NAMI is always reviewing submissions for its many publications—like the NAMI Blog and Advocate magazine. Unfortunately, we only accept a small amount of the submissions received, so the best way to ensure publication is to follow these guidelines. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Length: Max 1,000 words
- Style: Plain language, or, write how you talk
- Tone: Friendly, informative, empathetic and reliable
- Structure: Try to use headings and bullet points, if possible
- Topic: Strategies for living well, fresh insights, practical tips, ways to end stigma, your experience with mental illness (as a family member, caregiver, individual, friend, advocate, etc.), or whatever else you’d like!
- Timing: If you are submitting a blog for a specific theme, it's best to submit before that theme starts because our calendar gets filled in advancce.
Read the NAMI Editorial Guide for more information about writing for NAMI.
If you’re battling a case of writer’s block, check out a few pieces that have been published for a bit of inspiration:
How to Submit
- Attach a Word doc to your email. We'd prefer your wonderful writing to come to us (submissions@nami.org) as a fully-formed draft in a Word document.
- Make sure you have citations/linking. We like our content to be backed by research, which means you should link to any statistic or health claim you reference.
- Don't forget a brief author’s biography. All authors may have a 50-word bio at the bottom of their piece; you are permitted to reference your personal/company website or blog.
Submit Now!
Note: All submissions we accept go through an editorial process to fit NAMI's voice and style.
The NAMI Blog is now accepting submissions for 2021! Here are the themes* for the year:
January: How I Cope with Mental Illness
February: Symptoms People Don't Talk About
March: Mental Illness and Criminal Justice
April: Personal Stories of Lived Experience
May: What Are the Warning Signs?
June: Representing Mental Illness Accurately
July: How Culture and Identity Intersect with Mental Health
August: Myths and Facts about Treatment
September: Suicide Prevention and Support
October: The Impact of Discrimination
November: What it’s Like to Be a Caregiver
December: No theme
*These themes are subject to change
Submissions are subject to NAMI's Terms of Use.