Guest Cartoonists

Guidelines for Submitting a Cartoon

Thank you for offering to contribute to a cartoon for Grief Matters! We appreciate that you are helping us build an interactive community of grievers and growing grief literacy.

Please note that this is a volunteer activity: there is no remuneration for guest cartoons.

Original pieces produced specifically for Grief Matters are the best-read items on our website and social media pages. Our goal is to post new and pertinent cartoons of varying perspectives each month or so. Since we are always looking for new stories, there are no hard timelines for submission (unless otherwise noted).

We are happy to help you draw/tell your story. We also endeavor to link folks who want to share a story but cannot draw themselves with artists. Check out other guest cartoons to get an idea of some topics you might want to develop.

Before starting your cartoon for Grief Matters, please understand the following:

  • Our philosophy is that grief is a part of life and should not be pathologized; please see our written blogs for more on this perspective.

  • Our audience is anyone and everyone who wants to learn more about grief.

  • We are open to a wide range of cartoons about grief, but the best received entries are those written from personal experience; you can include yourself in the piece if you want.

  • If you include and/or interview other people for your piece, you will need their consent; we will provide a consent form for this purpose

  • Please include links to any resources, research, articles or organizations, etc. that you reference in your piece (e.g., within the piece or on a final panel at the end).

  • The tone and content of your cartoon is important. Your story should be honest and direct, without being preachy or overtly angry.

  • We understand that sometimes you just MUST say IT, but please refrain from inappropriate language – use symbols if a swear word is necessary.

  • Constructive criticism of medical providers is fine, but please keeps the expression frustrations respectful.

  • If applicable, include the value of palliative care in your experience.

  • We are open to submissions of work that has been previously published (with attention to any required copyright issues).

  • You are free to use whatever style and media you prefer. When possible, keep your cartoon to between 1 to 20 panels. We usually use 4:5 ratio (however 3:4 or square can work as well). For longer cartoons, please consider dividing into two related submissions. Contact us to discuss.

  • Note regarding the Rights of the Artist: The artist who creates the work keeps full ownership and copyright of the work. This agreement is non-exclusive, so the artist is free to share the work with others as well.

  • Note regarding the Rights of Subjects of the Cartoons: In the event that the cartoon includes stories or likenesses of participants other than the artist, the written consent of participants will be required.

Grief Matters reserve final editorial review. We will never change the intention or meaning of your piece (only tighten, copy-edit, etc.). You will have a final approval before posting.

We are happy to help you along the way. Let us know if you would like help narrowing your topic, building your story, or editing your piece.

  1. Before starting your cartoon, introduce yourself and submit your idea to info@griefmatters.ca for approval.

  2. Once you are approved, you can draft an overview (e.g., script including proposed images and text) and email to us as a Word document.

  3. Include a headshot and short bio paragraph.

  4. Include a title, a short description for your piece, and any relevant links; see https://griefmatters.ca/cartoons for the style and length.

  5. Tell us your social media handles and/or website, if you want them tagged or included.

Once your cartoon is submitted and you have approved any edits, we will work with you to determine a date for posting on our website and in our social media. Once it is posted, you can proudly share your contribution with your friends and family via emails or social media.

By submitting a cartoon, you agree that your cartoon will remain on our website and we may promote it (e.g., via social media, as a zine, and in newsletters). Older cartoons can be searched by title.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute your thoughts and experiences to growing community of people who think that Grief Matters.