Your Story Matters
The Doe is a digital publication sharing anonymous, verified narratives to promote civil discourse. We are the place for people of all identities, backgrounds and beliefs to share personal experiences, blow whistles and spark meaningful conversation.
How It Works
We offer two ways to pitch your story to The Doe. Here’s how you can submit your story.
Pitching And Vetting
Pitching
Send a short summary (1-2 paragraphs) of your narrative. Include a proposed alias and a sample headline that distills the idea into a few words.
Screening
We will review and verify your pitch. It may take a few days for us to get back to you.
Approvals and Writing
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 draft your story.
Publishing
We work with you directly to finalize, polish and publish your story.
Terms & Compensation
Payment
Monetary compensation via check, direct deposit or PayPal will be made within ten 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
You won’t find traditional articles on The Doe. We only publish verified personal narratives, and we edit exclusively for length and clarity.
What We Publish
What We Do Not Publish
Do:
Don’t:
Share Your Story
We offer two ways to pitch your story to The Doe. Get started submitting your story below.
Submit Your Pitch
Submit a short summary of your idea through our secure form, and we’ll get back to you within 14 days.
Impact
Raise awareness, inspire change.
Anonymity
Keep your identity to yourself.
Release
Let go by sharing your story 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 honest, unfiltered experiences.
Hear From Our Writers
Upcoming Curations
Don’t know what to write about? Explore our themes and curations for ideas and specific prompts. From Love and Mental Health to Politics, Justice, and dozens more topics you’ll be sure to get inspired.
Still Have Questions?
How do I publish my story on The Doe?
Previous writing experience is welcomed, but not necessary. We are looking for pitches from voices across the spectrum, first-time writers included.
It all starts with a pitch. Please include the following in your pitch:
- A brief summary (one or two paragraphs) of your personal experience (aka your story idea).
- A draft title/headline for your story.
- A sentence or two about why you’re the person to write about this subject and what makes your story unique.
Submit your pitch here and learn more about how writing for us works here.
What kind of stories is The Doe looking for right now?
Be sure to check out our upcoming themes to see what stories we’re looking for right now. We also recommend checking back every month for updates.
We welcome you to pitch even if your story doesn’t fit within one of our upcoming themes. We publish off-theme narratives regularly in our On The Record series and would love to consider your story.
Why are stories on The Doe anonymous?
Allowing writers to publish without a name attached gives contributors a safe place to share important stories. It also gives readers a clear opportunity to confront their own biases without influential external factors.
Do I get paid for contributing to The Doe?
The majority of our writers are compensated for their narratives. The amount can vary for a number of a reasons, but here is the average breakdown:
- 90% of our contributors receive the same base rate.
- ~5% of our writers may receive a higher rate in the event we are bidding against them publishing with another publication.
- ~5% of our writers choose to forgo payment because it violates their ethics or conflicts with existing contracts.
- Only writers whose narratives we select for publishing will receive compensation.
All of our writers maintain ownership of their stories and may come forward after an exclusivity period, enabling them to continue productive conversations and take pride in their work.
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 and its relevance to one of our upcoming themes.
Do I need to be a member to write for The Doe?
No, but we’d love to have you as part of our member community. We offer both free and paid premium memberships. Sign up here.
I still have questions, is there someone I can email?
Please email [email protected] 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.