We are accepting submissions of letters written by sexual abuse survivors to their perpetrators.

We are looking for well written, empowering letters that speak to the truth of what it means to be sexually abused and how it can alter one’s life. We want letters that include how you are reclaiming your power.

We urge all participants to have a support system in place before beginning this work. This step in your healing does not replace medical or therapeutic care. If you are part of a support group, you may want to do it together or at least support those who are participating during and after this process.

Even though not all letters submitted will be included in the anthology, know that we admire your courage in choosing to take this step. Of the ones that are not selected, some may, with permission, be posted on the website. (www.letterstomyabusers.com)

The sample letter and guide are meant as suggestions to make this process more powerful for the writer/survivor. We do encourage you to include the various elements outlined in the releasing letters guide, to make it not only a more powerful read, but to empower you in your healing.

Please use a font such as Times New Roman, and a font size of no more than 14pts. Please keep your letters to 1400 words maximum.

You can submit your work by copying and pasting into your email, or as Word attachment. You may also mail it, but we would prefer email.

Please include in your submission, an email address and where you would like to have correspondence sent.

Please be aware that this letter is intended for publication and will be read by thousands if not millions. If you consider something too private, do not include it.

Your letter may be edited for publication purposes. We will stick to the original as much as possible.

Unfortunately we cannot pay for submissions but will provide a contributor’s copy to each survivor whose letter is selected. Part of the proceeds will go to various organizations for the prevention of child sexual and physical abuse.

We ask that you stay true to your pain, expressing whatever rage you want to put on the page, but that you also include how you are reclaiming your power. We want the letters to ultimately empower others. My suggestion is that you write it, letting it all out at first and then return to it days later to revise it so that it is publishable.

Please keep foul language to a minimum. It is permitted as long as it rings true to the piece and is not gratuitous.

We are accepting submissions now throughout 2007. After careful consideration, I have decided to give this project the time it needs to flourish by doing away with the previous two deadlines.

You may want to give yourself a deadline so that you will keep your own commitment to writing the letter. I for one know how easy it is to break commitments to myself especially when it comes to doing something that is "difficult and uncomfortable". If you believe it will help you to do it then you owe it to yourself to do it. If you believe it will do more harm than good please do not participate. There will be other opportunites in your healing. Only you will know what is best.

For some of you it may take a day or two to get it down on paper and a few more days to revise and edit. Some of you may need to put it away for a while and return to it when you are ready. Follow what you believe is best for you and send it when you are ready.

If you come across this after the 2007 and still want to participate, send a letter anyway, as we are planning on sequels to the first book.

We will send you a final copy before publication as it will appear in the book.

A release form will be sent to you prior to publication

Send your submissions to stephanie@letterstomyabusers.com

Thank you in advance for your participation and courage.