Submit Your Story

Submit Your Story for H.U.G. - Here, Understood, and Gently Held

A Collection of Stories That Sit Beside You in the Quiet After Miscarriage. Available for free in medical facilities and for purchase online and in bookstores.
**Submission Deadline**
We are currently accepting submissions through **October 15th, 2025**
Welcome, friend.

If you’re here, it’s because you’ve lived a story of loss that deserves to be seen, held, and shared with tenderness.

Our mission is to create a collaborative book filled with real, raw, and encouraging stories from women who have experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss—offered for free in clinical settings and also available for purchase in bookstores and online, so no woman has to sit in silence without comfort.

Our H.U.G. isn’t just a moment—it’s something every woman deserves to hold onto, for as long as her heart needs. She deserves a H.U.G. she can carry with her—for as long as she needs to be held.

Who Can Contribute:
- We welcome submissions from women who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other forms of natural pregnancy loss. This includes early or late loss, recurrent miscarriage, and medically confirmed nonviable pregnancies.
- We honor stories from women of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs—religious or non-religious.
Please note: This project is focused specifically on involuntary pregnancy loss. While we hold space for the complexity of all reproductive experiences, this collection is not intended to include stories involving pregnancy endings by personal choice or external influence. Thank you for understanding.

Tone & Format:
- Honest but not hopeless
- Sacred but not somber
- Reflective, occasionally humorous & deeply human
- Short stories (1,500–2,000 words each)
Thank you for considering sharing your story. You are not alone. You are deeply seen. And your words might be the hug someone else needs to carry them through.

Please use this form to share your story for consideration. We are honored to hold space for you.
First, share with me a little bit about yourself:
Full Name
Email Address (for communication only)
Preferred name for print (First name only, initials, or anonymous):
Instagram Handle
City & State or Location (ie: New England, or Midwest etc..)
Would you like your name included in the book?

Yes, include my nameNo, I prefer to remain ananymous
Has this story been previously published?

NoYes (please explain in the comments section below
If your story has been previously published, please explain here:
Would you be open to gentle editing for clarity (never tone or message)?

YesNo
Next, some professional author-type stuff because well, this stuff is important 🙂
Contributor Agreement – H.U.G - Here, Understood, & Gently Held.

Thank you for your willingness to share your story. This agreement outlines how your submission may be used H.U.G, a collection designed to offer comfort and connection to women who have experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss.

By submitting your story, you agree to the following:

Original Work

You affirm that the story you are submitting is your original work and that you hold the rights to share it.

Permission to Publish
You grant permission for your story to be published in H.U.G. — Here, Understood, and Gently Held, A Collection of Stories That Sit Beside You in the Quiet After Miscarriage, which will be distributed in two ways:
1. Free Distribution: Copies will be donated to OB/GYN offices, clinics, and support organizations
2. Retail Sales: The book will also be sold through Amazon, bookstores, and the Faith Sparks website
Retail Sales & Distribution Rights
All retail sales will be managed exclusively by the publisher (Sarah-Elizabeth of Faith Sparks), who holds full commercial rights.

Contributors:
- May purchase copies for personal use or gifting
- May share the official purchase link with friends, family, or their communities
- May promote the book on social media or in personal networks using provided links & resources.
However, contributors may not resell the book through any platform or outlet, either themselves, online, in person, or through third-party retailers.

This ensures consistency in pricing, presentation, and purpose, and protects the integrity of the project’s mission.

All revenue from retail sales will go directly to the publisher to support continued printing, outreach, and future volumes. Contributors will not receive royalties or compensation and waive any rights to proceeds.

Compensation
You understand this is a volunteer contribution. You will not receive royalties or payment and waive any rights to sales proceeds. You may choose to be credited by name or remain anonymous.

Editing
Your story may be lightly edited for grammar and clarity, with deep respect for your voice and message.

Anonymity Option
If you prefer to remain anonymous, your name will not appear in the book or any promotional materials.

Promotional Use
You grant permission for your story to be used in promotional efforts such as social media posts, the Faith Sparks website, newsletters, and events related to the book.

No Guarantee of Inclusion
Submission does not guarantee publication. All stories will be reviewed with care, and selections will be based on tone, fit, and available space.

Right to Withdraw
If you change your mind, you may withdraw your story by emailing sarahelizabeth@faithsparks.com. A final deadline for withdrawal will be communicated once the editorial and publishing timeline is confirmed. You are welcome to reach out at any time with questions or updates regarding your submission.
Submission Terms Acknowledgment*

I have read and agree to the Contributor Agreement above.
Time to share 💞
*** If you have already submitted your story, you can skip this step.*** Please share your experience in your own voice by uploading it here. You may include details of your loss, your emotions, healing process, or anything you wish someone had told you. There is no “right way” to grieve. Just speak from the heart. Please be sure to include a title.

Cancelof
Is there anything else you'd like us to know about your story or experience?
Optional Bio & Headshot
If you’d like this information to be included in the book and on our website, you’re welcome to share a short bio (2–3 sentences) and an optional headshot. This is completely optional—your story will be honored whether or not you choose to include this.
Example: Katie Ann is a teacher, mother, and lover of strong coffee. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two dogs.
Upload a Headshot (optional)*High-resolution JPG or PNG preferred

Cancelof
Should be Empty:

Submit Your Story for H.U.G. - Here, Understood, and Gently Held

First, share with me a little bit about yourself:

Next, some professional author-type stuff because well, this stuff is important 🙂

Contributor Agreement – H.U.G - Here, Understood, & Gently Held.

Thank you for your willingness to share your story. This agreement outlines how your submission may be used H.U.G, a collection designed to offer comfort and connection to women who have experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss.

Time to share 💞

Optional Bio & Headshot