Welcome to Submissions to I Grow Strong Again for 2026
This year, I’m eager to feature two deeply personal guests essay each month—stories that illuminate resilience, healing, and the beauty of becoming.
Featured themes might include:
Loss turned to insight
Identity shifts
Motherhood in midlife
Navigating grief with grace
Finding strength in vulnerability
Always with an emphasis on emotional truth and authenticity.
Submission Details
Word count: Roughly 800–1,500 words
Format: Word doc, Google Doc, or plain text
Deadline: Please submit by the 15th of each month for consideration in the following month’s feature.
What to Send
Your full essay (800–1,500 words)
A 1–2 sentence author bio
A link to your Substack or website (optional)
1–2 photos (either personal or stock) with captions that include:
Who is in the photo
What is happening
When it was taken
Photographer attribution (if not you)
Email subject line: “Submissions 2026 — [Your Title]”
FAQs:
Will my submission be edited?
Yes, light editing may occur for clarity, flow, and grammar, but your voice and story will remain intact.
When will I hear back?
I will respond within two weeks of receiving your piece to let you know if it has been accepted.
Do I retain rights to my work?
Yes. You retain full rights. By submitting, you grant me permission to publish your piece on I Grow Strong Again.
Will my photos be used as-is?
Yes, photos are published with your provided caption and credit. If needed, they may be resized for formatting.
Can I submit more than once?
Yes, but only one piece per writer will be featured in 2026.
For First-Time Writers
You do not need to be a professional writer to submit here. Some of the most powerful essays come from ordinary people sharing extraordinary moments of truth. If this is your first time writing for an audience, don’t worry—clarity and heart matter more than polish. If your piece is selected, I’ll help ensure it’s ready for publication.
Bonus Inspiration
Here are a few stories that resonated deeply in 2025:
Closing Note
I’m delighted to read your reflections of strength, transformation, and hope. Thank you for sharing your story. One of my favorite aspects of being on Substack is the opportunity to amplify other people’s stories, whether they (you) consider themselves to be writers or not. Your story matters, and it will touch someone’s life. If you feel that nudge on your heart to submit, I’m delighted to work with you!