KUOW calls for bold essays on life and resilience
Seattle Story Project is seeking brave storytellers.
Do you have a story you've been waiting to tell? Seattle Story Project is seeking stories that offer an unflinching glimpse into what it means to be human.
Writers don't have to be currently based in Seattle, but you should be linked to our Emerald City or the surrounding Puget Sound region in some meaningful way.
We are especially interested in hearing from writers whose voices are underrepresented in the media such as people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, immigrants, people living with disabilities, incarcerated individuals, and writers who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness.
FAQs
Where can I read examples of Seattle Story Project essays?
You can find all of the Seattle Story Project stories at KUOW.org/SeattleStoryProject.
Here are three:
Do I have to live in Seattle?
No. However, you should be linked to Seattle or the greater Puget Sound region in some meaningful way.
How do I submit an essay?
Email your essay in the body of your email (no attachments) to webstaff@KUOW.org with "Seattle Story Project" and the title of your essay in the subject line.
How long should my essay be?
No more than 1,200 words, please. If we want more, we will ask!
Is there a deadline?
No. We read submissions on a rolling basis.
Will I be paid for my essay?
Yes. $450 for previously unpublished work. $200 for stories that have been posted elsewhere.
When can I expect to hear a response?
Due to the volume of submissions, our small but mighty team cannot respond to all inquiries. If we are interested in moving forward with your essay, you can expect to hear from us within one month.
Do you accept fiction?
No. All essays must be true and written in the first person.
Do you accept poetry?
No.
Can I submit an essay that’s been published elsewhere?
Yes, as long as you have rights to the essay, which you probably do. We can help you figure that out.
Can I submit an essay if I've never been published before?
Yes.
Will my essay be published exactly as I submitted it?
Probably not. If your story is selected for Seattle Story Project, you will work with an editor to shape the final draft. The editing process will be collaborative.
Can I submit more than one essay?
We’d prefer it if you only submit one essay at this time. If you are published with the Project, we may reach out to you to write another essay. Send us your best opening shot.
Can I submit using a pen name?
No. All essays must be published under the author’s real name.
Can I use pseudonyms for people I write about in my essay?
If you do not want to use someone's name to protect their privacy, please let us know. We can discuss this with you during our edits. There are ways around not naming people.
What should I write about?
Tell us a story we haven’t heard before.
