How do I become a contributor?

We think it’s awesome that you want to be a part of The Rare Bird Writes.

1. Join our mailing list.

2. Submit the contact form on this website, or send an email (be sure to type “Submission” in the subject line, and note if it’s a short story, essay, poem, etc.. Your name and contact info should be in the body of the email. Attach your submission as an MS Word or Google doc. We are currently seeking articles, essays, short stories, serials, and poetry of all types.

We will get back to you within two to four weeks if your work is selected. Editors reserve the right to edit content for length. Your work will remain your own; we want you to show your talent! If you have any other questions, contact us. We are available via email or give us a shout: Text/VM: ‪(480) 269-6474‬

We do not pay for submissions. This is a free site. We do credit you for everything, and we hope to see it picked up by other outlets.

Do you allow work that has been published elsewhere?

As long as all copyright laws are followed. If you own your work, please submit it to us for consideration. You must let us know where and when it was previously published, even on a personal blog.

Who are the regular contributors on the Authors page? Can I become one?

Yes! Anyone who submits regular pieces that are selected for publication can eventually become a regular contributor. You will receive an invitation from us if this is the case. At that point, we will want a short, up-to-date bio and a pic that we can share publicly, along with a commitment of a certain number of submissions per month.

Where did your name come from? What’s a rare bird?

A “rare bird” in British English is defined as: An exceptional person or thing; a rarity

Rare Bird authors and readers are generally exceptional, amazing humans. We are happy to have you here with us. If you’ve ever felt like a rare bird, then you’re in the right place, and we welcome you. We'd love to hear what makes you one! Write to us and tell us your story.

The second reason we use Rare Bird is that RBW founder Elle Becker is a zebra. Which, yes, we know, is not a bird. Calling yourself a zebra* is the code for having a rare disease. Elle has… quite a few. Which makes the “Rare” in “The Rare Bird Writes” seem especially fitting. “The Rare Zebra” sounded silly. If you’re a zebra, too, give us a shout. We’d love to hear how your journey is going.

*In medical school, new doctors are taught to listen. “If you hear hoofprints, think horses, not zebras.” In other words, it’s probably not a rare disease. Elle is proud to be a zebra! If you ever have questions, Elle is open. Send her an email or call the VM/text line.

How do I submit a question for the advice column?

Easy, submit the contact form, send us an email or leave us a text or voice mail at ‪(480) 269-6474‬. Make sure you include:

*Your name (the one you want printed — we print first names or nicknames only)

*Your question

Your city and state (optional)

We can’t answer every question we get, but we will notify you if we have selected your question. Make sure you note the hotline numbers and other ways to get help.

Please be aware that any guidance provided is intended for the well-being of the individual seeking advice. However, it is purely for entertainment purposes and should never be considered a substitute for professional advice from a licensed doctor or therapist.