Submissions to Birthing Magazine are Open!
Birthing publishes issues three times a year, in March, July and November. In print for over 20 years, Birthing is one of Canada’s leading resources for new and expectant parents, covering fertility, pregnancy, the postpartum period and the first two years after birth. We are read by families across Canada and around the world.
Birthing Magazine seeks experienced and up-and-coming contributors to write for our audience of new and expectant parents on a variety of topics. Before submitting a story pitch to Birthing, we recommend reading a recent issue to get a feel for the types of stories we publish. While we are based in Alberta, Canada, we accept proposals from writers across the globe. We encourage and are actively seeking submissions from underrepresented and marginalized communities and identities, including but not limited to creators who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+, BIPOC, neurodiverse and/or disabled.
Types of Work We Consider
Birth Stories
Birth stories are the cornerstone of Birthing Magazine. We publish two or three first-person narratives in every issue. Birth stories must be accompanied by a minimum of four high-resolution photos (more is better), along with photo credits and written permission to use the images from the photographer(s). You do not need previous writing experience to submit a birth story. Birth stories should be 1,500-2,500 words long.
Researched Articles
Birthing accepts pitches for stories and articles on the subject of our issue themes, up to 2,500 words. An honorarium is available for researched articles.
Personal Essays
We are interested in hearing from parents and experts who have a personal connection to our issue topics, with a unique perspective or hook, 1,000-2,000 words. An honorarium is available for personal essays.
Photography
Birthing Magazine is currently seeking submissions from professional portrait artists who are interested in contributing their work for consideration on the cover or inside our pages. We provide complimentary ad space for professional photographers whose work is featured in Birthing.
Other Types of Content
We occasionally accept submissions of poetry, artwork, photo essays and book reviews.
Types of Work We Do Not Consider
At this time, Birthing does not publish product features or reviews, or any advertorial/paid partnership content. Please do not contact us to pitch your product or service, as your email will be deleted unread. The only exception to this policy is for traditionally published books on a topic related to pregnancy or parenting.
How to Pitch Your Story Idea to Birthing Magazine
Please send a personalized email to our editor, Nicole Bross, at editor@birthingmagazine.ca, with a comprehensive pitch for your story or idea. Do not send completed, unsolicited articles or stories without prior discussion with the editor. We only accept pitches via email; do not contact us through social media or regular mail to discuss your story. We aim to reply to all pitches within one week. We do not accept previously published stories, including stories published online, in other magazines or on personal blogs. In addition, we make no guarantee that your pitch will be accepted, or that there will be space in the issue you are interested in writing for. We are open to providing story assignments to experienced writers who would like to work with Birthing but do not have an idea to pitch; please contact the editor for more information. All pitches should be accompanied by a short explanation of your writing experience.
For researched articles, please provide a short summary of your story idea, along with a proposed word count and list of sources. Priority is given to pitches that match one of our issue themes. You may be asked to provide a writing sample before your pitch is accepted if you have not written for us in the past.
For personal essays, please provide a short description of your personal connection to the issue theme and what makes your experience unique. You may be asked to provide a writing sample.
For birth stories, please send an email to the editor expressing interest in submitting your story, along with some basic details about your birth, such as when and where it took place, and how you feel it relates to one of our issue themes, if applicable.
Professional photographers interested in contributing images for the cover or inside the issue should contact our production designer at production@birthingmagazine.ca with a link to your portfolio.
Submitting Your Work
All stories, regardless of type, must be submitted as a .doc or .docx file by the submission deadline unless prior arrangements have been made. Documents should be single-spaced, 12-pt font, free of typos and adhere to CP Style guidelines. All references should be included as footnotes. At the end of your story, please include a short personal bio (50-100 words) for our contributors page, telling our audience a bit about who you are.
Payments to Writers
Birthing Magazine pays an honorarium of $50 CAN for our published stories. In addition, we send all our contributors print copies of the magazine your story is featured in. Payments are mailed within 30 days of the issue’s distribution.
Our Upcoming Issue Themes and Deadlines
Please note that the deadline refers to the date your first draft must be submitted in order to be included in the magazine. You should contact the editor at your earliest convenience to pitch your story idea, as issue pages fill up quickly. All topics and dates are subject to change.
Winter 2024: Families and Finances (September 1, 2023)
(CLOSED TO SUBMISSIONS)- Spring 2024: Get Outside! (January 1, 2024)
- Summer/Fall 2024: Love Your Body (May 1, 2024)
- Winter 2025: Wisdom and Mythology (September 1, 2024)
- Spring 2025: School (January 1, 2025)
- Summer/Fall 2025: Midwifery Care in Alberta (May 1, 2025)
- Winter 2026: Open the Door (September 1, 2025)
Please do not hesitate to contact the editor if you have questions about any of these themes or would like to discuss them further. Thank you for your interest in writing for Birthing Magazine! We look forward to hearing from you.
