Thank you for your interest in contributing to Latitude 38. Although thousands of copies are distributed to Southern California, Washington and Hawaii each month, Latitude 38 is primarily a Northern California magazine. As such, any article of interest to Northern California sailors is of interest to us, be it an island in the Pacific a sailor may eventually visit, a classic design someone has restored or a piece of gear a sailor might not understand. Northern California sailors have such broad interests that almost any sailing topic is worthy of consideration. But enough generalizing - here are some specifics we like to see in a typical submission:

STYLE - We assume, since you took the time to inquire, that you're familiar with Latitude 38 and our general editorial style. In other words, we use 'dockside idiom', and prefer folks to write as if they were conversing with a fellow sailor on the dock. Opinions are encouraged, pontifications are not. We're among friends, you know. It's also part of our style to include boat names, boat types and homeports in all our articles. Always also include author's home address and phone/FAX/email contacts.

FORMAT - We like "snail mail" contributions to be typed, double-spaced, and on one side of the page only. Computer-generated copy of about the same basic dimensions is fine, too. Handwriting is also acceptable as long as it's legible. Although we prefer to keep out of other people's work, if you make a contribution to Latitude 38, we reserve the right to edit and rewrite to our heart's content.

LENGTHS - Feature articles normally run 1,500 to 2,500 words, or about 6 to 10 typewritten pages. (Most double-spaced, typewritten pages - or the word-processing equivalent - have 200-250 words per page.) If your Feature Article has to be edited way down, or if only part of it is used, it may end up as a Sightings, a Short Feature or a Changes In Latitudes. Short Features run anywhere from 500 to 1,500 words. These may run by themselves, or they may end up in Sightings. Changes In Latitudes can run from 100 to 1,000 words or more. Latitude 38 makes the final determinations regarding editing, placement and fee paid.

PHOTOGRAPHS - Latitude is quite visually driven. We always welcome and encourage submission of interesting, exciting or unusual photos having to do with the sailing lifestyle.

As for editorial submissions, except in rare cases, pertinent photographs must accompany all articles for them to be seriously considered for publication. Photos can be as simple as postcards or single snapshots in the case of Short Features or Changes, to a selection of perhaps a dozen pertinent shots or even a roll or two of film on Feature Articles. Black and white or color photos, slides, negs or undeveloped film are acceptable, but these days we much prefer digital photos. You can use a digital camera to take digital photos (they're very affordable), or you can have existing print photos or slides made into digital images by your local photo shop or places like Kinko's. Digital images for publication should be sent to us via email as either JPEG or TIFF files, and in the highest resolution possible (300 pixels per inch or greater). Email them to the Editorial Department. If you prefer to send black and white or color prints, 5x7s or 8x10s are easiest for us to work with. All photos should be accompanied by an explanation/caption sheet identifying all boats and people, as well as the name of the photographer or owner.

CAUTION 1: Ballpoint pen ink will transfer from the back of one photo to the front of another, ruining it. Use stick-on labels and pack photos face to face.

CAUTION 2: Send original prints, slides or negatives of photos at your own risk. Although we take every care, we are not responsible for the loss or damage to unsolicited photographs or other materials. (Another excellent reason to email photos.)

Finally, make sure you include lots of pictures of people. Sailing is about people as much as anything else - don't send in just shots of palm-lined beaches and boats.

SUBMISSION/NOTIFICATION - Send your contributions, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address below. You can also FAX articles to (415) 383-5816) and send photos under separate cover. Electronic submissions may be made to the Editorial Department. Material without an SASE will not be acknowledged or returned. We will make every effort to let you know within six weeks if we plan to use your material. On occasion, some stories will be held for future issues.

PAYMENT - Feature Articles currently earn a minimum of $125, slightly higher if we really like them. Short Features earn between $50 and $100, depending on how we use them. Payment for Changes In Latitudes submissions varies from a Latitude T-shirt or hat, to as much as $75. Photo-only submissions earn $20 per photo, occasionally more if the subject is really unusual or well done. Payments are made upon publication.

We hope you decide to try us with a photo or article one of these days. Until then, have fun writing or shooting. And remember, sailing is the only known cure for writer's block!
John Riise,
Managing Editor

LATITUDE 38 PUBLISHING CO., INC.
15 LOCUST AVE., MILL VALLEY, CA 94941