email

sesmith at realsesmith dot com

postal mail

PO Box 2764 | Fort Bragg, CA 95437

literary agent

Hannah Bowman, Liza Dawson Associates

for journalism projects

I write predominantly cultural criticism and select reported features, preferably longreads that deeply explore topics of interest. I particularly enjoy opportunities to work on “weird” projects, whether they be the mythos of the modern-day unicorn or a feature on people pursuing nontraditional memorials for their pets. A piece that sparks interest and excitement isn’t always obvious, and I enjoy working with editors on shaping pitches into provocative, thoughtful reads that go beyond what may have been expected or intended. If you’re on the fence about whether a project is a good fit, drop a line and let’s talk about it!

for speaking engagements

I have lectured, participated in panels, led programming, moderated, and taught across the United States on a variety of subjects, especially around cultural criticism, disability, and journalism. Please be aware that my public appearances are contingent upon diversity across panelists and lecturers and I do not appear at predominantly-white events, speaker series, or educational programming.

for literary projects 

For reprint rights or new literary projects, reach out to my literary agent, Hannah Bowman of Liza Dawson Associates.

for interviews

Requests for quotes or interviews about my work or expertise will be accommodated when possible. Include your name, your publication, your deadline, and a broad precis of the piece you’re working on. If you’re an audio or audiovisual outlet, be aware that if you want professional-quality audio and video, the closest studio is about two hours away and can have limited availability.