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“Thank you, Matters Magazine, for the wonderful article you published
about us. All I can say is: somebody finally got it right. This time I
knew I was in good hands.”
Best regards,
Fran Reibman, The Children’s Emergency Medical Fund of New Jersey
Writers' Guidelines
MATTERS 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 Maplewood or South Orange area.
Style Sheet
Once approved as a contributing writer, MATTERS MAGAZINE will provide
you a copy of our writer’s style sheet. This is an overview of our
preferred formatting and general style requirements from our valued
contributors.
Click here for a PDF copy of our style sheet.
Feature Stories
(800- 1000 words) can be personality-based (e.g., people profiles),
issues-based (e.g., news or events of the area) 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, family, education, sports, food, or entertaining.
Final Matters
(500 to 800 words) may include commentary, quick, punchy slices of life,
cultural observation, significant anecdotes or other forms of nonfiction
writing. MATTERS MAGAZINE considers a limited number each year.
Submissions (from single photos to multi-page essays) are always welcome,
but never guaranteed publishing.
Scheduling
Our six annual issues are scheduled at least four months in advance;
feature ideas that do not fit that time frame cannot be considered. Final
Matters submissions will be considered on an ongoing basis.
Payment & Rights
Features are paid $150 and once assigned the content become the property
of Matters Magazine. Our standard contract is work-for-hire; we will
negotiate other rights on a case-by-case basis.
Submission
Address all queries to:
MATTERS MAGAZINE
Joanne DiPisquale, Supervising Editor
9 Highland Place
Maplewood, NJ 07040
(973) 763-4900
OR
click here to email Joanne
Written queries only. We prefer to receive a brief query with a sample
lead and one-page outline; writers should also enclose several 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. MATTERS 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. MATTERS MAGAZINE reserves the right to ask for changes and
a second draft and reserves the right to final edit all materials.
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