For Writers
Contributor
FAQ
Before You Submit
What kind of essays are you looking for?
Essays about the people, animals, or living systems that rearranged you. Encounters that changed how you orient toward the world. A stranger whose brief presence altered your internal compass. A relationship that pulled you into a new orbit. These stories don't need to be dramatic; we're especially interested in subtle, psychologically rich moments that facilitated lasting change. But if you've got a compelling dramatic story, we want those too.
Do I need to be a professional writer?
No. We care about the quality of your essay, not your credentials. We've seen extraordinary work from first-time writers and established authors alike. If you have a story worth telling and tell it well, we want to read it.
Can I submit something I've published on my blog or newsletter?
We're looking for previously unpublished work only. This includes personal blogs, Substack, Medium, and similar platforms. However, if you have an older piece that was published years ago and has since been taken down, reach out to discuss.
Rights & Compensation
What rights do you require?
We ask for first publication rights and a 30-day exclusivity window from the launch date. After those 30 days, you're completely free to republish your essay anywhere: your newsletter, a book collection, another publication. The work remains entirely yours.
Do you pay contributors?
Yes. For Edition One, we're splitting proceeds 50/50 — half to the authors and half to building the next edition. The more books the group sells, the more everyone earns. It's a collaborative model: twenty writers pooling their audiences and sharing in the result.
On top of revenue sharing, every contributor receives a premium author profile with links to your work, cross-promotion from nineteen fellow contributors, and beautiful presentation of your essay.
The Process
What happens after I submit?
You'll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. Our editorial team reads every submission carefully. This takes time, so please be patient. We aim to send all decisions within 6-8 weeks of the submission deadline.
Will my essay be edited?
Yes, but collaboratively. If your essay is selected, we'll work with you on light developmental and copy editing. We'll never publish changes without your approval. The final essay is always your voice, refined.
What if my essay isn't selected?
We'll let you know via email. Unfortunately, we can't provide detailed feedback on every submission due to volume. A rejection doesn't mean your essay isn't good. It often means it wasn't right for this particular edition's focus or mix of voices. We encourage you to submit again for future editions.
After Selection
What will my author profile include?
Your profile page will feature your headshot, bio, links to your website and social media, an excerpt from your essay, and eventually the full essay itself. It's designed to introduce readers to you and drive them to your other work.
How will you promote my essay?
Each contributor receives dedicated promotion during our launch campaign. This includes social media features, newsletter spotlights, and coordinated promotion across all twenty contributors. The power of Wingmarks is collective attention: twenty audiences coming together around twenty stories.
Ready to submit?
We're accepting essays for Edition One now.