The BRAVE NEW VOICES Editorial Guidelines
Last Updated: 01 January, 2026
Welcome to our community of #bravenewvoices...This journal exists for stories that are raw, real, honest, and human. The pages that follow outline how we read, curate, and publish those stories.
Who We Are
The Brave New Voices is an independent literary journal of human nonfiction, published quarterly by The UNMUTE Project and dedicated to true stories told by real people. This is a purely nonfiction publication. It’s a space for words only, no photographs, no portraits, just the page, the truth, and the moment. We are not looking for “perfect” writing, we want your unique voice and your real story just the way they are.
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What We Are Looking For
We are looking for human stories (usually between 800 and 2,000 words). Personal reflections on identity, career, or survival. Small, real moments from everyday life. Stories on courage, finding your voice, or unexpected joy. Poetry submissions are also welcome
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Our Editorial Principles
Because we do things differently, we follow a few simple principles to keep this space honest and human. We are not a news desk, and we do not fact-check memories. We believe stories belong to the people who lived them. You may use AI tools to polish grammar or organise your thoughts, but the story itself must remain authentically yours. All submissions are reviewed using AI-detection tools to ensure the human voice stays at the centre of every piece we publish.
About The UNMUTE Project
The UNMUTE Project is a community platform built to open space for honest conversations and stories that challenge the status quo. Through events, publications, and collaborations, UNMUTE amplifies voices often left out of
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Editorial Mandate
Please review the editorial guidelines below before completing the submission form that follows:
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Your Truth, Your Way:
We do not fact-check. We do not verify dates, names, or clinical details. We want your truth, exactly as you carry it in your heart. By submitting, you agree that the magazine is not responsible for any errors in your memory.
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Keeping it Human (The 25% AI Rule)
You can use AI tools (like ChatGPT) to help fix your grammar or organize your thoughts, but at least 75% of the story must be your own original writing. We check every story with specialized tools. If a computer did most of the work, we wouldn't be able to use it.
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New Life for Old Stories:
We are happy to give "old" stories a new stage. If your story has been published before on a personal blog, social media, or elsewhere, just let us know so we can give credit to the original source.
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Staying Safe and Private:
We strongly suggest you change the names, jobs, or specific locations of the people in your story to protect their privacy. You are also welcome to use a pen name. And while we want your raw experience, your writing must still respect local UAE laws regarding public order and respect for others.
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Ownership:
You keep the copyright to your story. By sharing it with us, you are simply giving us the right to publish it in our digital and print issues.
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Responsibility & Release of Liability:
The magazine and its team are not responsible for any legal issues, claims, or damages that might come from your story being shared. By submitting, you agree that you are responsible for what you have written and you release the magazine from any and all liability.
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