Contribute to Her Own Sky
of Roots and Wings title

Stories and Poems by Hmong Women

Hmong Motif - black elephant foot design
Welcome.

Her Own Sky was born from the belief that every woman carries a sky of her own—wide enough to hold her storms, her sunsets, and her dawns. This anthology is more than pages bound together; it’s a gathering place for Hmong women to speak their truths, share their stories, and be seen in the fullness of who they are.

If you’ve carried pain, joy, wisdom, or wonder in your heart—and longed for a place to give it voice—you belong here. Together, we will create a book that honors where we’ve been, celebrates who we are, and imagines the skies still ahead.

We are now accepting personal stories and poetry submissions for Volume One: Of Roots and Wings.

Every word you share is a gift. Together, these pages will carry the voices of Hmong women into the world.

What We're Looking For
Her Own Sky Book Cover

🌿 We are seeking powerful, honest contributions that reflect the lived experiences of Hmong women. This book is not about perfection—it’s about truth, healing, and becoming.

Your story matters. Your voice belongs here.

🌿 Submission Guidelines

    • Who Can Submit: Hmong women, age 18+

    • Genres Accepted:
      • Personal stories (nonfiction)
      • Letters or reflections
      • Poetry
      • Hybrid forms welcome

    • Length:
      • Stories: approximately 700–2,500 words
      • Poems: Up to 3 poems, each under 1 page preferred

    •  

🌿 Book Structure

Her Own Sky: Of Roots and Wings is divided into six soul-stirring sections. As you reflect on what you want to share, consider which chapter your piece might belong to:

  1. After the Storm
    Stories of surviving pain, loss, trauma

  2. When She Chose Herself
    Turning points, reclaiming joy

  3. Letters to the Girl I Was
    Advice to younger selves

  4. Wings of Her Own
    Poetry & reflections

  5. Love, in All Her Forms
    Motherhood, friendship, self-love

  6. Her Future Sky
    Manifestos, dreams, declarations

Below is our journey from submission to publication, so you know exactly what to expect.
Phase 1: Submissions & Selection
Date RangeMilestone
August 15 – October 31, 2025✍️ Open for Submissions – Contributors submit stories/poems via form
November 1 – November 30, 2025🕊️ Review & Selection Period – Steph and team read and select final pieces
December 1, 2025📬 Contributors Notified – All writers informed of selection + next steps
December 15, 2025📝 Finalized Bios + Revisions Due – Contributors submit final edits, bios, and permissions
Phase 2: Editing & Design
Date RangeMilestone
January – February 2026✨ Developmental + Copy Editing – Polishing all selected pieces
March 2026🎨 Interior Layout + Cover Finalization – Page design, formatting, full book layout
Early April 2026🖨️ Proofing & Print Prep – Test print ordered, contributor proof copies reviewed
Phase 3: Marketing & Preorders
Date RangeMilestone
April 2026🎁 Special Edition Preorder Opens – Exclusive preorders (bundle or signed)
May – June 2026📣 Marketing Campaign Rollout – Social media, interviews, spotlights, countdown
June 2026📚 ARC (Advance Reader Copy) Reviews – Send digital ARCs for early reader testimonials
Phase 4: Launch
Date RangeMilestone
Mid–July 2026🌤️ Book Release Day! – Hardcover, paperback, and eBook launch across platforms
July–August 2026🎉 Launch Events + Features – Host readings, IG Lives, virtual spotlights, press features

🌿Contributor Submission Form

 

If you’ve read through the details above and feel ready to share your voice, we would be honored to receive your story or poem. This anthology is a space for Hmong women to be heard and seen—not only for what we’ve carried, but for who we’ve become. Your words do not have to be perfect—we’ll work through edits together. What matters most is your truth, your heart, and your voice.

 

💗

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Agreement (please check all the boxes below to submit)