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All survivors are welcome to submit. Whether you are an experienced writer or just beginning to share your story, your voice matters here. 

What We’re Looking For 

• Personal essays, reflections, or creative nonfiction (800 – 1,500 words) 
• Poetry and hybrid forms are welcome 
• Topics may include: 

1. Personal Journey Series (ex: What I Wish I Knew Before I Left) 
2.  Educational Pieces (ex: How I Explained Financial Abuse to My Kids) 
3. Making Money (ex: How I Disclosed at Work; Starting My Business During Abuse) 
4. Community (ex: The People I Met at the Summit) 
5. Intersectional POVs (ex: I’m a Disabled Survivor, Here’s What I Want You To Know)
6. Practical Tips (ex: How I Found Housing with a 550 Credit Score) 
7. Other relevant topics that you find interesting 

Submission Process 

1. Short Sample

• Write a 200–300 word sample that reflects your topic, voice, and perspective. This can be a short excerpt from a larger piece or a pitch written in your intended point of view. 
• SUBMIT TO THIS FORM: with name, contact information, type of content, sample piece/pitch, short bio, and additional questions.

2. Selection 

•  Samples are reviewed on a rolling basis. We aim to notify you of your submission status within one month. 
•  If selected, you’ll be invited to expand your sample into a full piece (800–1,500 words). You will receive a second form via email to upload your full piece as a Google Doc and complete payment information. 
•  Writers will negotiate a timeline for their piece individually. Some pieces may be scheduled for publication later in the year. 

3. Full Submission & Editorial Review 

• Once your full piece is submitted, our editorial team will provide light guidance to support clarity and accessibility. 
• You’ll retain full copyright ownership of your work. 
• Final publication is contingent upon editorial review and mutual agreement. FreeFrom reserves the right not to publish a submitted piece. 
• By submitting a full draft, you confirm that:
  i. The work is your original writing.
  ii. It does not infringe on the rights, privacy, or safety of others.
  iii. Identifying details of third parties have been shared with permission or appropriately anonymized. 

4. Publication & Payment 

• Pieces may be published at any time throughout the year. To uplift a diverse range of voices, we publish one piece per author per year. 
• Survivors will receive $650 per finished piece, paid once the full submission is received and accepted. 
• Payment is issued within 30 days of final acceptance and receipt of required payment documentation and invoice. Payment may be sent via check, Venmo, or direct deposit. 

Final Note 

Your words matter. Every submission helps dismantle stigma and build a future where survivor voices lead the way. We welcome your courage, creativity, and truth. While we welcome a wide range of perspectives, submissions that are not aligned with FreeFrom’s values will not be accepted.

FAQ 

Can I submit more than one piece? 

To uplift a diverse range of voices, we publish one piece per author per year. If your sample is not accepted, you are welcome to submit another sample. 

How long do I have to submit the final piece after being selected? 

Final submissions are needed within the calendar year. While we provide flexibility with your timeline, we aim to finalize the piece within three – six months. Please note that payment is issued only after the final submission is received. 

I submitted my sample and I haven’t heard back, what should I do? 

Samples are reviewed on a rolling basis and we try to update you within a month of receiving your submission. If one month has passed and you have not received any communication from us, please email kashira.ayers@freefrom.org to inquire about your sample submission. 

Can I submit something previously published elsewhere? 

Yes. Please let us know where it was originally published and submit an excerpt from the piece. 

Is this payment taxable, and what does that mean for me? 

Yes. Payments are considered taxable income. Writers will be required to complete a W-9 form and will receive a Form 1099-NEC for tax reporting purposes. We encourage you to consult a tax professional if you have questions about how this income may affect you.