CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Campfire Stories:
The Oregon Coast

We’re seeking nature and place-based stories for our new Oregon Coast collection. Interested writers and storytellers should use the link below to submit an existing story or share interest in writing a new story from the Oregon Coast.

Applications are now OPEN until Dec 12, 2025!

Overview

We are now actively seeking writers and submissions for Campfire Stories: The Oregon Coast – Tales & Travel Companion.

Part story collection and part travel companion, each eye-catching volume in our Beloved Regions collection begin with an anthology of "campfire stories"—from classic essays to original poetry, historical excerpts to fresh perspectives, treasured folk songs to local myths—all of which convey an authentic sense of place. These stories are then followed by a mini-travel guide of community-sourced recommendations and resources.

This collection is a part of the Campfire Stories series created by Dave and Ilyssa Kyu, and feature stories from America’s beloved national parks and beloved outdoor regions. Over 95k copies have been sold to date, through retailers such as REI, L.L. Bean, Anthropologie, Parks Project, as well as bookshops, gift and national park stores across the country.

About the Collections

What We’re
Looking For

We’re looking to commission new works and consider existing stories about the Oregon Coast.

Stories should capture the essence of the region, highlighting the distinctive natural features, flora, fauna, community, history, and experiences of the Oregon Coast.

We seek nature-focused stories, through diverse forms of writing (e.g. essays, prose, poetry, ballads, short stories) that convey an authentic sense of place. Stories should not exceed 2,000 words.

For more information on the kinds of stories and storytelling mediums we’re looking for, see the Story Criteria below.

ALL ARE WELCOME

While all writers are considered and encouraged to apply, we specifically seek to include emerging writers, as well as individuals underrepresented in the outdoors, including writers who are part of the following communities:

• Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC)

• LGBTQ+

• Persons with disabilities

Story Submissions

OPTION 1

Submit an existing story.

We’re looking for submissions of existing stories about the Oregon Coast region, including any that have been previously published to be republished in this anthology. Stories must adhere to the criteria outlined below.

TIMELINE

Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 12, 2025.

Selected writers will be notified no later than January 30, 2026 and paid a one-time permissions fee of $150.

OPTION 2

Create a new story.

We’re looking to commission new stories based on first-hand experience(s) along the Oregon Coast. To be considered, we ask that you:

• Submit (3) writing samples that best capture your writing style and most closely align with the story criteria (listed below). These writing samples do not need to be stories about the region and will not be used beyond our review process.

• Submit a one paragraph summary of your connection to the region, any subject(s) you’re most excited or suited to write about, and why.

TIMELINE
Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 12, 2025.

For commissioned pieces, we’ll inform selected writers by January 2, 2026—with first drafts due by January 30, 2026 and final drafts due February 27, 2026. Each commissioned writer will receive a one-time usage fee of $300.

Story Criteria

All submitting writers must have a lived, first-hand experience in the Oregon Coast region.

Submitted stories should draw from the writer's own experiences and learned insights from their time there.

We strongly encourage submissions from those who identify as: an emerging writer, Black, indigenous, person of color (BIPOC) or LGBTQ+, or a person with a disability.

Stories should not exceed 2,000 words and should…

• Capture the essence of this region.
  Whether incorporating regional history or sharing more about what the writer sees and experiences (i.e. plants, animals, landscape, community), each story should help readers gain a deeper understanding of the region and share its natural essence.

• Spark the reader’s imagination.
  We are looking for adventure stories, myths and legends, descriptive and colorful recountings of place, survival stories, and more! Stories should capture the magic and aura of the given region, and transport readers there through strength of storytelling and imagination.

• Engage readers and listeners.
  It is a campfire story after all! We are looking for stories with strong reader hooks, such as clear narrative arc, a surprise element, engaging tone, or a tense climax, as well as stories for which the structure, language, rhythm, and flow are conducive to being read aloud around the fire.

• Span all forms of written storytelling.
  Similar to the other volumes, we plan to feature a broad range of storytelling formats, including: essays, short stories, poems, songs, ballads, legends, folklore, and more. While the details about the region must be authentic (i.e. history, fact & figures, physical features), we will consider writings that use fiction as a way to capture the essence of the region.

• Follow Leave No Trace principles and/or local guidelines.
  For the protection of each outdoor region and enjoyment for all people, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles and all local rules or guidance. While the stories don’t need to specifically capture such rules, it’s important they don’t stray from them. For example, we will not include stories about feeding bears, going off trail where it’s not permitted, or swimming in a restricted area.

For more information and/or questions,
please contact us at:

hello[at]campfirestoriesbook.com

NOTE: Writers should not contact Mountaineers Books with inquiries regarding this project.