FAQ

Anyone 18 or older who has an original story to tell. You don’t need an agent, a big platform, or previous credits—just a piece of writing you care about.

We’re looking for strong, story-driven writing with emotional depth and a clear narrative pull. Fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction, and stand-alone excerpts or chapters are all welcome, as long as they can hold their own and leave a lasting impression. We’re drawn to stories that reveal something true about people—their choices, conflicts, relationships, losses, obsessions, survival, or transformation.

For now, we’re looking for stories in roughly the 500–1,500 word range. Shorter is okay if it lands; longer pieces may be considered if they adapt well to a 1–10 minute film.

No—but it does need to feel grounded, emotionally honest, and well told.

You can submit:

• Memoir or personal essays
• Fiction
• Creative nonfiction
• Stand-alone excerpts or chapters from longer works
• Lightly speculative work with real human stakes

What matters most to us is strong storytelling: a piece that stands on its own, carries emotional weight, and stays with the reader.

Right now, we’re not the best fit for heavily worldbuilt fantasy, hard sci-fi, or concept-first pieces without a strong narrative center. That may evolve over time, so stay connected.

YES. You retain ownership of your work.
If we select your piece, you grant Riveter Studio a non-exclusive license to adapt, publish, and promote the story as a cinematic short (and related promotional materials). That means:

• You can still publish the written story elsewhere.
• You can include video in your own book, newsletter, or portfolio.

Full details are in the Story Submission & License Agreement.

In this first “pilot” season, our focus is proving that the studio model works and building an audience. Selected contributors will receive:

• A professionally produced short film based on their story
• Credit and attribution when the piece is released
• A link you can share with your own audience

As Riveter grows, we will introduce a royalty layer for authors.  Any changes to payment or terms will be clearly communicated and updated in our agreement.

We may lightly adapt or edit for:

• Clarity
• Length / pacing
• Voiceover performance

We will not change the core meaning of your story. If substantial changes are needed, we’ll be in touch before moving forward with production.

We look for pieces that:

• Are emotionally honest and character-driven
• Center on a clear turning point or moment of insight
• Fit our current themes and production bandwidth
• Translate well to a 1–8 minute cinematic format

We wish we could produce everything, but we keep the slate small so each story gets real attention.

Yes, as long as:

• You still hold the rights needed to grant us a non-exclusive license, and
• You tell us where it has appeared (blog, newsletter, book, etc.).

Just note any prior publication when you submit.

Our goal is to share a preview link with selected contributors before public release whenever timelines allow. Because our production schedule can be tight, we can’t promise a long review window, but we do want you to see how your story came to life.

You’ll be credited by your name or pen name (your choice), and we may include a short byline or description when there’s room. If you have a website or social media handle you’d like us to link, you can include that information in your submission, and we’ll add it to the outro.

We do not accept stories that promote hate, harassment, or violence against individuals or groups, or that are primarily graphic without a narrative purpose. Sensitive topics (trauma, abuse, addiction, etc.) may be considered, but we’ll handle them with care and may decline pieces that we feel we can’t responsibly adapt.

This is a small studio with a small team. We aim to respond within 4–6 weeks, but timelines may vary depending on how many submissions we’re reviewing and what’s in active production.

Yes, but please start with your strongest piece. Once we’ve reviewed your first submission, you’re welcome to send more as our submission window and bandwidth allow.