Heroine’s Salon Submissions.
Each month, we gather around a theme.
The open call for submissions, and the monthly theme is announced
by the 5th of every month on Call for Heroines.
You can submit your essay for consideration here.
I curate the best 4 submissions and publish them to the full community.
Featured contributors join the live panel discussion, and their work becomes part of our semi-annual Midlife Salon Stories anthology..
Submission Guidelines:
What’s in it
for you:
Length Limit: 1,000 words (give or take 100)
Format: Anything that moves you (essay, poem, fiction, memoir). Must be submitted as a Google Doc ONLY.
Voice: Authentic and honest. We're looking for real stories, not polished prose.
Theme: Must connect to the monthly theme (announced by 5th of every month on Call for Heroines.)
Deadline: By the 15th of every month (no exceptions)
If you're a PAID Substack subscriber and your piece is featured:
✓ $50 payment
✓ Publication to 4,500+ readers with author bio & links
✓ Featured panelist in 30-minute YouTube discussion (required attendance)
✓ Full access to the 90-minute salon
✓ Inclusion in semi-annual anthology
If you're a FREE Substack subscriber and your piece is featured:
✓ Publication to 4,500+ readers with author bio & links
✓ 3-month gifted paid subscription (full salon access + all recordings)
✓ Featured panelist in 30-minute YouTube discussion (required attendance)
✓ Inclusion in semi-annual anthology
If your piece isn't featured (paid or free subscriber):
✓ Free pass to that month's salon (full 90-minute access)
✓ The transformational experience of writing your story
Submitting is brave. Everyone who submits gets to join the conversation.
FAQs
"Do I need to be a writer?"
We're looking for authentic voice and lived experience, not polished prose. If you have a story to tell, please submit it.
"Can I submit if I'm not a paid subscriber?"
Yes! If your piece is featured, you'll get a 3-month gifted paid subscription. If it's not featured, you still get a free pass to that month's salon.
"What happens after I submit?"
You'll receive an email within a week of the deadline letting you know if your piece was selected. If selected, we'll send you panelist details. If not selected, we'll send your free salon pass.
"Can I submit more than once?"
Absolutely. Submit every month if you want. Each theme is a new opportunity.
"What if I miss the deadline?"
You can always attend the salon as a paid member ($9.95/month) or single ticket holder ($14.95). Submission is just one way to participate.