Issue #18
by Kimberly Ripley
Greetings, Gather writers, and welcome to this issue of Freelancing for Pleasure and Profit. In this issue we're going to look at perfect grammar vs. conversational writing style.
Tried and true (I tried to avoid using the"old school" label here!) writers adhere quite strictly to the notion that proper grammar at all cost is the only way to go. While I do believe this has its place in the writing world...in textbooks, some newspaper topics, and reference materials, I do feel that "conversational" writing is becoming both increasingly popular and very well accepted. There are, however, fine lines we walk as writers, and certain rules that shouldn't be broken.
Basic rules like not using double negatives should always apply, with the exception of dialogue. If the dialogue fits the character's persona, then by all means break the rule. In plain text there are no such liberties. In keeping the tone of articles conversational, writers may overlook proper grammar in the who, who's, whose and whom family. They may omit punctuation to make a sentence flow the way one might speak. And they may start a sentence with the word "and," as I've just done, to signify a continuation of the idea at hand.
An invaluable writing tool I've long reached for in times of confusion...or when I need a bit of a refresher in grammar or punctuation, is a book called Grammatically Correct...The Writer's Essential Guide to Punctuation, Spelling, Style, Usage and Grammar by Anne Stilman. It has graced my shelves for quite a few years now, and never seems to let me down when my own common sense fails to prevail. Available both new and used at online bookstores, it's well worth the investment. Good grammar web sites include webgrammar.com and grammarbook.com.
Now that you ain't got no excuse not to write proper grammar-wise, I'm gonna give you's all some markets for writers. (Sorry...I just couldn't resist here!) If querying these publications isn't in your immediate writing plan, use the list for other purposes.
1. Draw up a list of possible topics that could fit the publications.
2. Compare what different editors request of freelance submissions, and decide whether or not you might be a good match for a certain publication.
3. Visit the web sites of various publications you're unfamiliar with, and learn about new topics and/or different writer's writing styles.
No matter which you choose, any of these exercises will enhance your knowledge of the writing world, whether you do it for pleasure, for profit, or both!
Shotgun News
P.O. Box 1790
Peoria, IL. 61656
E-Mail Queries: Yes, via form on web site
Guidelines Online: No
Firearms enthusiasts and military collectors read this magazine for news and reviews of many different types of shotguns. Articles run 2500-3000 words, and include topics on sales, manufacturers, maintenance, historical events, use, and history of shotguns. Query via online form or snail mail.
Buys: First Rights
Pays: On acceptance-up to $350.
********************************************
World War II
Primedia History Group
Suite D-2
741 Miller Dr. SELeesburg, VA. 20175
E-Mail Queries: No
Guidelines Online: No
This magazine publishes accurate, entertaining, and informative articles on the Second World War. Topics include history, strategies, arms tactics, equipment, and land, air and sea military operations. Personal experience pieces, interviews and profiles are welcome. Length is 3500-4000 words. Query via standard mail.
Buys: All Rights
Pays: On publication--$100
*******************************************
In The Wind
P.O. Box 3000
Agoura Hills, CA. 91376
E-Mail Queries: Yes
Guidelines Online: No
Focused primarily on Harley Davidson motorcycles and the people who ride them, this publication captures the motorcycle lifestyle both in the United States and abroad. Articles include profiles, trips, mechanical pieces, and interviews. Length is 1000-2000 words. Query via standard mail or e-mail or submit complete manuscript. Photos (which increase payment) also increase the chance of acceptance.
Buys: All rights
Pays: Policy varies--$100-$600
*******************************************
Preservation
1785 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
E-Mail Queries: Yes
Guidelines Online: No
http://www.preservationonline.org/
This is the publication of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and primarily features architecture and its relationship to politics, art, history, places, and people. Articles average 3000 words, and include topics like antiques, the arts, current events, education, gardening, government, history, house and home, nature, the environment, public affairs, and travel as related to architecture. Query via standard mail or e-mail and include published clips.
