For a new anthology, In Fact Books is seeking true stories that capture the complexities and comforts of sibling relationships. We hope to represent the widest possible variety of sibling relationships—whether adoptive or biological, step or full, human or animal, one or many.

Chronicle life as the only brother in a house full of sisters. Recount wisdom dispensed by a much older sibling (Did you follow it? Was it any good?). Enlighten us about birth order or genetics. Confess: as a kid, did you ever wish for a different sibling altogether? As an adult, do you still?

We want to read about moments of familial revelation, too. Tell us about the day you realized you loved your sibling, but didn’t like them very much, or when you figured out that perhaps you hadn’t been doing a bang-up job in the sibling department yourself.

Stories reflecting perspective and change interest us. Maybe the brother who gave you swirlies as a kid became your best friend as an adult. Maybe you and your twin created a secret language and were inseparable. Maybe you and your twin don’t talk now. We love personal essays, but also profiles, histories, and science-driven scenarios. So maybe your story isn’t about you at all.

Whatever the case, if you have a true sib story, we want to read it. Essays should combine a strong and compelling narrative with an informative or reflective element, reaching beyond a strictly personal experience for some universal or deeper meaning.

We’re looking for well-written prose, rich with detail and a distinctive voice; all essays must tell true stories and be factually accurate.

Guidelines: Essays must be previously unpublished and no longer than 4,500 words. Multiple submissions are welcome, as are entries from outside the United States.
You may submit essays online or by regular mail:

By regular mail 
Postmark deadline March 7, 2016
Please send your manuscript; a cover letter with complete contact information, including the title of the essay and word count; and an SASE or email address for response to:

In Fact Books
c/o Creative Nonfiction Foundation
Attn: Siblings
5119 Coral Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Online
Deadline to upload files: 11:59 pm EST March 7, 2016
To submit online, click here.  (Note: There is a $3 convenience fee to submit online.)