Call For Submissions

Find Your Voice Now is collecting raw, honest stories from individuals who have experienced or are currently experiencing, a toxic relationship.  this collection aims to help others feel heard, understood and less alone.

As many of you have heard, Find Your Voice Now is collecting stories from women who have experienced toxic relationships. Sharing your story can be a powerful step toward healing . It can also help another woman recognize herself in your words, find her own strength, and begin her journey to freedom.

We’ve already received some incredible submissions, and we’re deeply grateful for the courage it takes to share. We also understand that writing about your experiences can be difficult or overwhelming. If you want to share but aren’t sure how to start, we’re here to help.

You can schedule a private, confidential Zoom or phone session with Annie or Mary Ellen who will include our staff writer, Renee. During this conversation, we’ll listen to your story, ask gentle questions, and help craft your experience into words, together.

Click the Calendly link below to choose a time that works for you. We look forward to helping you find your voice.My calendly link to set up interviews is –

https://calendly.com/annie-findyourvoicenow/30min

There’s a unique understanding that comes from someone who’s been through it themselves. For many, finding someone who truly “gets it” can be a lifeline. That’s what our support groups offer—and this book will serve as that same safe space, available anytime, anywhere.

Submission Guidelines

You’re writing about something deeply personal—and that’s not easy. It might feel messy. You might hit roadblocks. You may not even know where to start. That’s okay.

Step One: Just start writing.

Let your mind open and allow your story—and the pain you’ve been holding in—to come out. Write whatever comes to you. You might use all of it, or only some of it. You might even scrap it and start over. That’s all part of the process. The important thing is: you’re beginning.

Step Two: Re-read what you wrote

Yes, really—read it. Then read it again.
What stands out to you? What feels raw? What do you want to say more about? If something stirs you, write more. Even if it only makes sense to you right now—keep going.

Now, ask yourself:
  1. What part of your story feels most important to share?
  2. What part best describes what you went through?
  3. What moments or details do you still feel deeply? This gives you direction.
    Now ask:
    • Do you want to tell your story from beginning to end?
    • Is there a specific moment or event you want to focus on instead?
    • Does your current draft reflect who you were and who you are now?
    • Some helpful tips:
      • However you write this, remember, this is your story. You decide how to tell it. But even
with that freedom, it helps to make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end.
        • 

      • Help the reader understand and feel what you went through.
    • Try to include:
      • How the toxic relationship began
      • What red flags you noticed
      • What happened
o How you got out (if you did)
    • If you’re still in the relationship, that’s okay too. Share what’s keeping you there. Sharing
your story might help you gain clarity—and know this: We are here. You are not alone.
Final Step: Revisit your story.
Read it with fresh eyes. Does it flow? Would someone who hasn’t lived it understand what you are trying to say? Are you capturing the truth of your experience? Write until it feels right. Let your truth lead. We are honored to hear it!
What We’re Not Looking For:
  • No political opinions or references
  • No poetry, journal entries, essays, or academic papers.
  • No AI-generated stories—we want your voice, not a machine’s
  • No real names. Use a pseudonym, nickname, or refer to the other person as “he,” “she,”
or similar.
  • Your submission will end with:
Submitted by [First Name], [City].
(Feel free to use a fake name and/or location—many of us will.)
  • Please avoid submitting news articles or repurposed social media posts. We’re looking for
honest, first-person reflections that speak directly from your lived experience.
Selection Process

Once stories are submitted, they will be uploaded to a password-protected folder on our shared
drive, accessible only to our three board members. Each board member will review the
submission and provide feedback using an internal scoring sheet. We will then collaborate, using both the scoring data and thoughtful discussion, to determine which pieces move forward in the
selection process. While we collect your name and email address solely for communication
purposes, any information—such as your name, location, or other personal details—will not be
shared publicly or used in any way to influence the selection process.

If Your Story is Accepted

If your story is selected for publication, you will receive:

  • A free copy of the finished book
  • The option to purchase up to five copies at our production cost
  • A simple contract stating that you still own the rights to your story, but we have
permission to publish it in our book and feature it in our social media and marketing
  • You are free to republish your story elsewhere at any time
Click Here Download a PDF of of our Submission Guidelines
Click to Email Submission