Submission Guidelines: Profiles

Profiles Editors: Holly Rizzuto Palker, Ty Mcleod, & Alison Damast Dolinger

The Profiles editors are excited to work with writers who will craft author profiles that entertain, engage, and empower our readers. Our profiles dive into the mindset and artistry of the author, their motivation for writing, and the multifaceted experience of writing about motherhood. Each profile captures the backstory of a book and insights about the writing process. 

Profile writers interview authors of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, essays, and collections that offer fresh perspectives on what it means to be a mother—stories that showcase themes of perfectly flawed motherhood. Explore narratives that interest you, and cast your net widely. We strive to feature diverse narratives, voices, backgrounds, and environments, and therefore welcome submissions that surpass traditional notions of motherhood.

We recommend reviewing our published profiles, such as profiles of Anne Morrow Lindbergh and Ama Ata Aidoo in the narrative format and profiles of Grace Talusan and Wendy Wisner in the Q&A format.

First, query us at lmprofiles (at) literarymama (dot) com with the subject line: 

Profiles Submission Query: [Name of Author You’re Profiling].

In the body of your message, include your query, a short bio and any writing credentials. Please also note whether you plan to write a narrative or Q&A. We will respond to queries within two weeks.

If we accept the query, we will assign a deadline for your 1,200-2,500-word profile. The profile should be submitted through this form as a Word document. Select “Profiles” from the “Department” dropdown menu. 

General Format: The title should model the format in our published profiles. 12-point type; left justified; one space between paragraphs. For a Q&A: Please provide two to three introductory paragraphs followed by the Q&A. The name of the interviewer/interviewee should precede the first question/answer; all subsequent questions/answers should begin with the interviewer’s/interviewee’s initials. Questions should be bolded.

Sources such as secondary research must be clearly acknowledged. We do not accept submissions that make use of generative AI technologies at any part of the writing process.

If you have any questions or you do not receive a response from us, please do not hesitate to reach out.