Purposely Awakened Contributor Submission

Your story may be the reason someone else keeps going.

Submit an original article, reflection, personal essay or cultural commentary to Purposely Awakened. We welcome honest voices, meaningful lessons and stories that help readers feel seen.

Submit Your Story How It Works

A Word From Zora

Tell the version of the story that changed you.

Purposely Awakened was created for the stories that are too meaningful to stay hidden. We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for truth, perspective, courage and the lessons that remain after life changes you.

Your submission can be vulnerable, joyful, spiritual, challenging, educational, funny or somewhere in between. What matters most is that it feels honest and sounds like you.

“Somebody is waiting to recognize themselves in the words you were afraid to say out loud.” — Zora, Purposely Awakened

The Submission Process

What Happens Next

Every submission is reviewed thoughtfully by the Purposely Awakened editorial team.

You Submit

Complete the form and upload your finished PDF or Word document along with your author information.

We Review

We review your work for originality, clarity, relevance and alignment with the Purposely Awakened community.

We Connect

If your article is selected, we will contact you about edits, author credit and publication details.

Topics We Welcome

Stories With Depth, Truth and Purpose

Your article does not have to fit perfectly into one category.

Faith & Spirituality Healing Journeys Relationships Mental Wellness Black Womanhood Motherhood Grief & Loss Identity Church Hurt Community Culture Career & Purpose Joy Personal Growth

Article Submission Form

Share What Awakened You

Complete the information below and upload your finished article as a PDF or Microsoft Word document.

01 About You

First Name *

Last Name

Email Address *

Phone Number

City and State

Instagram Handle

Short Author Biography

02 Your Article

Proposed Article Title *

Primary Topic *

Article Type *

Article Summary *

Upload Your Article *

Upload Your Finished Article Select your completed article as a PDF or Microsoft Word document. The full article should only be included in the uploaded file. Choose Document Accepted formats: PDF, DOC and DOCX

Upload one complete document. Maximum recommended file size: 10 MB.

What should readers take away from your article?

Sources, References or Relevant Links

Additional Notes

03 Author Credit

How would you like to be identified? *

Use my full name.

Use my first name only.

Use a pen name.

Publish my article anonymously.

Preferred Byline or Pen Name

Before submitting, please confirm that:

The uploaded article is your original work.
You have included sources for outside research, quotations or statistics.
You understand that submitting an article does not guarantee publication.
You understand that selected articles may be edited for clarity, grammar and length.

I confirm that the uploaded article is my original work.

I understand that my article may be edited for clarity, grammar, length and style.

I give Purposely Awakened permission to review and consider this article for publication.

Your information and uploaded article will only be used to review your submission and communicate with you about possible publication.

Your email application will open with your submission information. Attach the document you selected and press Send to complete your submission.

“Your voice does not have to be perfect to be powerful.”

Purposely Awakened