First Person (personal essays)

Official information

Overview

Publication

Vox

Eligibility

Not applicable until First Person is listed again on the official pitch page.

Writing

Personal essay (First Person)

Payment

Not publicly stated on the current official pitch page

Currency

Not publicly stated

Payment conditions

Third-party sites have quoted $400–$500 for First Person. That figure is not on the current official How to pitch Vox page. Official language for accepted freelance work in general: competitive rates based on the amount and type of work, discussed if they are interested.

When paid

Official page: typically within 30 days via Shortlist, if assigned.

Word count

Not stated for First Person on the current official pitch page

Response time

They cannot respond to every pitch

Status

Status not publicly confirmed

Deadline

Not publicly stated

How to submit

Do not email First Person as if it is open — re-read the official pitch page

AI policy

AI-generated work prohibited

What they want

• Historically, First Person was Vox’s home for personal narrative essays. That description is from older published essays, not from the current pitch page.
• The current official page says many sections are not taking freelance pitches, and that the page is updated regularly.

What they don't want

• Do not email firstperson@vox.com as if the current official page still lists it.
• Do not use an AI chatbot to write a Vox pitch (site-wide official rule).
• Do not treat third-party $400–$500 quotes as official First Person rates.

Requirements

• Re-check https://www.vox.com/how-to-pitch-vox-pitching-guidelines before pitching
• If First Person is not listed, do not submit there

Rights

Not stated for First Person on the current official page.

How to submit

• Do not treat First Person as open on 19 August 2026.
• Use the official Future Perfect or Climate cards if those sections match your idea.

Submit / apply (official)

Information can change. Payment rates, submission requirements, eligibility, deadlines and response times are subject to change. Always check the publication's official guidelines before submitting. BRYME verifies listings as carefully as possible but does not guarantee acceptance or payment.