Volume 4
Your Story Could Help Another Woman Keep Going.
You do not have to be a professional writer. You need a true story, a willingness to begin, and the right support around you.
Applications close Tuesday, December 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Who Should Join
Volume 4 is for women with lived mental health experience who want to share their story in a safe, supportive, and literary space. Whether you have written for years or have never shared your story before, you are welcome here.
This anthology is for women who:
- Have lived through mental health challenges, trauma, grief, or hard seasons
- Want to feel less alone and help others feel less alone too
- Are ready to explore writing their story with support
What Contributors Receive
- Compassionate editorial guidance
- Story-safe and trauma-aware support
- Writing workshops and coaching
- Professional book design and publishing
- Author marketing guidance
- Book launch participation
- Opportunities to appear on the Speak Up Against Stigma Podcast
- Connection with a supportive community of women
The Story-Safe Editorial Approach
Compassionate Editing
Feedback that honors your voice and your experience.
Trauma-Aware Support
A process designed to feel safe, never rushed or exposing.
Community
A circle of women who understand and support each other.
The Process
- 1Review the Volume 4 Writing Guidelines.
- 2Apply to share your story.
- 3If invited, complete a one-on-one story interview.
- 4If accepted, receive editorial and publishing support.
Important Contributor Expectations
We believe in being honest about what it takes to be part of an anthology. Please review these expectations before you join the list or apply.
- A true, original mental health story written in your own voice
- A willingness to engage with compassionate editorial feedback
- Meeting agreed-upon deadlines throughout the publishing process
- Participation in the book launch and basic author marketing
- Review and approval of contributor terms before acceptance
Full contributor terms, including any costs, deadlines, rights, author-copy requirements, and marketing expectations, are shared in the Writing Guidelines and the co-author agreement. We will never hide financial or participation requirements.
Apply for Volume 4
Volume 4 applications are now open. The full application helps us understand your story, your readiness, and whether Women Living Out Loud is the right fit for you. It takes about 10 to 12 minutes, and no manuscript is required.
Applications close Tuesday, December 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
What Happens After You Apply
We review every application privately. Qualified applicants are invited to a one-on-one story interview, the next step toward becoming a Volume 4 co-author.