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Writers'
Guidelines
STYLE: Newly
reformatted as of spring 2003, Pittsburgh magazine tells the
stories of life in our community. All fields of human existence
are fair game for story pitches, as long as they have some direct
relation to the greater Pittsburgh region.
— Feature stories (1,200 to 4,000 words) can be personality-based
(e.g., people profiles), issues-based (e.g., news analysis) or
a mix thereof. In any case, they should embody the traits of narrative
journalism: strong, scene-based storytelling complementing solid,
in-depth reporting. Fields of interest include, but are by no means
limited to: lifestyles, arts/culture, business, education, politics,
sports, science/technology and social issues.
— Essays (500 to 1,000 words) may include commentary, cultural criticism,
significant anecdotes or other forms of nonfiction writing. Pittsburgh magazine
considers a limited number of essays each year.
— Book reviews (150 to 500 words) are welcome from local experts and scholars
writing about books in their particular field of expertise.
— Vignettes (200 to 450 words) present quick, punchy slices of life and/or
previously unreported news issues through tight, narrative storytelling. See
Pittsburgh magazine’s “Scoop” section for examples.
— Photojournalism submissions (from single photos to multi-page essays)
are always welcome.
SCHEDULING:
Each
issue is scheduled at least four months in advance; feature ideas
that do not fit that time frame cannot be considered. Vignettes
and book reviews can be considered as late as eight weeks before
publication.
PAYMENT &
RIGHTS: Feature
fees are negotiated on a case-by-case basis; they vary from $300
up, depending upon length and complexity
of story and upon writer’s experience. Vignettes, book reviews
and essays vary from $50 to $150 (query first). Our standard contract
is work-for-hire; we will negotiate other rights on a case-by-case
basis.
SUBMISSION:
Address
all queries to: Pittsburgh magazine; Stephen Segal, managing editor;
4802 Fifth Avenue; Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Written queries only. We prefer to receive a brief query with a
sample lead and one-page outline; writers should also enclose 3-5
published clips plus a resume. Manuscripts and other materials
will be returned only if the writer includes a self-addressed,
stamped envelope, or can be picked up at our office. Pittsburgh
magazine cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to unsolicited
material. The writer guarantees that any submitted piece is his
or her own work and is not plagiarized.
AFTER ACCEPTANCE:
Once a story is accepted, we will review the first
draft, which should be accompanied by a list of sources and their
phone numbers for fact-checking. Pittsburgh magazine reserves the
right to ask for changes and a second draft. The writer is responsible
for completing all research deemed necessary by the editors.
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Our
Mission
PITTSBURGH
magazine
is the monthly community publication for the greater Pittsburgh
region, including western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern
West Virginia and western Maryland.
PITTSBURGH
magazine
presents issues, analyzes problems, and strives to encourage a better
understanding of today's community to more than 75,000 readers.
Contact
Information
PITTSBURGH
magazine
Stephen Segal Managing Editor
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15213
Questions?
Email editor@wqed.org.
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