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 “document” and “service,” 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 “pool,” as in a quiet place in a stream; a gathering of people, resources, liquid, or light; to contribute to a common effort; a game of billiards; a place for swimming. Submissions are now open.
As always, this theme should be taken more as guidance than restriction — we’re interested in what “pool” brings up for you. We also made this open channel to pool ideas and potential directions (feel free to add to it).
A channel for collecting ideas for the forthcoming Annual.
You might look to some of last year’s pieces for the theme of “document” as well: untitled6.docx by Sharon Neema, Ecstatic Documents by James Langdon, Desire Paths by Raegan Bird and Mariah Barden Jones, and In the Earth Beneath by Amelia K. are all now online. The book is mostly made up of essays and conversations, but we’ve also published fiction, poetry, recipes, and pieces that weave together text with imagery, or otherwise don’t fit into a conventional format.
[White letters on a white cover, with traces of graphite and smudge marks around the raised letterforms, reminiscent of a rubbing.]
Submissions close May 23, 2025 at midnight EST. 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 “pool” to guide you in your selection. Pool as in a quiet place in a stream; a gathering of people, resources, liquid, or light; to contribute to a common effort; a game of billiards; a place for swimming.
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 midnight EST on May 23, 2025 and we’ll respond (to everyone) by June 20. Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested!
Meg Miller is editorial director at Are.na.