Freelancing for Pleasure and Profit

by Kimberly Ripley

Issue #16

Greetings, Gather writers, and welcome to this week's issue of Freelancing for Pleasure and Profit. Freelance writing takes us to a variety of locations, and with the marvel of the Internet we can take our writing with us as we go. Mine takes me today to a hospital in our city where my husband is a patient. The poor dear is hooked up to IV antibiotics and is feeling pretty lousy. As I stand guard over his room and filter through doctors, nurses and other people who all claim they know more than God...I am submitting an abbreviated version of my column.

So please take your writing endeavors with you wherever today may find you, and perfect a query letter or two based on the writing markets below.

(...and any and all prayers for my hubby are so very welcome!)

Dramatics

2343 Auburn Ave.

Cincinnati, OH. 45219

E-Mail Queries: Yes

dcorathers@edta.org

Guidelines Online: No

Dramatics is an educational theater magazine published since 1929 by the International Thespian Society. Freelance writers are encouraged to submit either nonfiction articles or plays. Article topics include many areas of performing arts, dance, film, and video, and feature interviews, how-to pieces on set blocking or costume designing, and innovations and classic pieces on theater institutions. Articles average 800 to 4000 words. Plays must be acceptable for high school performances, therefore attention must be paid to language and overt topics. Plays include one act and full length features. Manuscripts are preferred, but queries will be accepted, via standard mail or e-mail.

Buys: First rights.

Pays: On acceptance-pay ranges from $25 to $400.

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Teaching Theatre

2343 Auburn Ave.

Cincinnati, OH. 45219

E-Mail Queries: Yes

jpalmarini@edta.org

Guidelines Online: No

Teaching Theatre is a quarterly educational theatre journal published by the Educational Theatre Association. It contains a fairly even mix of articles, including how-to, advocacy and theory. Since Teaching Theatre's readers are extremely well educated in the performing arts, general ideas aren't considered. Topics must include a specific teaching methodology, a school's specific model, or something incredibly innovative with regard to theatre. Complete manuscripts are preferred. Send accompanying photos (black and white) with manuscript for consideration, via standard mail or e-mail.

Buys: First rights.

Pays: On acceptance--$50-$350.

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Coffee-zine Scene

Riprap Entertainment

PO Box 55221

Sherman Oaks, CA. 91413

E-Mail Queries: Yes

questions@riprapentertainment.com

Guidelines Online: No

Coffee-zine Scene is an electronic publication sponsored by Riprap Writers Playhouse-a California writing group. While not published on a regular basis, the zine does publish according to their receipt of quality material, and while not high-paying-they do pay. Nonfiction topics include educational, inspirational, resourceful, personal experience, and how-to pieces-all related to writing, acting, film, production and/or publishing. Length of nonfiction varies. Query first with writing samples. Fiction is also accepted. Short stories up to 5000 words will be considered.

Buys: Will consider previously published material. Asks for non-exclusive online archival rights.

Pays: On publication--$25.

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ADDitude Magazine

Bo 421

2476 Bolsover

Houston, TX. 77005-2518

E-Mail Queries: Yes

additude@additudemag.com

Guidelines Online: Yes

http://www.additudemag.com/contact.asp?DEPT_NO=1300&ARTICLE_NO=2

ADDitude Magazine is a lifestyle and self-help publication for parents of children with Attention Deficit Disorder-or adults who have ADD themselves. Do not send unsolicited manuscripts. Query only via standard or e-mail. Articles average 2000 words and include first person experiences by parents, teachers, or employers-as well as new information in the field of educating those with ADD.

Buys: Rights vary.

Pays: Rate varies depending on experience and expertise of author. $75 kill fee is paid for accepted articles that don't make it into print.

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LabMice.net

No snail mail address

http://www.labmice.net/

E-Mail Queries: Yes

submit@labmice.net

LabMice.net started as a free research tool for IT professionals. It now serves thousands of Windows users via its online publication. Guidelines, how-to's, technical explanations, and lessons learned in the field are all examples of viable topics. Articles run 1000-1500 words. This is an excellent place for unpublished writers to break in. Send query via e-mail and include bio and qualifications.

Buys: First rights.

Pays: On publication. Payment varies, based on experience. New writers can expect to make $60-$100 per article. Established writers start at 25 cents per word. A 25% kill fee is offered as well.

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Down East Magazine

PO Box 679

Camden, ME. 04843

E-Mail Queries: No

Guidelines Online: Yes

http://www.downeast.com/editguide.html

Most of Down East's articles are written on assignment by a pool of regular contributors. They do have a column called "I Remember"which features first-person essays or narratives about unique aspects of living in Maine. This is open to freelancers. Since Down East is all about the state of Maine, it's obvious that a Maine residence at one time, or experience while staying in the state of Maine is necessary. Maximum essay length is 1200 words. Query via standard mail with published clips or writing samples.

Buys: First rights.

Pays: On acceptance. $100.

