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WRITERS’ GUIDELINES

Stories must appeal to an educated Texas audience. We like solidly researched reporting that uncovers issues of public concern, reveals offbeat and previously unreported topics, or uses a novel approach to familiar topics. Any issue of the magazine would be a helpful guide. We do not use unsolicited fiction, poetry, or cartoons.

SUBMITTING THE STORY IDEA OR MANUSCRIPT: All materials should be mailed to Jake Silverstein, Editor, Texas Monthly, P.O. Box 1569, Austin, TX 78767-1569.

A query letter should precede submission of the manuscript. The letter should provide a sample of the style of the proposed article, indicate a perspective, and list material to be covered. A brief outline showing the direction and approach of the proposed article should accompany the letter. A self-addressed, stamped envelope should be included with all queries and manuscripts.

ACCEPTANCE: All material should be considered submitted on speculation until formally accepted. A formal answer will be sent to you within six to eight weeks. If your manuscript is accepted, an editor will be assigned to you. By accepting an article, we make no commitment to a publishing date.

PREPARATION OF COPY: All manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced. The author should retain a copy of the manuscript. On the cover page of the manuscript the author should include his or her name, mailing address, email address, and a telephone number where editors may call during the working day. Include an SASE large enough to contain the manuscript.

EDITING: The editor’s job is to make the magazine as readable and unimpeachable as possible. We consult with the author about editorial changes whenever possible. The author has the option to withdraw a story if agreement on points of editing cannot be reached.

Your editor will continue to work with you until the manuscript reaches its finished form. You will be contacted by a copy editor and a fact checker assigned to your story. When you are notified that your story will run, you should submit any notes, tapes, and documents to the fact checker. During the production process, you will receive a set of galleys of your story.

PAYMENT: Payment for a story is made on acceptance. The fee is negotiated and agreed upon when the writer is notified that the manuscript has been accepted. A written agreement must be signed before payment is made.