Submit your Essays & Stories
Hello Fifi’s,
I’m thrilled to announce a special collaboration opportunity for the next few month March, April, and May: on Postcards by Hasif! This time, we’re expanding the scope to create more engaging conversations and reflections.
This won’t be just about publishing a guest post. Instead, we’ll be engaging in a deep, meaningful exchange of ideas. Picture it like a written podcast where two voices, two perspectives, complement each other in a way that makes the discussion feel alive.
In the coming months, I’m looking for 4-5 guest authors per month to join me in writing collaborative think-pieces. Each of you will write 600 words on one of the following topics:
The Art of Finding Balance Amidst Chaos
Overcoming the Fear of Change
The Burden of Trying to Be Everything for Everyone
The Strange Comfort of Ordinary Days
The Art of Healing from What No One Can See
The Journey to Becoming Your Own Hero
The Strain of Being Always Available
The Fear of Not Being Enough, Despite Everything You Do
The Weight of Expectations and the Freedom of Letting Go
The Quiet Courage in Facing Your Own Insecurities
Rediscovering Yourself After Losing Your Way
The Fear of Being Alone vs. the Freedom of Solitude
The Need to Be Seen vs. the Desire for Privacy
The Fear of Missing Your Own Life
The Burden of Holding on to the Past
The Journey of Finding Your True North
The Complexity of Healing from Emotional Wounds
The Fear of Not Being Able to Let Go
The Small Rituals That Quietly Shape Our Lives
The Art of Noticing
The Beauty of Unfinished Conversations
The Lives We Imagine for Strangers (sonder)
The Unwritten Rules of Human Connection
The Curious Habit of Talking to Ourselves
The Rise of Performative Authenticity Online
The Modern Obsession With Optimization
The Slow Death of Privacy in the Digital Age
The Romanticization of “Busy” Culture
The Strange Comfort of Background Noise
The Emotional Cost of Always Being Reachable
How it Will Work:
The Topic: You’ll choose one of the 20 topics above and write 600 words. This is your chance to explore a theme, an issue, or a personal experience that resonates with you. Don’t worry about having all the answers share your thoughts in an authentic and raw way. Your voice is what matters.
My Response: After receiving your submission, I’ll read it through and write my own 500-word response. This is where the collaboration happens. I’ll offer my perspective, expand on your points, or offer a contrasting viewpoint to add depth and spark further conversation.
The Structure: Each post will be 1100+ words. Your 600 words will be featured first, followed by my 500 words, creating a natural flow. Think of it like two people sharing their ideas over coffee, inviting the readers to listen in on a real, ongoing conversation.
Why This Format?
I want these posts to reflect real-life conversations where ideas are shared, challenged, and refined. This format is not just about showcasing your writing but building a space where different viewpoints come together to create something richer. It’s about connection and dialogue.
Important Note:
If you have fresh, personal stories or reflections that don’t necessarily fall within the listed topics but still speak to different themes, I’d love to hear them! We believe in the power of authentic, original content, and I encourage you to submit stories or perspectives that are meaningful to you, even if they don’t fit perfectly within the specified topics. Your unique voice and experiences are what matter most here.
Deadlines:
March Submissions: Due by the 2nd week of March (The posts will be published on Wednesdays throughout March)
April Submissions: Due by March 28th (The posts will be published on Sundays throughout April)
May Submissions: Due by April 14th (The posts will be published on Wednesdays & Sundays throughout May)
Submission Guidelines:
Each submission will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you submit, the better chance you have to secure a spot!
Original Content Only: All submissions must be your own original work. Plagiarized content will be automatically disqualified.
Word Count: Submissions should be at least 600 words; we do recommend keeping it engaging and concise.
Format:
Please send your submission in a Microsoft Word document or Google Docs format, or PDF; please avoid pasting it directly in the body of your email.
Use a simple font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman) and 12-point font size.
Include your name and Substack ID information at the top of the submission.
Bio: Include a short bio at the end of your submission. Tell us a little bit about yourself as a writer or the inspiration behind your piece. (Optional)
No Previously Published Work: We only accept original, exclusive content. If you’ve already posted your essay elsewhere (like on your own Substack), please make sure it is removed after your essay has been selected. We want to feature your work exclusively on Postcards by hasif, and having the same piece posted in multiple places would diminish its impact.
Email your submission to hasifnewsletter@gmail.com with the subject line: “Co-Author Submission”.
If your essay is selected:
You’ll receive a confirmation email & payment link.
A $50 feature fee will be required only if your essay is selected. Entry to submit your essay is completely free.
Before you jump in, I just want to say something important. I know when I introduce something like this, it can feel a bit… transactional. But please don’t take it the wrong way. Postcards by Hasif will always remain free to read. I have no intention of turning it into a paid publication, and I never will. Every piece I write, your submissions, my reflections, and my essays will always be accessible to anyone who wants to read them. I also don’t want to bring in brands, sponsorships, or ads. This space is not about marketing, it’s not about influencer culture, and it’s certainly not about monetizing in a way that compromises the essence of what this publication stands for. This is about creating a genuine community of thinkers and writers, exploring topics that matter, sharing perspectives, and giving both you and me a chance to engage meaningfully with readers. The $50 fee isn’t about making a profit; it’s a small way to ensure this collaboration is valued and taken seriously, while also helping me maintain the publication sustainably. Postcards by Hasif will always be my voice, my vision, my space. This collaboration is simply a way to bring in other voices I respect, share ideas, and build something together without compromising what this place stands for.
Once payment is completed, we’ll coordinate with you via email to finalize the title, thumbnail, and posting dates.
Your essay will be published in Postcards by hasif (120,000+ readers).
Exposure to 120,000+ readers: Your voice will reach a large, engaged audience that values thoughtful, reflective writing.
Recommendation of Your Substack: As part of the collaboration, I will recommend your Substack publication for a week. This means followers will see “Postcards by Hasif recommends {Your Publication Name}”, increasing traffic to your page.
Collaborative Content: This is more than just a guest post. You’re collaborating with me in a meaningful way, creating a written conversation that will resonate with readers.
How to Submit:
Send your 600-word draft to hasifnewsletter@gmail.com with the subject line: Guest Author Submission and in the body: [Your Chosen Topic] – [Your Name].
Along with your draft, include a brief bio about yourself and links to your Substack or social media if you’d like.
If you have any questions or want to clarify anything, email me at hasifnewsletter@gmail.com.
I’m really excited about this collaborative format and can’t wait to see how your voice and mine come together on these topics. It’s going to be a great way for all of us to explore complex ideas, dive deep into personal reflections, and give my readers an opportunity to engage with new perspectives.
this is so coool! can’t wait to submit mine!
Can't wait to submit!!!