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Indianapolis Monthly

40 Monument Circle

Suite 100

Indianapolis, IN. 46204

E-Mail Queries: Yes

Fill in form on Web site

http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/contact.cfm

Guidelines Online: No

http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/

In addition to list articles, this publication uses lots of personal essays. The content, however, must pertain to the Indiana or Indianapolis region. Article length varies from 350 to 2500 words. Query via e-mail or standard mail and include published clips.

Buys: First rights.

Pays: On acceptance--$50-$1000.

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Audubon

700 Broadway

New York, N.Y. 10003

Guidelines Online: No

http://www.audubon.org/

Dealing solely with the meshing of human and natural environment, this publication educates readers on how to do their part to preserve our natural world. Accepts queries only. Send with published clips via standard mail. Articles average 1000-3000 words.

Pays: On acceptance-up to $3000.

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Listen Magazine

55 W. Oak Ridge Dr.

Hagerstown, MD. 21740

E-Mail Queries: Yes

listen@healthconnections.org

This magazine targets high school aged students and is used by high schools and professionals working with this age group. Its aim is to educate students and parents about drug and alcohol addictions and tobacco dependencies. Accepts queries or complete manuscript via standard or e-mail. Article length is 1000-1200 words.

Pays: On acceptance-10 cents per word.

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Travel America

990 Grove St.

Evanston, IL. 60201

Guidelines Online: Yes

http://www.travelandleisure.com/contact/index.cfm#ed

Can you comprise a list of the best five places to eat hotdogs while visiting Boston? How about the ten craziest rollercoaster rides in the Midwest? If so, then Travel America is a "must-query" on your list. All destination pieces must have a personal touch and not resemble dry guidebook-style writing. Manuscripts average 1000 words. Query via standard mail with published clips. Accompanying photos enhance chances of acceptance.

Pays: On publication--$100-$300.

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Baby Talk

530 Fifth Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10036

Guidelines Online: No

Aimed at women considering becoming pregnant, couples expecting a baby, or parents of babies-Baby Talk often publishes list articles. Focus your query with a service or how-to perspective. Articles run 1000-2000 words and are intended for first-time parents. Query via standard mail with published clips.

Buys: Rights vary.

Pays: On publication--$100-$1000.

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Vista Magazine

999 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Suite 600

Coral Gables, FL. 33134

Guidelines Online: No

http://www.vistamagazine.com/

In print since 1985, this magazine features both a print and online version. Articles are of general interest and must pertain to a Hispanic audience. Features include how-to, humor, book reviews, interviews, profiles, opinions, travel, and personal experience. Length is 500-1500 words. Send query letter via standard mail or submit entire manuscript.

Pays: On publication: $200-$1000.

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Chess Life

3054 US Rt. 9W

New Windsor, NY 12553

E-Mail Queries: Yes

magazines@uschess.orh

Guidelines Online: No

http://www.uschess.org/

If chess is in your repertoire of clever moves, query this publication with your ideas on instruction, player profiles, tournaments, and events. Articles run 250-1200 words. Send query via standard mail or e-mail. Will accept simultaneous submissions.

Buys: Will consider reprints. Buys first rights.

Pays: On publication $50 per 1000 words.

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The Old Farmer's Almanac

Main St.

Dublin, NH 03444

Guidelines Online: Yes

http://www.almanac.com/

Old timers swear by the information published in this-the oldest published magazine in the United States. "New timers" are quickly learning the merits of its articles. Providing useful information to Americans from all walks of life, The Old Farmer's Almanac offers tidbits for farmers, gardeners, and fishermen, as well as interesting articles about a variety of useful topics. Usefulness is a prerequisite to publication. Articles run  800-2400 words. Query via standard mail with relevant published clips.

Pays: On acceptance-65 cents per word.

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Water Gardening

PO Box 607

St. John, IN. 46373

E-Mail Queries: Yes

editor@watergardening.com

Guidelines Online: No

http://www.watergardening.com/

I've long been enthralled by watching those home improvement shows, as avid landscapers install manmade bodies of water in their own backyards. Water Gardening is a magazine for these enthusiasts. Featuring how-to, creative ideas, and pieces on equipment and gadgets, this magazine caters to water gardeners using both manmade and natural ponds. Article length averages 800-1500 words. Send query via standard mail or e-mail with published clips. Accompanying photos enhance chance of acceptance.

Buys: First time rights.

Pays: On publication-rates negotiated based on experience.

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American Forests

PO Box 2000

Washington, DC 20013

E-Mail Queries: Yes

mrobbins@amfor.org

Guidelines Online: No

http://www.americanforests.org/

Ecosystem and forest restoration is the focus of this magazine, published quarterly by a not-for-profit organization. Historical articles, nostalgia, general interest and how-to pieces all qualify for consideration, with emphasis on trees, forests, and forestry. Articles run 1500-2000 words. Query via e-mail or standard mail with published clips.

Buys: One-time Rights.

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Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author from New Hampshire. Freelancing for Pleasure aned Profit appears twice monthly at Gather.com.