I’ve written a few personal essays for BuzzFeed, The Writer magazine, and the New York Times, and wanted to share my tips for going from an idea to publication for an essay.

1. Read the publication’s essay section. Study it. What’s the total word count? What type of topics does it typically cover? What have they’ve already published? I copy and paste essays into a blank document to see the final word count so I don’t send a 1,800-word essay for a column that only runs 800 words. If you see an essay similar to yours, pitch it to another publication.
2. Have someone who doesn’t know you very well read it and give you feedback. You know the story intimately so it’s hard to see what’s confusing and what doesn’t work. Through my years in UPOD Academy, I’ve built up contacts with writers who  can read my essay without attachment to it. It’s really helpful to call out any parts that are confusing.
3. The best essays focus on a clear idea. Can you tell your friend what you’re writing about in one sentence? Try it. If you can’t, it’s probably not clear to you then. Sometimes I think in headlines, like “What Professional Wrestling Taught Me and My Immigrant Grandmother,” and then I stick to that point in the entire essay.
4. Revise it like hell. I like to write a draft and tuck it away for a few weeks, and then come back at it with my readers’ feedback and fresh eyes. Cut what’s not working for your readers. My general rule: if three people write the same note, change it.
5. Pitch it. When you feel like it’s finally ready, send the essay out to your dream publications. I usually make a list and work my way down. Typically, I don’t pitch personal essays. I write them on spec. Why? Most editors will ask for the entire essay to see if they like it. (Wondering where to pitch? I like visiting Where to Pitch and UPOD speaker sessions for ideas.)