Shoofly Submission Guidelines
Thank you for considering publishing your work in the Shoofly Magazine! Once posted, your column will remain up indefinitely. It will also have its own unique web page address, so you’ll be able to add its link to your list of writing credits or share with friends, years in the future.
When you publish with us, the material is still owned by you. We're purchasing first serial rights. You can republish on your own website or blog, in a book, in another magazine, whatever.
Below are a few guidelines we’ve established, based on what our stats show best engage readers.
We use Associated Press style guidelines. For instance, "Titles of books, movies, recordings, television shows and similar works are set off in quotation marks, with all principal words capitalized." Again, our copy editor will adore you for using these guidelines. Download a "cheat sheet" PDF below!
Thanks again and looking forward to your submission!
Call or email Ellis Anderson with any questions:
[email protected]
228.493.2107
When you publish with us, the material is still owned by you. We're purchasing first serial rights. You can republish on your own website or blog, in a book, in another magazine, whatever.
Below are a few guidelines we’ve established, based on what our stats show best engage readers.
- The topic should in some way be connected to life on the MS coast or Bay/Waveland. The tie doesn’t have to be a strong one. For instance, an article on a BBQ trail you took in the Carolinas could mention one of your favorite BBQ places in BSL.
- Keep it under 800 words. Keep in mind that most newspaper columns are 600 – 700 words.
- Format the column “newspaper style” with short paragraphs. Most people who will be reading will do so from mobile devices. Statistics show that long blocks of text intimidate web readers, who start off scanning, rather than reading pages. Here’s a great article on simple things you can do to keep today’s ADD web-readers engaged.
- Before submission, have a good (and honest) friend proof it for errors and ways the writing might be “tightened.” Our copy editor will love you for this.
- You’re encouraged to include relevant photos (with captions), links and/or even Youtube or Vimeo video links. All can be embedded into the article. We need at least ONE horizontal image (either your own or copyright free) to post with your article (required for us to share and boost the article on Facebook).
- If you don’t have an image in hand, here’s a site that offers beautiful, free images. Gratisography and Pixabay are two others. Like the Shoofly, these sites rely on sponsorships and donations, although you don’t have to give. Remember, the more compelling your main column image, the more readers you will have.
We use Associated Press style guidelines. For instance, "Titles of books, movies, recordings, television shows and similar works are set off in quotation marks, with all principal words capitalized." Again, our copy editor will adore you for using these guidelines. Download a "cheat sheet" PDF below!
Thanks again and looking forward to your submission!
Call or email Ellis Anderson with any questions:
[email protected]
228.493.2107
| ap_style_guide_cheat_sheet.pdf |
