PARENTreads Writer Hub
Opportunities, Deadlines, Guidelines & Submission Links for Parenting Writers
Bookmark this page—it’s your central reference for everything related to submitting to PARENTreads: open calls, themes, deadlines, placement options, and guidelines.
View all previous PARENTreads issues HERE.
On This Page
Currently accepting submissions for:
Coming Soon: Friendships — publishes Thursday, March 19
Currently Accepting Submissions
📙 Bonus Issue — Parenting Books
Deadline: Wednesday, February 18 at Noon CT
Publishes: Sunday, February 22
» Submit here (Free) — CLOSED
This special edition highlights books written for parents. Authors are invited to submit their own parenting-related books, whether already published or preparing to launch with a confirmed date.
This bonus issue offers readers a curated way to discover parenting-focused books and the authors who wrote them.
Submissions are limited to writers with an active Substack presence.
Ways to Be Featured
🔸 Featured Writer — $65
The top placement in each issue. Featured Writers appear at the very beginning of the digest and receive the most visibility. This placement includes:
Link to and description of your Substack
Essay title + short description
Direct link to your piece
Expanded profile space (more room to introduce your work)
Priority placement at the top of the digest
One slot per issue
🔸 Spotlight Essays — $35
Spotlight Essays appear directly below the Featured Writer and are included prominently in the top portion of the digest. This placement includes:
Essay title + short description
Direct link to your piece
Name + Substack name and link
High visibility near the top of the issue
Limited slots available
🔸 General Submissions — Free
One essay per writer
Title + Author/Substack
Brief description
Direct link
Included based on thematic fit
Why Your Work Gets Read
Subscribers: 3,000+
Average Open Rate: 36%+
Average Views per Issue: ~2,100
Average 7-Day Engagement: 700–1,400 clicks
Featured Writer & Spotlight Essay placements: ~47–58 total clicks per writer
Readers engage because the digest brings them writing that is thoughtful, honest, and worth their attention. Strong submissions reliably earn clicks, new readers, and ongoing traffic.
Upcoming Calendar
PARENTreads publishes on Thursdays, with occasional bonus editions. Dates and themes confirmed so far:
Bonus Issue: Authors & Books— Sunday, February 22Friendships — Thursday, March 19
Independence & Safety — Thursday, April 3
Additional themes will be added as they’re finalized.
Guidelines
Writers must have an active Substack presence. Essays may be published on Substack or elsewhere, as long as the writer has a Substack publication or profile.
Submit one piece per writer per issue.
Featured Writer and Spotlight placements may include multiple links when relevant to your work.
Submissions must clearly fit the issue’s theme.
Evergreen essays are welcome. Quality and thematic fit matter more than recency.
Placement is limited. Not all submissions will be included.
General submissions are curated, not guaranteed.
Digests that include paid placements will carry this note:
PARENTreads combines editor-selected essays with a few sponsored placements to support the digest.
Questions? Reach out anytime.
