Submit Your Story
Submit Your Story
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Your voice belongs here.
Chattabox is built on the stories Caribbean teens are living every day. Speak up. We’re listening.
WHAT YOU CAN SUBMIT
We accept all kinds of teen expression:
Articles – opinion, reflection, reportage
Art & Photography – digital, mixed media, collage, realism, abstract
Playlists – themed, mood-based, culture-based
Poetry / Spoken Word – written or audio
Style Features – party looks, uniforms, personal expression
Rants, Letters, Manifestos – raw, honest, unfiltered
If you’ve lived it, seen it, or felt it,we want to hear it.
WHO CAN SUBMIT
We prioritize teen voices (ages 13–19), especially from the Caribbean and diaspora. That means we center the writing, poetry, and creative direction of teens living these realities firsthand.
That said we also welcome art, photography, and visual work from emerging creators outside that range who resonate with our themes and want to support youth-led storytelling. If your lens reflects the culture we’re speaking from, we want to see your work.
SUBMISSION GUIDLINES
Submissions are open year-round, no need to wait for a new issue.
No word count limits, but we recommend under 1500 words for essays and under 500 for poetry.
Be honest. We care more about voice than perfection.
Avoid slurs, hate speech, or targeted harassment. Mature content is okay but respect is non-negotiable.
Content warnings optional but encouraged if your piece discusses trauma, violence, etc.
WHY YOUR STORY MATTERS
We know how hard it is to speak up especially when your voice is treated like a footnote in your own story.
At Chattabox, we don’t filter your voice to make adults comfortable. We publish raw, reflective, challenging work from teens who are living through real systems, real struggles, and real joy.
You don’t need a resume. Just your perspective.
SUBMIT NOW
Fill out the form below and attach your work.
Accepted formats: .doc, .pdf, .jpg, .mp3, .png, .mov, .mp4, .zip
If you're submitting audio or a playlist, include a description and tracklist.
Or, send your piece to submissions.chattaboxmag@gmail.com with the subject line “Submission – [Your Name]”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to be Jamaican to submit ?
Do I have to be Jamaican to submit ?
Nope.
Despite our Editor-in-Chief being proudly Jamaican (and occasionally patois-powered), Chattabox is for the entire Caribbean and its diaspora. If your story connects to Caribbean youth culture, politics, identity, or vibes. Welcome. We don’t gatekeep islands.
Can I submit anonymously?
Can I submit anonymously?
Yep.
Just let us know in your submission. We respect privacy especially if you’re writing about personal stuff, family, school, or any topic where you'd rather be “that one brave teen” than name-dropped at devotions.
Will I get paid?
Will I get paid?
Not yet.
We’re still in our scrappy, youth-funded, volunteer-powered phase. But all contributors get credited, promoted, and archived and when the cheques start coming in, our goal is to pay everyone who helps build this. (Yes, we’re manifesting that Gleaner deal.)
Can I submit more than one piece?
Can I submit more than one piece?
Of course.
Think of it like a voice note: if you’ve got more to say, send more. Multiple poems? A photo series? An essay and a playlist? We love that for you.
Does my piece have to match the current theme?
Does my piece have to match the current theme?
Nah.
Submissions are always open, and not every piece has to match an issue’s focus. In fact, sometimes your submission might inspire the next issue. So send it. Even if it’s weird. Especially if it’s weird.
What shouldn’t I submit?
What shouldn’t I submit?
Glad you asked.
We’re all for raw honesty and big feelings but no hate speech, slurs, harassment or threats. Also, if your “poem” is just your ex’s full name and a detailed list of their sins... maybe save that for your Notes app (or a therapist). Keep it real, but keep it respectful.
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