Folding Chair Submission Guidelines

Inspired by Shirley Chisholm’s call to ‘bring a folding chair’ when there’s no seat at the table, Folding Chair is EQI’s digital journal – a space for conversations, perspectives, and storytelling on gender equality, intersectional feminism, violence against women and girls, and social justice. 

We seek writing (critical and personal essays and articles, research pieces, interviews, fiction and poetry), photography and film that amplifies diverse voices and perspectives, and sparks conversations that move us closer to equity. 

We open submissions globally in set periods throughout the year. Submissions are currently closed, but keep an eye out on our socials for when they reopen.  

At EQI we believe people deserve to be fairly compensated for their creative and intellectual labour. Our rates reflect our commitment to equity and social justice, balanced with the realities of working as a small social enterprise. Any work published by Folding Chair is paid on a sliding scale based on length and scope of work. 

We welcome both pitches and previously unpublished completed work. If sending a pitch, please include samples of previous work. 

Please note that previously published works may be shared on Folding Chair by agreement with the contributor but are not eligible for payment. 

Short essays, articles and poetry up to 800 words
$200–$400 AUD, dependent on scope of work* 

Medium length essays and articles between approx. 900–1,500 words 
$400–$700 AUD, dependent on scope of work 

Long pieces / research-based essays from approx. 1,500–2,500+ words 
$700–$1,200 AUD, dependent on scope of work 

Photography  

$50 AUD per image for publishing rights of existing images, or $450–$600 AUD for new photographic projects. 

These rates apply to photographic projects submitted to, or commissioned by, Folding Chair. 

Where existing imagery is supplied to accompany an interview or conversation (for example, portraits, documentation of existing work, or previously published images), usage is by permission of the contributor and does not constitute a photography submission. All images are credited, and usage terms are agreed in writing. 

Film 

EQI pays contributors a fee for the online premiere publishing rights of completed film works. Fees are agreed in collaboration with the contributor and are dependent on scope of work and usage rights, typically ranging from $450–$1,200 AUD. 

Our Commitments  

Respect: Our rates are designed to value contributor’s time, energy and expertise, while acknowledging our budget constraints as a small social enterprise.  

Transparency: Clear (and simple) contracts outline rates, scope, deadlines, and payment terms.  

Accessibility: We prioritise opportunities for contributors from underrepresented groups — including First Nations, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities.  

Care: Beyond payment, we offer strong editorial support and visibility for your work.  

Have an idea? Send your pitch to foldingchair@equalityinstitute.org. 

Due to the overwhelming number of pitches we receive during submission open periods, please note that we are unable to provide individual feedback to every pitch. We appreciate the time and energy that goes into each submission and thank you for your effort and understanding. 

*In this context, “scope of work” is defined as the time, breadth and complexity of a piece of writing as agreed between Folding Chair and the contributor. 

Final rates, rights, and usage are confirmed in writing prior to publication.  

These guidelines may be updated from time to time.