01
The child comes first
The story should entertain and move a child before it tries to teach.
PUBLIC PREVIEW · APPLICATIONS NOT YET OPEN
THEOEspañolTHEO writer call
A great story can stay with a child for life.
THEO is looking for new voices to create stories that help children know and live their faith. We want humor, heart, and characters who feel real.
We will pay $100 for every story we select. The strongest collaboration may lead to a development agreement worth up to $2,000.
The app where these stories will live
WHO WE ARE
THEO helps millions of families bring their children closer to God.
THEO is the world’s fastest-growing faith and prayer app for children. Created by Familify, it brings together prayers, meditations, Bible stories, and original storytelling for families to share every day.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Stories children ask to hear again.
You do not need a publishing credit. You may be an author, teacher, children’s ministry writer, screenwriter, parent, or someone waiting for a first opportunity. We want to discover a voice that connects with children and someone we can keep creating with.
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Faith that feels natural
Faith should come through what the characters face and choose, not a sermon at the end.
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Humor and truth
We want memorable characters, honest emotion, and moments that make children laugh.
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A real collaborator
We care about the person behind the story as much as the submission itself.
COMPENSATION
If we choose your story, we will pay to publish it.
Submitting a story does not transfer its rights. If we want to publish it or commission more work, you will receive a separate offer and agreement.
THEO writer call
$100for every story selected for publication
Up to $2,000to create more stories
Writers who are a strong fit for THEO may receive additional commissions and be considered for future opportunities with the team.
THE BRIEF
Send a story you already have, or write something new.
Option A · A story you have already written
Send a children’s story that shows your voice and how you weave faith into an adventure. You must control the rights to the work.
Option B · A new story
Write 600–1,200 words, or a 5–8 minute audio script, for children ages 5–9. Choose a virtue such as generosity, courage, forgiveness, honesty, or patience. Include humor, a difficult choice, and a change that feels earned.
The story should work for children ages 5–9.
You may draw from Scripture, but it should feel like a story, not a lesson.
If you write for audio, everything must make sense with your eyes closed.
Do not use THEO or any other protected character. We want to meet your imagination.
Your story needs to be yours.
We do not accept work created with ChatGPT or any other generative AI. That includes the idea, outline, draft, and rewrite.
- Traditional spell-check is fine.
- We may ask to see drafts or discuss specific choices in the story.
- If we cannot confirm authorship, the application will not move forward.
- We would rather read an imperfect story that is yours than a polished story made by a machine.
PROCESS
Campaign timeline
Sep 1Applications open
Oct 5Deadline at 11:59 p.m. ET
Oct 6–23Reading and shortlist
Oct 26–Nov 6Conversations and paid tests
Nov 13Selections and offers
HOW WE CHOOSE
What will make a story stand out
01A child wants to keep listening.
02There is a strong problem, a hard choice, and an earned ending.
03Faith comes through naturally in what the characters do.
04The voice is distinctive, funny, and emotionally honest.
APPLICATION
Send us your story.
We are not looking for a perfect application. We just need to know a little about you and read your work.
The form will open when the call begins.
FAQ