Pillow Talking Project Is Accepting Submissions/ How To Submit ($25 AUD)

Pillow Talking is the storytelling podcast that thrives on real-life bedroom conversations. They are always looking for first person, narrative/creative nonfiction stories of real-life bedroom conversations.

Whether they are thought-provoking, funny, heart-breaking or silly this takes trust, vulnerability and some guts, and they consider receiving each story a huge privilege and responsibility

Share the intimate moments that shape your world, as Pillow Talking exists thanks to the trust, vulnerability, and courage of those who contribute their stories from around the globe. Please read the guidelines before submitting your story.

Submission Guidelines For Pillow Talking

• Be genuine, be yourself, and maintain a sense of candor.
• Pillow Talking values structured narratives, focusing on first-person, narrative/creative nonfiction.
• First person means that it can only be a story about you and your fellow pillow talker, not someone else, even if the someone else is someone you’re very close to. The rule is: if you weren’t there, it’s not your story to tell.
• Explore the importance of context, emotions, and reflection in your story.
• Remember, it’s not just about any conversation – a meaningful pillow talk must be central to your narrative.
• Submit your story with the assurance that while it may not guarantee inclusion in the podcast, every submission receives thoughtful consideration.
• Ensure it falls within the range of 350-2,000 words.
• Avoid generic confessions; instead, delve into specific moments that resonate.
• Themes are optional but can provide inspiration. Your submission should be a unique, previously unpublished creation, and plagiarism is a no-go.
• You can’t pull out any old story you have already written and bookend it with a supposed “pillow talk” for an intro and epilogue.
• This is disingenuous, shows you haven’t listened to an episode, and is insulting to the people who are brave and vulnerable enough to put their hearts on the line and share their stories.
• Story range is 350-2,000 words.Still wondering what to write or how to write it? The best thing to do is to listen to an episode – ideally more. Then get the story down and send it in.
• To submit, click here.

Themes

Themes also act as nifty memory or writing prompts, so if you’re feeling a bit stuck, grab a theme and go for it. Or you can check out these tips on overcoming writers block.

How you interpret a theme is 100% up to you. Including the words of the theme in your story isn’t necessary; the most important thing is for your story to fit the theme either literally, figuratively, or emotionally.

 

Upcoming themes and deadlines

It’s never too late -31 March
Temptation – 14 April
In the stillness – 28 April
Open category (ie. no theme) – Submit anytime.

Eligibility Criteria For The Pillow Talking Project

• There are no entry fees.
• Submissions are open to everyone irrespective of their race, gender, nationality, etc.

Author Rights

When you submit your story, you’re agreeing for it to be recorded once by The Pillow Talking Project (“Pillow Talking”), and to have the archived podcast and its transcript available indefinitely.

Your story is your own and you will retain all copyright control, and they will treat it with utmost respect and integrity; however, when you submit your story you’re also agreeing for it to be narrated and edited for clarity.

Your story won’t be used or sold outside Pillow Talking and you will be credited as the author and owner by whatever name you choose, both in the podcast and episode show notes. You also have the option of submitting your author/podcast website URL for them to link to in the show notes.

Payment

Pillow Talking compensates each used story with a flat rate of $25 AUD.

Payments are processed via PayPal or Stripe within a week of the episode airing. Alternatively, opt for a $25 Kiva gift card to support microloans and make a positive impact.