How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen

A summary of the latest event in my Editor-on-Call series

If you missed the event, here is your update, but don’t miss the next one.

Welcome to all my recent subscribers. I’m honored to have you here. Many of you have found me through my award-winning writing book, Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published, or through my podcast Freelance Writing Direct which was named 2025 Podcast of the Year (Education) by The American Writing Awards. I’m so grateful for your support and continued encouragement. It means the world to me.

If you've ever dreamed of seeing your byline in the pages of Cosmopolitan or Seventeen, then you will want to check out this post, especially if you missed my free editor-on-call event a little while ago.

In the latest segment of my Editor-On-Call series—run in partnership with NYU where I teach—I sat down with Willa Bennett, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen, for a conversation packed with publishing gold.

Want to join the next one? Keep an eye on this newsletter for future event invites—or become a paid subscriber for early access and priority RSVP. And make sure to subscribe for Freelance Writing Direct. My latest episode #135 was a discussion about getting an agent and a book published with fabulous literary agent Joelle DelBourgo: Query Letters, Persuasive Proposals and Publishing Secrets (I also include links to other episodes with agents.)

During our chat, Willa shared invaluable insights into how to pitch, what kind of stories stand out, and the editorial missions behind these iconic publications. She didn’t hold back—sharing what kinds of stories make her hit 'reply' (and which ones go straight to archive).

💬 “I love a personal essay.” – Willa said it multiple times during our conversation, and she meant it. Whether it’s about a breakup, a transformation, or identity, she’s looking for stories that feel urgent, deeply personal, and specific.

When it comes to pitching Cosmopolitan, Willa emphasized the importance of specificity and voice. She's drawn to stories grounded in personal experience, with a clear reason they need to be told now. A strong headline and a concise pitch (just a paragraph or two) go a long way. And yes, she reads cold emails.

Personal essays are a favorite at Cosmo, especially when they illuminate something universally relatable. The best ones aren't just about events (“I had a breakup”) but about insight (“Why this breakup changed my relationship with love—and myself”). Bonus points for essays that include light research or expert context to deepen the story’s impact.

Cosmo's key editorial areas include sex and relationships, pop culture, beauty and fashion (approached with authenticity and nuance), identity, and wellness. Willa made it clear that Cosmo is for everyone—not just women—and that great storytelling resonates across generations. Her goal is to champion stories that help readers live more fully in themselves.

Op-eds are welcome, too—but they must be timely and tightly argued. Think: Why does this opinion matter today? Whether it's a response to a political moment, a pop culture trend, or a cultural shift, the op-ed needs to feel urgent and grounded. Willa noted that well-argued opinion pieces stand out in a crowded media landscape, and social media is basically one big op-ed arena.

There’s a lot of exciting development at both magazines. Cosmo has just launched Cosmo Sports and is actively looking for stories from college athletes and sports-adjacent voices—think: “a day in the life” of a D1 athlete or a personal narrative about navigating gender in competitive sports. Meanwhile, Seventeen remains a dynamic social-first brand, focused on identity, rising voices, and Gen Z cultural milestones. Willa says she welcomes fresh writers, especially for 17—she’d love to be someone’s first byline.

She’s also open to essays from a parent’s POV for Seventeen and stories inspired by what Gen Z is watching, listening to, and obsessing over. Internet culture pieces, TikTok trends, and commentary on pop moments all have a home there.

Estelle’s Edge: Pitching is a muscle. So to get better at it, work it out, often. This is the habit I recommend to every student and coaching client who wants to break into top-tier outlets—and it works.

✨ “Pitching is a muscle.” – That’s my mantra, and I share it with every student I teach and every writer I coach. The writers who pitch regularly and refine their ideas stand out.

To strengthen it, make pitching part of your writing routine. Choose a day each week—say, every Monday—and send 3 to 5 thoughtful ideas to different editors. The consistency will sharpen your instincts and get you noticed.

And remember: you don’t need to have the entire essay written. Willa shared that a strong, specific idea can spark an assignment—and her team will work with you to shape it. She often receives pitches with a few story ideas, and together they’ll decide which one is the strongest fit.

To pitch Willa, email her first name.last name (at) hearst (dot) (com)

🔥 Here are the exact words that Willa used that will make a pitch sing and what she thinks is most important. Plus a bonus analysis opportunity for paid subscribers on finding your throughline. You can also sign up for my webinar tomorrow 4/24 with Writer’s Digest Layering Throughlines and Timelines into Essays and Books to Pack a Punch.