What I Meant to Tell You
An Anthology of Apologies and Gratitudes to the Natural World

What I Meant to Tell You will be printed and distributed worldwide by Verdant Publishing in February 2027. Your letter, note or postcard, in your handwriting, could be part of it. This isn't a blog post or a one-time reading. It's a physical book people will hold, years from now, with your words in it.

What we're looking for:
Write to a species, a landscape, a body of water, a tree, an insect, a season, a place — anything in nature living or once-living. An apology, a gratitude, or both in the same letter. Address it directly: Dear Ocean, or To the oak tree behind my childhood home. A letter, postcard, note, or a letter with a sketch — just addressed to something, not written about something in general.

No writing or art experience required. All ages, all places. Free, no submission fee.

Guidelines

  • Handwritten or typed

  • Only handwritten submissions are eligible for inclusion in the printed anthology. Typed submissions are welcome and will be included in the online archive.

  • Mailed and postmarked by October 9, 2026 (this means the last day to send it is Oct. 9th)

  • Can't mail it? Email is available as a last resort for contributors without postal access or for whom postage is a barrier — send a photo of your handwritten letter, or a typed version

  • Complete the digital submission form (see below)

  • Everyone's included — a curated selection appears in the printed anthology, everyone else in the public online archive. You'll hear which by December 15, 2026

  • Mailing your letter? We'll send you a confirmation postcard from The Verdancy Project once it arrives

  • Have questions? Please review our FAQ

How to submit

  1. Fill out this form

  2. Write your letter.

  3. Mail to:
    The Verdancy Project,
    30310 SE Division Dr,
    Troutdale, OR 97060
    USA
    or email info@verdancyproject.com — Postmarked by Oct 9, 2026