Contribute
Writer's Guidelines
How to Submit
1. We only accept electronic submissions. Please send your submission to submissions(at)themotherhoodmuse(dot)com.
2. In the subject line please state "Submission" "your LAST name" and the category of your writing (nonfiction essay, short story, fiction, article, poem, or photo). For example, your subject line might read as "Submission Jones fiction."
3. In the body of the email please include your first and last name, address, email address, date, a 1-2 line bio about yourself, and the title of your piece.
4. Please send your submission in the body of the email. Do NOT attach it as a document to the email.
5. We do accept simultaneous submissions; however, please notify us immediately if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.
6. We attempt to respond to all submissions as soon as possible; however, this magazine is published quarterly, so depending on when we receive your submission in our publishing cycle it may take us a few extra weeks to reply.
*NOTE: We are open to submissions on any theme or topic, but we do also have a theme for each issue that you might consider for your writing submission. To view the themes for the 2010 issues please click here.
Submission Categories
Creative Nonfiction Essays / Short Stories (500 - 3,500 words)
We are seeking literary essays or short stories that explore the depth of a mother's relationship with nature through her body, mind, soul and children. These nonfiction creative writing pieces should exhibit the following:
- unique writing style with a personal original voice
- language rich in expressing deep personal emotion or observations
- quality figurative language (i.e., metaphors, similes, personification, symbols)
- engaging character development and mood (i.e., setting, objects, details, images, and words)
- an innovative approach to the topic
- reflection of a deeper understanding or insight that relates to the mission of The Motherhood Muse
Articles (200 - 1,000 words)
We are seeking a creative approach to writing (1) profiles or interviews about real mothers or writers who are taking steps to understanding the nature of motherhood, how they connect with nature on a mental or spiritual level, and/or the relationship between nature and their children; (2) book reviews for newly published and older books (nonfiction or fiction) that will benefit readers of The Motherhood Muse; (3) feature articles on any topic relating to the mission of The Motherhood Muse.
Fiction (500 - 3,500 words)
We are seeking creative fiction that demonstrates superior writing with a well-structured plot, great character development, beautiful language, and an original voice that delves deep into an experience of motherhood.
Poetry (1 - 3 poems per submission)
We are seeking poems that stand apart from others for their originality, vision, and craft. We consider any style, form, or length.
Photography (1 - 3 photos per submission)
We are seeking photographs; however, until we are in print the images will only be visible electronically. We would like creative photos that explore the nature of motherhood in innovative, new ways.
Writer's Workshop Publications
(This link will list the graduates of the workshop who choose to publish in the e-Zine or blog.)
Compensation
The Motherhood Muse e-Zine's first publication will be the Winter 2010 issue! Due to the newness of it, we are publishing it free to readers for now. Therefore, we cannot pay contributors for their published pieces, but we hope seeing the literary product of your hardwork and passion in electronic print will fill you with joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Rights
The Motherhood Muse retains first electronic rights with the right to archive indefinitely for published pieces, but authors retain first print rights and any other rights such as anthology rights. We only ask to be given credit if you republish the work elsewhere.
