The Seedling Project

The Vision: Collaborative Growth

"Small seeds, deep roots, expansive stories."

The Seedling Project is a boutique collaborative residency under the Woven Branches umbrella. It is a space designed for Black and Brown artists and writers to stop working in silos and start building worlds together.

We believe that some stories are too big for a single page but too intimate for a full-length book. The Seedling Project pairs (or supports) creators in producing a 8–20 page digital zine—a concentrated burst of creativity that explores the raw, the experimental, and the unspoken. Whether it is a horror story that mirrors real-world anxieties or a fantasy realm built on spiritual truths, we provide the platform for your "Seedling" to bloom.

Submittion Guidelines

Collaborate. Create. Collect.

We are looking for short-form, high-impact zine concepts. You can apply as a duo (Writer + Artist) or as a solo creator looking to be paired with a collaborator.

The Opportunity

  • Format: 8–20 page zine (distributed through the AF.FEM Press Shop).

  • Payment: $60 flat-rate creative fee per zine.

  • Royalties: 15% of monthly sales, paid out as ongoing royalties.

What We Are Looking For

We accept a variety of themes, but we prioritize "Short, Thought-Provoking Voices" and "Complex Characters." We want:

  • Short Stories & Fiction: Speculative, Horror, Fantasy, or Realism.

  • Essays & Think-Pieces: Deep dives into womanhood and gender-expansive identity.

  • Poetry Collections: A cohesive narrative told through verse.

  • Visual Narratives: Art-heavy zines that use imagery as the primary language.

Submission Requirements

To be considered for a Seedling spread, click the Submit button below and provide:

  1. The Pitch: A 200–300 word summary of the zine’s theme or story arc.

  2. The "Freedom" Element: 2–3 sentences on how this project explores emotional authenticity or freedom of creation.

  3. Samples: A link to your portfolio or 3 pages of writing/art samples.

  4. Collaboration Status: Let us know if you are a duo or a solo creator seeking a partner.

The Guidelines

  • Follow the Form: Only submissions sent through our portal will be reviewed.

  • Focus: Must center the viewpoints of Black and Brown women or gender non-conforming individuals.

  • Voice: We want the bold, the complex, and the haunting.

Submit Here!
Submit Here!