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Submission Guidelines
'In Their Own Words' Book Project
At BWEmpowered, we are actively seeking personal essays, memoirs, and reflections authored by Black women. "In Their Own Words," is a year-long project dedicated to showcasing the powerful voices and stories of Black women from all walks of life. We have extended our submission period to ensure that we capture a diverse range of experiences, making this project as rich and impactful as possible. These stories will be featured on our website and, if selected, in our upcoming book. All selected contributors will be informed of their inclusion.
Your submission should be in the first person, offering your unique perspective on subjects related to the Black woman's experience. We invite you to share your personal essays, creative writing, and other original works that authentically reflect your experiences as a Black woman.
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Your writing can encompass a broad spectrum of themes, which may include, but are not limited to:
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Identity
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Culture
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Social justice
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Self-empowerment
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Community
We encourage you to use your own voice and share your personal truths, even if they delve into difficult or uncomfortable terrain. We firmly believe that to drive meaningful change, we must engage in open and honest conversations about the issues that shape our lives.
Please note that all submissions must be written in the first person and authored by Black women. We wholeheartedly welcome all forms of writing, whether it be poetry, prose, or creative nonfiction.
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Possible Themes for Your Submission:
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As you craft your submission, consider exploring themes such as:
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Your experiences growing up as a Black girl in a predominantly white community
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Your personal journey towards self-love and self-acceptance as a Black woman
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Instances of racism, colorism, or other forms of discrimination you've encountered
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Your relationship with your hair and how it shapes your identity as a Black woman
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Your experiences of motherhood, sisterhood, or other interpersonal relationships within the context of being a Black woman
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Moments of joy, triumph, and resilience in the face of adversity
Your stories are a vital part of our collective narrative, and we can't wait to share them with the world. Join us in celebrating the voices and experiences of Black women in "In Their Own Words."
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Submission Guidelines
We strongly urge you to carefully review these guidelines before submitting your essay to ensure that it is eligible for consideration in the book.
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Here are the key submission guidelines:
Eligibility: Submissions are warmly welcomed from Black women of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences.
First-Person Narrative: All submissions must be written in the first person, reflecting your unique perspective and experiences.
Word Count: Personal essays should ideally range from 1,500 to 3,000 words, allowing for a deep exploration of your narrative.
Clarity and Authenticity: Essays should be composed in a clear, concise manner while staying authentic and true to your personal experience. Avoid making generalizations or assumptions about the experiences of others.
Originality: Your submission must be an original and unpublished work. Plagiarism or the use of previously published material is not permitted.
Author Bio: Please include a brief author bio of 100 words or less along with your submission. This will help us understand your background and connection to your story.
Profile Picture: Alongside your submission, provide a headshot or profile picture of yourself.
Editing: We reserve the right to edit submissions for the sake of clarity, grammar, and length while maintaining the integrity of your voice and story.
Submission Period: "In Their Own Words" is an ongoing, year-long project with no fixed submission deadline. We are committed to accepting submissions until we have gathered a comprehensive collection of essays for the book. Additionally, we will continue to welcome submissions for our website, ensuring that your stories are continually celebrated and shared. Your voice matters, and we look forward to receiving your contributions throughout the project's duration.
File Format: All essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word document format (.doc or .docx) for consistency and compatibility.
Online Submission: Utilize our online submission form to submit your essay. Following submission, you will promptly receive an email confirmation.
We encourage you to take your time, pour your heart into your narrative, and make your voice heard. Your story is crucial to the collective narrative of Black women's experiences. Thank you for contributing to "In Their Own Words." We eagerly anticipate your submission.