Since 2021, we’ve published two volumes of the Ohio Migration Anthology featuring artwork, stories, essays, interviews, poems, and more from people with a connection to Ohio and to migration. With 2025 around the corner, we’re opening submissions for Volume 3. See answers to frequently asked questions below and submit your best work no later than December 31, 2024.
Pick up Volume One: Far From Their Eyes and Volume Two: (Everything Is) Cells and Bodies on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or at Mac’s Backs Books on Coventry. And PLEASE leave us a 5-star review.
Free media review copies available at admin AT ohioimmigrant DOT org.
Publication in the Anthology comes via a competitive selection process. Read the guidance below to have the best chance of being chosen for Ohio Migration Anthology, Volume 3, which will be published in early fall 2025.
What is the Ohio Immigrant Alliance?
The Ohio Immigrant Alliance, or OHIA, is non-profit organization that works with immigrants, allies, and pro-immigrant leaders and organizations to expand our voices and make Ohio a more welcoming place for people of all backgrounds. Lynn Tramonte is OHIA’s director. Read more about us at www.ohioimmigrant.org.
What is this anthology about?
The Ohio Migration Anthology is about the experiences of migrants (whether foreign born or U.S. born) who have made Ohio their home. That does not mean it is about immigration policy alone. It is about the passions, fears, experiences, and goals of migrants in any aspect of their lives. The common thread is that the authors/artists are connected to the migration experience and Ohio in an intimate way.
What are the goals of the anthology?
Creating a platform for migrants and refugees to communicate something important to them to the broader community. Demonstrating our shared humanity. Helping people who have never migrated understand that migration is a basic human act and is rooted in love.
Who should submit something?
We are looking for submissions from immigrants, refugees, children of immigrants and refugees, BIPOC, and individuals who have a unique insight into the structures and support systems that interact with migrants and/or perpetuate racism. Black Americans and people with indigenous roots are encouraged to submit work.
What can I submit?
We are open to all types of content, including poetry, essay, interview, short story, music, song lyrics, script, short film, textile, or any other form of visual, written, or performing art. NEW FOR 2025: We are searching for tattoo artists to submit drawing/stencils for public use.
Based on the limitations of print publishing, some audio-visual artwork may be referenced via description and QR code alone.
You must own the copyright to the work you submit. If it has been published previously, please contact us at admin AT ohioimmigrant.org and we will work with you to confirm or obtain permission.
What should be my submission be about?
Your submission can be about migration or movement, but it does not have to be. We want you to feel able to express yourselves as a fully rounded person, so the sky is (practically) the limit!
When is the deadline?
Submissions are due by December 31 2024, at 11:59pm. You may submit up to three pieces for consideration.
Will every submission be included in the final publication?
We will select items for publication based on quality and a balance of diversity in topics, countries of origin, age, race, gender and gender expression, other experiences, and format/genre.
Each person who submits work must also commit to promoting the book through their networks, securing book reviews, participating in media promotion, and facilitating sales by organizing events and/or working with local bookstores to stock the anthology.
Submissions not selected for the this volume remain eligible for inclusion in future ones.
I was published in Volume One or Two. Can I submit something for Volume Three?
Our goal is to feature new voices in every volume. If you have something to submit and were already published in Volume 2, you may submit something for consideration in Volume 3. Contributors to Volume 2 must wait until Volume 4 or later to be eligible. Priority will be given to creators we have not yet published in ANY Volume.
I want to be involved, but I am not an artist or writer.
Publishing the anthology takes a village. Other available roles include:
- Project management
- Submission tracking
- Editing and proofreading
- Web design
- Book cover design
- Book formatting
- Graphics for promotion
- Publicity materials
- Creating study/book club guide
- Media relations
- Sales management
- Event management
- Finance
- Other
Sign up for any of these roles here. These are unpaid, volunteer roles.
When will this be published?
We will publish this anthology in 2025. We plan to publish it through Anacaona, a communications company owned by Lynn Tramonte, but are open to working with a publishing house.
Will I get paid?
All expenses related to publication will be paid off first. If the anthology can be monetized, profits will be divided among editors, designers/other key collaborators, and authors/artists. We cannot guarantee any income at this stage, but if the book is able to make money, profits will be shared fairly.
Do I have to use my real name?
You may publish under a pen name/alias.
What if I need help?
Editors are available to help you. Do you need help brainstorming topics? Do you need a ghostwriter (someone to interview you and help get your story down on paper)? If you prefer to write your original piece in a language other than English, do you need a translator? If so, contact admin AT ohioimmigrant.org.
I’m in! What do I do now?
That’s great! Submit your work by filling out this form no later than December 31, 2024. You may submit up to three pieces. Contact admin AT ohioimmigrant.org with any questions!