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Dear Writer,
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
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