Resources

Writer's Guidelines

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Thank you for your interest in Milwaukee Magazine. Here are some guidelines that will help you in submitting material:

WHO WE ARE

1. Milwaukee Magazine is a monthly magazine covering the people, issues and places of Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Total circulation is about 40,000; total readership (according to the respected Media Audit) is more than 220,000.
2. Get to know our publication by reading it. Some stories are archived on our Web site. Sample copies of the magazine may be bought on newsstands throughout the area ($3) or requested by mail ($6). One-year subscriptions are $19.

WHAT WE WANT

1. We are interested in timely stories about current issues, local personalities, area business, sports, healthcare, education, politics, arts and culture, architecture and urban life, history, food, shopping, music and nightlife, recreation and the environment. We are particularly looking for writers who can deliver brightly written, well-researched service articles but are also interested in investigative stories from qualified reporters. Full-length feature stories run 2,500-5,000 words; if your query leads to an assignment, we'll specify what length we're looking for. We pay $700-$2,000.
2. We are also in the market for two-page "breaker" stories, which are often short on copy (less than 1,500 words) and long on visuals.
3. Stories for our front-of-book Insider section range from exposés to amusing slices of local life to interesting people profiles. We're looking for stories you won't find in other local publications and unconventional angles on the current scene. Freelance writers often begin their association with Milwaukee Magazine here. These stories usually run no more than 650 words and pay $50-$225. Query Assistant Editor Evan Solochek. Mini-reviews for our Reviews page are assigned by Senior Editor Ann Christenson. Mini-reviews run no longer than 125 words and pay $50.

WHAT WE DON'T WANT

1. We focus very closely on Milwaukee and the surrounding area. We are simply not in the market for articles that are not about the people, places and issues of our region. Nor are we much interested in stories about former Milwaukeeans or national subjects that touch our region only tangentially.
2. We are not in the market for fiction, personal reminiscences or poetry.
3. Many of our columns are written by regular contributors, but occasionally we publish freelance submissions.

HOW TO PITCH US

1. Your best bet is to query with samples of your previously published work. Tell us why your idea is right for our magazine and why you're the one to write it.
2. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for our reply. We cannot respond to queries and manuscripts not accompanied by return postage. Please allow four to six weeks for a response. You can also e-mail us with a pitch, clips, etc.

THE DETAILS

• For all stories, Milwaukee Magazine buys first rights and pays on publication, unless otherwise indicated. Pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed with proper documentation.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

1. When contacting sources, you may state that "I'm writing an article for Milwaukee Magazine" if the article has been specifically assigned, in writing, by an editor of Milwaukee Magazine. You may not represent yourself as anything other than an independent contractor on assignment for Milwaukee Magazine.
2. If you or a close relative or friend are related in any way (e.g., board memberships, employment, volunteer work) to a story you wish to work on, this relationship must be disclosed to the editor prior to accepting the assignment.
3. Under no circumstances are writers allowed to accept gifts, gratuities, free tickets or other special privileges in connection with an assignment for Milwaukee Magazine.

We are seeking freelance writers who can deliver lively, well-researched stories that help our readers make the most out of the Milwaukee area. We respect writers who can deliver copy on deadline that fits the specifications of our assignment. If you fit this description, we'd love to work with you.

Thanks for your interest in Milwaukee Magazine.

Bruce Murphy,
Editor