The Momoir Project

You’re inspired, you’ve got great ideas and by some amazing stroke of luck, you have carved out some time to write. Now, you’re wondering what to write that might have a chance to get published? Or, where to submit the great masterpiece you’ve already generated?

Here are some ideas to help you find anthologies looking for writers, contests, online sites and paying publications. This list was compiled by several Momoir students in collaboration with Momoir Project founder, Cori Howard. If you have luck with any of these, please remember to keep us posted. We'd love to read what you publish. Good luck!

Good Websites for Calls for Submissions & Contests:

Calls for Submissions come from authors, editors, publishers looking for specific pieces of writing along a certain theme or topic for a future compilation. Contests usually charge an entry fee, but have some type of award for winning submissions. Here are a few that I frequently check:

Literary Mama Blog

http://www.literarymama.com/blog/

Literary Mama lists calls for submissions, contests, writing prompts and relevant events on their blog, and their website features beautiful momoirs.

Feministas

http://femministas.blogspot.com/

Feministas is updated frequently with calls for submissions, contests and more for various female-related topics, as well as number of academic publications and the odd paid job.

http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/literaryprizes/index.html   

For great contests, Canada Writes offers many options to enter. See link for what competition is open.

Chicken Soup for the Soul

http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books

Chicken Soup for the Soul is the largest publisher of personal stories out there, and is always seeking stories on a variety of topics for upcoming titles.

Places for Writers

http://www.placesforwriters.com/

This Canadian site posts writing contests and submission calls, occasional literary news, publishing information, and resources.

Writer’s Guidelines for Mother-related Writing

Most regular publications (print and online) will have a set of Writer’s Guidelines that explain the type of writing they are looking for.

If you’re wondering whether you could submit something to a certain website or magazine, search for their guidelines on their website. They are usually titled something like: “Writer’s Guidelines,” “Submission Guidelines,” “Editorial Guidelines,” “How to Submit.” The links may not appear in the main menu, but may be buried at the bottom of the website, or within an “About Us” section.

Here are guidelines from a few publications that accept motherhood-related writing:

Literary Mama

http://www.literarymama.com/submissions/

Yummy Mummy Club

http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/writers_guidelines.php

Today’s Parent (especially Your Turn section)

http://www.todaysparent.com/corpinfo/article.jsp?content=20030416_171629_4196

Mothering Magazine

http://www.mothering.com/submission-guidelines

Brain, Child Magazine

http://www.brainchildmag.com/guidelines.html

Websites that publish momoirs, but do not pay. They do, however, promote their authors well and these stories will often lead to paid writing work.

www.amotherworld.com     A wonderful site for moms everywhere to dish about what is on their minds. Email Maria at: amotherworld@gmail.com

www.literarymama.com/submissions   Always a great intellectual read, Literary Mama is filled with moms writing about what is relevant to their lives. Many Momoirs from The Momoir Project have been published here.

www.mommyish.com  Another great place for moms to go to read about topics from pregnancy to balancing work. Email Shawna Cohen at: shawnacohen@rogers.com

http://www.hybridher.com/contribute     Hybrid Mom is now Hybrid Her. See their writers’ guidelines to submit your article. There are some good opportunities to receive compensation for your piece.

www.wondermoms.ca    A great site for moms and dads and they welcome submissions for consideration. Email your article for consideration to Tamara: info@wondermoms.ca

http://talkingwriting.com/?page_id=9    An insightful and educational site for writers that is always looking for submissions. While not for pay, they will help writers with their work. Email editior@talkingwriting.com.

www.themomoirproject.com  (of course) Cori is proud to publish her students. Be sure to subscribe to the blog too! Email: cori@themomoirproject.com

www.yummymummyclub.ca/submit         This site brings moms of all ages and stages together you can click on links to read about sex, to food, and everything in between. You will need to become a member in order to submit articles. Cost to sign up is free!! There are chances to earn money too!

Websites that will take submissions and pay:

www.everythingmom.com    Everything Mom has published many students from The Momoir Project. Alum Jen Taylor is now their Community Manager. Compensation is dependent upon the experience and situation. Read their guidelines before pitching to Carrie-Ann: ca@everythingmom.com

http://www.csmonitor.com/About/Contributor-guidelines#homeforum   Christian Science Monitor will not pay for opinion pieces. However, if you are interested in submitting it can lead to a writing relationship with the site for pay.

Print Publications:

www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books    The long-standing Chicken Soup would not be here without its contributors. Many students have been published by them. See the link for their current search for stories.

www.parentscanada.com   ‘Because I Said So ‘ is a one-pager devoted to funny momoirs. Read some back issues and come up with your own pitch and email editor, Janice Biehn, at: janiceb@parentscanada.com

At the end of the day, remember that you can’t get published unless you send your writing out, so take a deep breath and go for it!