Write for MOTH

Submission Types

We welcome submissions in the following formats:

Personal Stories: Share your first-hand experience of connection, disconnection, or rediscovering belonging.
Guides: Provide actionable insights or advice for creating meaningful relationships, building community, or navigating loneliness.
Big Ideas: Explore philosophical, psychological, or cultural concepts related to community, belonging, and humanity
Spotlights: Highlight people, places, or organizations fostering connection in their communities.
Creative Pieces: Short fiction, poetry, or reflections that capture the essence of MOTH's mission.

Submission Process

Prepare Your Submission:
- Ensure it aligns with MOTH’s mission and falls within our themes.
- Include a snappy, engaging title.
- Add relevant images or media to accompany your story.
Submit Your Story:
- Use the online form on our website.
- Include a short bio (1-3 sentences) and a headshot.
Review and Feedback:
- Our editorial team will review your piece. We may suggest edits to ensure alignment with MOTH’s tone and mission.

Examples of Topics

Big Questions: What does it mean to feel truly seen? How does loneliness shape our worldview?
Practical Guides: How to foster connection in a digital age. Tips for finding your third place.
Creative Inspiration: Poems or short stories about belonging or community.
Spotlights: Profiles of businesses, spaces, or people redefining community.
Reflections: Personal stories about overcoming isolation or finding belonging after a move or loss.

Additional Opportunities

Youth Voices Spotlight: If you’re a student or young writer, let us know! We’re excited to showcase your unique perspective.
Featured Contributors: Standout writers may be invited to become regular contributors to MOTH.
Events, Anthologies, and Print: Selected pieces may be highlighted in live events, future MOTH anthologies and/or print.

Start Writing for MOTH

Your voice matters, and your story can inspire others. Whether you’re sharing personal insights, exploring big questions, or spotlighting a community hero, we’re excited to hear from you. Let’s make the world a little more connected.

One story at a time.

Submit

At MOTH, we believe everyone has thoughts and story worth sharing. By exploring the big questions about community, connection, and the human condition, we aim to uplift paths toward belonging and combat loneliness. We’re thrilled to invite you to contribute to this conversation. Please review these guidelines to ensure your submission aligns with MOTH’s mission and resonates with our audience.

While we value and appreciate all submissions, we cannot guarantee all will be published. However, we may keep your submission in our bank for future opportunities.

Questions? Email pupa@themothcompany.com. We look forward to reading your story!

Writing Themes and Sections

MOTH’s content falls into three core themes:

Belonging: Exploring what it means to belong in today’s world. Stories and ideas that inspire self-discovery, celebrate cultural identity, and delve into human connection.
Overcoming Isolation: Insightful and practical pieces that help people navigate feelings of loneliness, create meaningful relationships, and find community.
Expression: Celebrating the imagination and creativity that connect us. These pieces focus on the arts, storytelling, and the transcendent ways we find and share meaning.

Tone and Style

Empathetic and Hopeful: Balance authenticity with optimism. MOTH aims to uplift and inspire.
Accessible: Write for a general audience. Try to keep it focused and explain complex topics clearly.
Credible: Back your claims with reliable sources when referencing facts or data.

Writing Tips

Lead with Impact: Try to catch your reader's attention immediately. Start with a powerful story, question, or insight.
Know The Audience: Write with empathy and relatability. MOTH's readers are looking for inspiration, connection, and authenticity.
Keep it Clear: Use short sentences, concise paragraphs, and break up text with bullet points or headers for scannability if needed.
Be Authentic: Speak in you own voice. Vulnerability and honesty resonate deeply with readers.
Be Visual: Include images, infographics, or videos to enhance your story and engaging.
Focus on Quality: Share meaningful insights in 500-1,000 words. Longer pieces may be considered for in-depth guides, big ideas, or features.

Content Guidelines

Respectful Language:
- Avoid terms like “crazy” or “insane.” Be mindful of how mental health terms are used.
- Use “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide.”
- Opt for inclusive terms like “people of color” or “communities of color.”
Political Content:
- Political content is welcome if it directly ties to MOTH’s mission of fostering connection, belonging, and community. Submissions should:
  - Focus on solutions or issues impacting community and belonging (e.g., housing, mental health, or public spaces).
  - Avoid partisan endorsements or divisive rhetoric.
  - Highlight personal stories, community actions, or systemic challenges in a way that fosters dialogue, not division.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect all perspectives and avoid generalizations.
Fact-Checking: Provide links to credible sources for any claims or statistics.
Originality: Your submission must be original and not published elsewhere (unless you’ve received explicit permission to share).