Submit Tale

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“When you stand and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you and your story will heal someone else.” — Iyanla Vanzant

Submission Guidelines:

Secret Sons & Daughters is open to Adoptee Tale submissions from all adult adoptees, and will also consider essay reprints and book excerpts. If you would like to make a submission, please review the guidelines and fill out the form below.

  1. Length: 800 – 1200 words
  2. Content: Tell your story, focus on a defining moment, for example, was there an event that prompted you to search (or not to), what was the day of your reunion like and how has your reunion fared over time, or perhaps show an unusual incident that is telling of what it’s like to be a secret son or daughter.
  3. Language: As you’ll see on the site, we often use the term “birth mother,” however, we acknowledge that there are other words an adoptee might prefer to use. Feel free to use whatever terminology helps you to clearly share the story about your family relationships.
  4. Editing: We will work with you to edit and shape your story (tale) so that it captures what you most hope to convey.
  5. Photographs: You may include a JPEG image via the Submit Your Tale form.
  6. Formatting (IMPORTANT)
    • Be sure to save a copy of your tale
    • Block paragraphs (one blank line between paragraphs)
    • No indents (tabs)
    • Don’t forget to spell check!
  7. Payment: At this time, Secret Sons & Daughters does not offer compensation of any kind.
  8. Byline: Fill in the author bio in the form.  In addition, there is a box for you to include a link to your website, blog, or Twitter. If you prefer, for publishing purposes, you may use an anonymous author byline based on your birth state. For example: “Virginia Daughter” or “California Son.” However, we must know your name and contact information.
  9. Contract: If your story is selected for publication you will receive an author agreement.

Stories will be selected with an emphasis on those that add to the overall variety of adoptee experiences and perspectives. All submissions will receive a response within four weeks. We look forward to reading your story.

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