Buys: First Rights
Pays: On acceptance-50 cents to $1 per word
*********************************************
Brew Your Own
5053 Main St.
Manchester Center, VT. 05255
E-Mail Queries: Yes
Guidelines Online: No
This is a publication for hobbyists and enthusiasts who enjoy brewing their own beer. Articles are informational, how-to's, and recipes, as well as profiles of brewers, historical pieces and interviews. Length is 1500-3000 words. Query via e-mail or standard mail.
Buys: All rights
Pays: On publication--$50-$150
*********************************************
Stuff
1040 Avenue of the Americas
New York, N.Y. 10018
E-Mail Queries: Yes
Guidelines Online: No
http://www.stuffmagazine.com/index.aspx
Stuff is a monthly publication targeting men in their pursuit of many pleasures, including gadgets, sports, entertainment, humor and sex. Articles average 1000 words. Discuss alternative lengths with editors. Reviews of new electronic gadgets and their accompanying software are published, as are concert reviews, music reviews, interviews and humorous essays. Submit query via standard mail or e-mail and include published clips as well as additional qualifications.
Buys: First Rights
Pays: On publication-pay is negotiated per article, based on writing experience and length.
********************
Tallahassee Magazine
1932 Miccosukee Rd.
Tallahassee, FL. 32308
E-Mail Queries: Yes
Guidelines Online: No
This isn't a general interest publication. Instead each piece, including photo features, travel articles, sports pieces, interviews, essays, profiles and nostalgia-must have a distinct Tallahassee, Florida slant. Length is 1000-2000 words. Query via standard mail or e-mail and state availability of photos with submission.
Buys: First Rights
Pays: On acceptance-up to $250.
*******************
The Plain Truth
300 West Green St.
Pasadena, CA. 91129
E-Mail Queries: Yes
Guidelines Online: Yes
This magazine provides Bible-based solutions to every day actual problems. Dubbed "Christianity without the religion," its bimonthly pages affirm living faith in Jesus Christ. Article length is 750-2500 words. Query via standard mail or e-mail and include published clips.
Buys: First rights-will consider reprints
Pays: On publication-25 cents per word/ 15 cent per word for reprints
*****************
Game and Fish
22250 Newmarket Parkway
Suite 110
Marietta. GA. 30067
E-Mail Queries: Yes
Guidelines Online: No
http://www.gameandfishmag.com/
Readers of this magazine are experienced hunters and anglers, and the articles must be useful and specific with regard to hunting and fishing in particular regions. Other topics include game and fish management. Nearly all articles are focused on one particular state-very few have a national slant. Length is 1100-2500 words. Query via standard mail or e-mail and mention availability of photos. Pleas include published clips.
Buys: First rights
Pays: On publication-up to $300.
********************
Glass Digest
18 East 41st St.
New York, N.Y. 10017
E-Mail Queries: Yes
Guidelines Online: No
This trade journal is published monthly and covers architectural metal, flat glass, glazing and auto glass-including functionality, business trends, architectural designs and industry trends. They deal strictly with the trade aspect of glass-no articles on hobbyists or stained glass artists will be considered. Length is 1000-2000 words. Query via standard mail or e-mail and state availability of good quality photos-which greatly enhance chance of acceptance.
Buys: Rights vary
Pays: On publication-up to $400.
*******************
Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author from New Hampshire. Freelancing for Pleasure and Profit appears twice monthly at Gather.com.
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 25
I like where you be at. Or, where you at? Where you be? Where you be at?
Using prepositions at the end of a sentence is the sort of nonsense up with which I shall not put.
Thanks for a great article, Kimberly.
I did a little free-lancing before I was married, and this encourages me to give it another try.
Second, your suggested exercises are great and remind me of a great publications marketing class I had at George Washington University. The teacher gave us all random publications and left us to figure out how we would market them and to whom. It was an eye-opening exercise. Once you step out of your comfort zone (particularly with writing niches), you can find entire worlds at your fingertips.
Finally, your readers can always count on you to provide new ideas for markets. I love collecting Depression glass, yet never thought about writing about the subject. You've opened new vistas.
Congratulations on another great article!