Every veteran has a letter worth sending home.
A veteran-led anthology of stories, poems, and letters from those who served, from World War II to today. Each piece is published beside a photo of the person who wrote it.
What we collect
One piece per submission, up to 1,200 words, written by a U.S. veteran or service member. It does not need to be polished. It needs to be true to you.
A story
A true moment from your service or your life after it. The day you shipped out, the buddy you still think about, the first night home.
We landed at 0400 and nobody said a word until the ramp came down.
A poem
Any form, any length up to 1,200 words. Rhymed or not. Written this year or carried in a notebook for fifty.
The desert keeps no calendar, only heat.
A letter
A letter you sent home, one you wish you had sent, or one you would write now to family, a friend, or your younger self.
Dear Mom, don't worry about the mail being slow. I'm eating fine.
Who can submit
- U.S. military veterans and current service members of any branch, component, rank, or era, including Merchant Marine service in World War II.
- Family members, 18 or older, on behalf of a veteran who has passed away. Submit their original words, not a story about them.
- You must be 18 or older to submit.
What you receive
- A free copy of the book if your piece is selected.
- Your name, branch, and years of service printed with your piece.
- The option to have your piece preserved by the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.
Guidelines
- Up to 1,200 words. One piece per submission; you may send up to three submissions in total.
- Your own original work, previously unpublished in a book. Social posts and blogs are fine.
- Include one photo of the veteran: in uniform, today, or both (up to three photos, 10 MB each).
- No classified or sensitive operational information. No full names of other people without their consent.
- Letters from the past can be typed as written. Tell us if you transcribed from a handwritten original.
- We may edit lightly for length and clarity. You approve any real change before print.
- You keep your copyright. We ask only for permission to publish your piece in the book and to promote it.
Submit your writing
About 10 minutes. Have your piece and a photo ready. Nothing is sent until you sign on the last step.
Your submission is in.
Thank you for trusting us with your words. Your reference number is . Keep it in case you need to reach us.
We read every submission. You'll hear from us by email if your piece is selected, and before anything is printed you'll see and approve the final version.
Questions
Does it cost anything to submit?
No. Submitting is free, and it always will be.
Do I keep the rights to my writing?
Yes. You keep your copyright. You give the project permission to publish your piece in the book and to promote it, and you can still publish it anywhere else.
I'm not a writer. Should I still submit?
Yes. We are looking for honest words, not polished prose. Light editing is part of the process, and you approve every real change.
Can I submit my father's letters from Korea?
Yes, if he has passed away and you are his heir or have the family's consent. Choose "A family member's writing" on the first step. Type the letter as he wrote it, and keep the original.
How is my information used?
Your contact details are used only to reach you about your submission and, if you opt in, project updates. They are never sold or shared. Your submission is stored privately and is visible only to the editors.
When will I hear back?
Submissions close June 30, 2027. Selected contributors are contacted by August 2027, ahead of publication on Veterans Day 2027.
Is this run by the VA?
No. This is an independent, veteran-led project. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the military.
How do I withdraw my piece?
Email submissions@example.org with your reference number any time before the manuscript is final.