Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a deadline to submit an essay?
No. This project will continue for at least two years so we welcome your essay at any time.

How long should my essay be?
Between 350 and 500 words, or about three minutes when read aloud at your natural speaking pace.

How do I know you received my essay?
When you successfully submit your essay on the NPR Web site you will see an on-screen message that your essay was received. This will be your only confirmation of the submission process.

Can I submit an essay via regular mail?
Although we prefer that you submit your essay online, you can also mail it to us at This I Believe, P.O. Box 445, Woods Hole, MA 02543. Please note however, that you will have to sign and return the submission agreement before we can review a submission sent through the mail.

What happens to my essay after I submit it?
The essays are being compiled for a special online archive that is being created for this project. Essayists will be notified via e-mail when that archive is available to the public. If your essay is selected for potential broadcast on NPR, you will be contacted by one of our staff. If your essay is selected for potential broadcast by your local public radio station, one of their staff will contact you. Please be patient with us during this review process: we want to give careful consideration to every essay we receive.

How can I improve the chances of my essay being broadcast?
First, make sure your essay is framed in a concrete belief or conviction (we receive many wonderful essays that we are unable to use because they contain no statement of belief). Then, tell us a compelling story about how you came to hold that belief, or a time that belief was challenged, or how that belief shapes your daily activities. Trying sharing one belief instead of composing a list of your beliefs.

Can my child submit an essay?
We welcome essays from young people, but their parents must be a part of the submission process. You can read the details on our submission agreement.

When can I hear the new essays?
NPR is broadcasting new This I Believe segments on Morning Edition and All Things Considered on alternating Mondays (i.e., Morning Edition one Monday, All Things Considered the next). You can listen to and read the new essays on our Web site.

How can I contact the author of my favorite essay?
We do not share personal contact information about our essayists. However, you may share your thoughts about a specific essay or your comments about the series by visiting our contact page.

How can I get a transcript of an essay?
You can print transcripts of the essays from the NPR Web site. Simply click on the "print page" icon in the upper right corner of the web page featuring the essay you like.

How can I get a book or audio recordings of the 1950s essays?
A hugely successful series of books and recordings was created under the title of This I Believe. These are available from many online sources of used books and vintage records. In the coming months, we will re-issue many of the texts and recordings of the original series, and well as material from our revival of the series.

How can I obtain resources to bring This I Believe into my classroom, civic group or place of worship?
Visit our "Get Involved" section to learn more about the materials we have available.