FIRST PERSON | Want to write your own story for CBC P.E.I.? | CBC News

Want to write your own story for CBC P.E.I.?

Here's how to submit a pitch for a First Person piece at CBC P.E.I.

Do you have a personal story you want to share? Maybe you've survived something life-changing and want to inspire others, or have a personal connection to an issue in the news.

Here's how to pitch a First Person story to CBC P.E.I. The writers we commission pieces from are paid for their work: we don't ask anyone to work for free.

First Person pieces feature the personal stories of Islanders written in their own words. It could be a slice of life or a transformative moment that changed how you see the world.

A good First Person column can start a conversation, challenge perspectives, or help someone feel less alone.

These are not editorials or opinion pieces. These are stories rooted in your personal experience. It's a way to share what you've lived through and an opportunity to highlight voices we might not hear from every day.

We publish all kinds of pieces, as long as the story has a compelling personal narrative. Pitches tied to the news — like the cost of living or health care — are helpful. Here are a few examples of recent First Person pieces from Islanders that are tied to current events:

But that's not a requirement. We're particularly interested in stories that represent contemporary P.E.I. and highlight life outside Charlottetown. We want to hear from people with disabilities; from Black, Indigenous and other Islanders of colour; from the 2SLGBTQ+ community; from diverse socio-economic perspectives; and from urban and rural Islanders.

These are a few pieces that aren't tied to the news but tell a personal story:

Do I have to be a professional writer?

No! Most of our pieces are from first-time contributors. You just need to have a story you can tell in around 500 to 600 words.

It has to be an original piece that hasn't been published anywhere else, and it must be in your words: it can't be written using AI.

If we like your pitch, you'll work alongside an editor until it's ready to be published. The editing process includes things like improving the flow, structure or clarity of the column, as well as fixing typos, grammar or other language rules.

The time commitment can vary, but a column usually needs at least two drafts. Discussions between the writer and editor may span several weeks.

If you're interested in writing a First Person story for CBC P.E.I., send a pitch to PitchPEI@cbc.ca.

Start by introducing yourself in a few lines and tell us where you live. Explain your idea for a First Person column in about 150 words. Tell us why you think it would resonate with CBC P.E.I. readers — reflect on what you learned or how it changed you.

Be specific! Focus on one slice of your experience rather than trying to cover everything. Including a suggested headline can help you find the focus of the story you want to tell.

An editor will contact you if CBC P.E.I. wants to pursue your story. We aren't able to reply to every submission we receive.