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Frequently Asked Questions
Pet Lore is still growing, and this page is designed to help you find the right part of the project quickly. Below you’ll find a short overview of Pet Lore, followed by links to more specific pages about the app, The Good Companion journal, submissions, the Pet Lore Guild, and partnerships.
Current Call for Pitches
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What is the current call for pitches?
The first issue of The Good Companion is focused on service animals, assistance animals, therapy animals, working partnerships, care, disability, grief, identity, access, training, and the emotional lives of animals and the people who depend on them. Read more.
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Who can submit a pitch?
Writers, artists, photographers, handlers, trainers, caregivers, researchers, animal welfare workers, service-animal users, family members, volunteers, and people with lived experience are welcome.
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Do I need to have a finished piece before submitting?
No, pitches are welcome and finished drafts are optional.
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What kinds of work are you looking for?
We welcome personal essays, research-informed articles, interviews, field notes, photo stories, visual art, mixed media, short reflections, and memorial or tribute pieces.
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What topics fit this issue?
Topics may include service animals, therapy animals, disability access, handler experiences, training, caregiving, grief, animal labor, trust, routine, devotion, and memory.
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Can I submit about a pet who was not officially a service animal?
Yes, if the piece clearly connects to care, support, illness, disability, grief, aging, trauma, or another relevant issue theme.
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Can I submit art or photography?
Yes, original visual art, photography, mixed media, and image-led storytelling are welcome.
Are submissions paid?
At launch, submissions are unpaid, and there is no fee to submit.
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Do contributors keep their rights?
Yes, contributors keep ownership of their work while granting The Good Companion permission to publish, archive, and promote it.
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Can I submit previously published work?
Yes, if you have the rights to republish it and disclose where it first appeared.
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Can I use AI to help with my submission?
AI may be used for light support, but submitted work must be human-led, truthful, original, rights-cleared, and disclosed when relevant.
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Do you accept AI-generated cover art?
No, AI-generated cover art is not accepted.
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Can I write about another person or their animal?
Yes, but identifiable people, private details, and sensitive stories should be handled with permission, accuracy, and care.
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Can children or young contributors submit?
Yes, young contributors may be considered with parent or guardian permission.
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How long should my pitch be?
A few short paragraphs are enough.
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What should I include in my pitch?
Please include your name, short bio, proposed topic, format, summary, relevant links or samples, publication history, and any permissions or sensitivities.
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How will I know if my pitch is accepted?
We will review pitches for fit, originality, clarity, sensitivity, and alignment with the issue theme.
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Will you edit my piece?
Yes, accepted pieces may receive editorial guidance before publication.
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Where will accepted work be published?
Accepted work will be published in The Good Companion, Pet Lore’s online journal and shared across the project's social media channels.
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How do I submit?