Call for submissions

Multi-author book on avoiding compassion fatigue for entrepreneurs in the care economy

We are seeking submissions for a multi-author book that will provide practical strategies for entrepreneurs in the care economy to avoid compassion fatigue. The care economy is the collection of paid and unpaid services that support caregivers and caregiving in all its forms.

About the book

Compassion fatigue is a form of burnout that can occur when people are exposed to the suffering of others on a regular basis. It can manifest as physical, emotional, and psychological exhaustion.

Entrepreneurs in the care economy are particularly vulnerable to compassion fatigue because they are often working with clients who are facing difficult challenges. They may also be working long hours, have limited resources, and be more focused on helping others than engaging in self-care.

This book will give entrepreneurs the tools they need to protect themselves from compassion fatigue. It will include such topics as:

  • Self-care: How to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health.
  • Boundaries: How to set boundaries with clients and colleagues.
  • Resilience: How to build your resilience to stress and burnout.
  • Mindfulness: How to practice mindfulness to stay present and grounded.
  • Support: How to find and build a support network.

We are seeking submissions from a variety of authors, including business coaches, life coaches, entrepreneurs with lived experience, clinicians, researchers, and advocates.

About the editors

Antoinette LeCouteur is an unpaid family caregiver and also an entrepreneur, consultant, photographer, philanthropy expert, social impact expert, volunteer, former actor, and vocal advocate for better support of caregivers and those who work in the care economy.

Peter Dudley is an author, editor, and certified life and leadership coach with over 25 years experience in publishing as well as expertise in corporate philanthropy, employee engagement, marketing, and nonprofit leadership.

Submitting your pitch

Do not submit full articles. If you are selected for inclusion in the book, we’ll work directly with you on completing the final article.

Do not submit attachments. Email submissions with attachments will be deleted unopened.

Please submit the following by email to pitches@graybearpublications.com. If you’re unsure about anything, email your questions before pitching. We want to make this work for you!

  • A summary of your article’s focus (what are you writing about?)
  • A description of your expertise (why are you the one to write this?)
  • A statement about the value to the reader (what are you providing them?)

Pitches will be considered on a rolling basis through December 1, 2023 or until all author slots are full.

Collaborative model full disclosure

This multi-author book uses a collaborative financing and marketing model. Each contributing author will also contribute funds up front to cover publication costs including administration, editing, design and layout, cover design, ISBN, publication, distribution, and marketing.

This is different from the traditional publishing model, where the publisher takes on the entire financial risk by covering all those expenses up front. We encourage you to read this article in Entrepreneur magazine about the collaborative versus traditional models if you have concerns.

The end product will be a beautifully designed, professional quality, multi-author book that both you and Gray Bear Publications will be proud to have our names on. This includes

  • Hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats
  • Worldwide print-on-demand distribution
  • Submission to appropriate awards and reviews
  • Marketing and publicity materials including images and video trailer

Authors may choose from two options:

Standard Contributor

What you contribute$600 contributor fee
What you receiveAuthor publication credit
Your chapter of up to 3,000 words
Professional editing and consultation by email
Access to editors’ office hours and author circle
Your headshot, bio, and links in the book
Your headshot, bio, and links on GBP website
Two contributor copies
Images and text you can use in your own marketing
Participation in launch party and launch publicity

Premium Contributor

What you contribute$1,000 contributor fee
What you receiveAuthor publication credit
Your chapter of up to 5,000 words
Professional editing and consultation by email
Access to editors’ office hours and author circle
Your headshot, bio, and links in the book
Your headshot, bio, and links on GBP website
Participation in a professionally produced video trailer
Three contributor copies
Images and text you can use in your own marketing
Two 30-minute 1:1 coaching sessions with the editors
Participation in launch party and launch publicity
Participation in author interviews, podcasts, and videos