Dear Doula Friends,
We are inviting contributors to the collaborative book:
BEARING WITNESS: Birth Through the Eyes of a Doula, a new 200 page collaborative work which will be published in 2010
This work will be targeted toward doulas, midwives and expectant mothers and will include 20 essays on what it is like to be a doula, to work hands on with women and birthing families in such a traditional and supportive role within the modern obstetrical and midwifery models; to bear witness to their journey, their suffering, their joy and their transformation into mothering.
Deadline for submissions is passed but while we are editing we are still open to having a look at some last minute submissions.
Submissions in the form of editorial essay’s, Poetry, and Artwork (including but not limited to paint, clay, pen, fiber, computer) will all be accepted. Each written submission ranging from 5 to 5,000 words, is signed by the contributor. The General Editors for the work are Lisa Doran and Lisa Caron. The Editors will review all the submissions for editorial content and consistency within our theme.
Written contributors should respect client/patient privacy and speak about the doula’s perspective and role within birth. We are not necessarily looking for birth stories but more stories of how you felt, what you saw, funny stories, things that made you shake your head, things that kept you up at night – your reasons for persisting as a doula, what you carry with you and think about with regard to your clients, your joys, difficulties, why you quit, why you only do home birth or hospital birth – we want to hear it all. We want you to rant, to philosophize, to share what your gut tells you, to share your visions of birth. We’d appreciate very real, tangible stories of your own experiences, in your own words and voice and from the perspective of the very unique and valuable role that doulas play at birth.
If you are interested in contributing to this collaboration, it can be a notable publication addition to your CV/resume and broaden your publishing credits. Payment for the articles are honoraria of a copy of the book.
Style guide: All submissions must be made electronically to: Lisa Doran at lisadoran@rogers.com. Original artwork can be mailed to me – please contact me for my address.
All written submissions should be in the format of: Word Document, double spaced, font: times new roman 12pt. Please include a short bio and contact information including address, phone number and email with each submission.
We will contact you May 09 with further details of going forward if your submission is to be part of the collaboration.
Please consider contributing to this wonderful reference for doula’s and mothers that will help explain and define our role within the birth team and enlighten the reader to the experience of being a doula, our motivations, our dreams for birthing women and our strong and unique collective voices.
Please forward this through your networks.
Thanks! Any Questions please contact us:
Lisa Doran, N.D., Doula lisadoran@rogers.com
Lisa Caron, Doula lisacaron@sympatico.ca
