Each year, we put together a book of essays, interviews, and other writings by the people of Are.na. We ask for submissions around a given theme — past anthologies have been themed “

service

” and “

trace

,” for example — that take root in a channel. In that way, the writings are another manifestation of the kind of thinking and research that takes place on Are.na.

This year, we’ve landed on the theme “” as in to record; to provide information or support; an official paper or digital file; a piece of evidence, a form of proof. Submissions are now open. 

As always, this theme should be taken more as guidance than restriction — we’re interested in what “document” brings up for you. We also made

this open channel

to collect ideas, lines of thought, and potential directions (feel free to add to it). You might look to some of last year’s pieces for the theme of “trace” as well:

Base Notes

by Sarah Chekfa,

These Hollow Renderings

by Terry Nguyen, and

The Wake and Other Ghost Stories

by Amirio Freeman are all now up on the blog. We’ve also published fiction, poetry, recipes, and pieces that weave together text with imagery, or otherwise don’t fit into a conventional format.

Submissions close May 10, 2024. The Are.na Annual will publish in December, and published authors will receive a $200 honorarium. 

Here’s the process for pitching: 

1. Choose or create a channel that you’d like to expand upon in a piece of writing. (If you don’t already have an Are.na account, you can sign up here:

are.na/sign_up

.)

2. Use the theme “” to guide you in your selection. Document as in to record; to provide information or support; an official paper or digital file; a piece of evidence, a form of proof. 

3. Write a paragraph or two detailing what you’d like to write about. What’s the main idea and how does it relate to the theme? Why are you interested in writing about it? Why will others be interested to read it? What format do you envision it taking? Note: No particular writing experience is required, just a strong idea and willingness to collaborate / work with an editor. 

4. Fill out

this form

to send the paragraph and a link to your channel by May 10, 2024 and we’ll respond (to everyone) shortly thereafter. Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested!