Your Story Matters
The Doe is a digital publication sharing anonymous, heart-centered narratives to promote empathy across divides. We are the place for people of all identities, backgrounds, and beliefs to share personal experiences, spark conversation, and deepen a sense of connection between humans.
How It Works
Some narratives published on The Doe are essays written by the storyteller. Others are based on interviews with our editorial staff. Either way, the submission process is the same: Submit your idea through our secure form, and we’ll get back to you within 14 days.
Pitching and Vetting
Pitching
Send a short summary (1-2 paragraphs) of your narrative. Include a sample headline that distills the idea into a few words.
Screening
We will review your pitch. If accepted, we will determine whether your story will best be told through a personal essay or an interview. It may take a few days for us to get back to you.
Acceptance and Editing
Drafting or Interviewing
We get you onboarded and either share a link for you to submit your draft or schedule a recorded interview with you where we will shape your story.
Publishing
We work with you to finalize, polish, and publish your story. We edit all written work for length and clarity.
Terms and Payment
Payment
Monetary compensation via PayPal will be made within 10 business days of publishing your narrative.
Narrative Rights
After three weeks of exclusivity on The Doe, you own your narrative and can republish it wherever you’d like, with or without your name attached to it.
Editorial Guidelines
What We Publish
What We Do Not Publish
Do:
Don’t:
Why Share Your Story?
Impact
Raise awareness, inspire empathy.
Privacy
Tell your story with the freedom of anonymity.
Catharsis
Let go of pent-up emotion by sharing your experience with others.
Always Anonymous
The Doe will never confirm or deny your identity on our platforms, even if you choose to come forward with your story later. Publishing anonymously gives contributors a safe place to share important stories and removes external factors that might influence how a reader feels about the narrative. No preconceived notions or bias—just real, honest stories.
Hear From Our Writers
Still Have Questions?
Do I have to be a professional writer to publish my story on The Doe?
No! Previous writing experience is welcomed, but not necessary. And many of our stories are based on interviews with our editorial staff. Publishing your narrative through our interview-based format can help you focus on simply sharing your truth, rather than worrying about writing.
Do I get paid for contributing to The Doe?
The majority of our writers are compensated for their narratives. Submit your pitch above and we’ll be happy to discuss our rates in greater detail.
How does The Doe select which stories get published?
We select stories based on the content and quality of the pitch. If we’re still thinking about your pitch days after reading it, chances are it’ll make it to our site.
I still have questions, is there someone I can email?
Please email pitch@thedoe.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can (typically within seven business days).
Be Heard
You know the guidelines, you’ve read the stories. It’s time to add your voice to the mix.