SUBMIT YOUR STORY!
We Listen and
We Don’t Judge:
Volume II

Tony Lamair Burks II, editor

ABOUT THE BOOK
We Listen and We Don’t Judge is a space for school leaders to tell the truth—the whole truth—not just the polished version.

It will be a collaborative and confessional follow-up to the original, featuring more stories from leaders navigating the beautiful, brutal, and bewildering work of education. We intend to publish the book in Winter 2026.

STORY DUE DATE: 
​December 31, 2025


​ABOUT YOUR STORIES
We Listen and We Don’t Judge: Volume II shares your unfiltered moments of learning, leading, failing, restoring, and surviving. Your stories might be:
  • A time you did the right thing—and it still went wrong.
  • A moment you stayed silent when you wished you’d spoken up.
  • A decision you’re proud of, even if no one else knew the cost.
  • A risk you took. A mistake you made. A lesson you now live by.
WAYS TO GET YOUR STORIES WRITTEN
There are many ways to get your stories included in We Listen and We Don’t Judge: Volume II.  Even if you don’t think you’re a writer, you’ve got a story to tell! Here are a few ways to get your stories written:

  • Write It!  The most common way to get your story in this book is to write it down.  We encourage you to write it, then read it to someone you trust.  Ask them for their thoughts.  What do they like about your story?  What do they wonder about your story? What’s missing from your story?  Take their comments to heart and revise what you’ve written before submitting your stories to us.
 
  • Talk It!  Google has a free Speech Recognition add-on so you can talk your stories into a Google Docs document (it only works with the Google Chrome browser, however). While Dragon NaturallySpeaking isn’t free, you can type as fast as you can talk–up to 160 words per minute, three times faster than typing by hand–with up to 99% accuracy. 
 
  • Tell It! You can schedule a call with the editors to tell us your story.  We will talk with you about co-writing and ghostwriting options for including your story in the book.  There are a limited number of slots available for this option.
WRITING HELP & SUPPORT
Need help writing your story? We’ve got you covered! Join one or more of our upcoming writing retreats to receive support, encouragement, and a safe space to begin or refine your story.
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📅 SEPTEMBER TBA 
Virtual Writing Retreat (Zoom)



📅 OCTOBER TBA 
In-Person Writing Retreat
Spirit and Truth Sanctuary



📅 NOVEMBER TBA
Virtual Writing Retreat (Zoom)


​Whether you’re a seasoned writer or putting pen to paper for the first time, we are here to walk with you.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
An award-winning educator and lifelong storyteller, Dr. Tony Lamair Burks II brings decades of experience in education, leadership, and spiritual care. Dr. Burks serves as a writing coach and has led operations for a publishing house of an education-focused nonprofit. He has guided hundreds in telling their stories—whether through obituaries and dissertations, or memoirs and self-help books. His work centers on truth-telling, legacy-building, and creating spaces where every story is honored as sacred.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR STORIES
If you’ve got a story to share and the courage to tell it, we’re ready to listen—and we won’t judge. Anonymity is honored.  Pseudonyms are welcomed. Click HERE to submit your stories and an optional two-sentence bio.  If we select your story for publication, you will receive one complimentary copy of We Listen and We Don’t Judge: Volume II.  You will also be able to purchase additional copies of the book at a discounted price.  ​
STORY DUE DATE:
​December 31, 2025
Every school leader deserves the right to be seen in full...

The wars. The wins.

The wounds. The will.

The work. The worth.

The (bought) wisdom. 
​[x ... x]
ABOUT COPYRIGHTS
You, as the author, own the copyrights on your stories. LEADright, as the publisher, will not limit your right to reprint and reuse your stories in any way.

LEADright owns what is is called the “collective work” copyright of We Listen and We Don’t Judge: Volume II. as a whole. A “collective work” copyright essentially exists to ensure that no one can copy and sell the anthology without the publisher’s permission.

FOR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
Please contact Tony Lamair Burks II by email.
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