experimental, Literary, Personal.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Memoir.Winner's Prize:No monetary payment Provides free copy/copies No monetary payment. Provides free copy/copies. Details: USD $100 for first place.Submissions:Method: Duosuma submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to contest webpage Submit through Duosuma Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:X (Twitter) @theitchlit For the Editor(s): Link to Duotrope To Be Honest Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. We have not received any submission reports for this listing in the past 12 months. Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsHalf Truths NEW! Charges fees for all submissionsThe Itch Lit Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 12 Nov 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only