South Sound Woman
Writers’ Guidelines 2009

We are interested in articles about women in the South Sound or subjects that can help local women continue to create a balanced life. It is best to familiarize yourself with the magazine before sending your query letter. We’re not looking for one particular voice or style of writing, but it will help you to know the kinds of subjects we tend to cover.

Our target readership is women between the ages of 25-65. We prefer articles that highlight the positives and successes of women in our community. Because South Sound Woman is a regional publication, we look for stories that will interest and inform women in the greater South Sound area and fit into these general features/departments of the magazine:

Features (1000-1200 words + high quality photos)

• Community Matters: Highlights of local nonprofit agencies that make a difference in our community.
• In Focus: Inspiring stories of local women.
• Living Well: Articles that encourage and promote the art of balanced living.

Departments (400-600 words + high quality photos)

• Green Living: Highlights issues that affect our community.
• Spare Time: Promoting the FUN in life.
• Down to Business: Connecting readers with business concepts and services.

Story Ideas/Inquiries

Please send all inquiries regarding assignments and story ideas to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  All input is welcome; however, if you are suggesting a story, please submit information on a query form. No stories are guaranteed for any particular issue.

Assignments

Writers are expected to submit stories as assigned, along with an appropriate images to accompany story. This includes submitting stories to word count. Contact the editor with any questions or clarifications regarding a story assignment. Writers are asked to inform the editor if a source for the story is not available or if the story cannot be written as assigned.

We do not guarantee publication or payment for unsolicited articles or images. Writers are expected to provide South Sound Woman with appropriate images for each story. If a photographer is needed, please let our office know and we can plan accordingly.

Images should be 300 dpi when possible and should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   with appropriate cut line information. Cut line information for a photograph may include, but is not limited to: name of image or person in image, name of photographer.

Submission Format

All articles should be submitted via e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Articles should include word count, headline and byline. Articles should be in Times New Roman, 12 point, single spaced, with paragraph indentation. There should be one space between sentences and a single space between paragraphs.

Articles can be sent in Microsoft Word document format (.doc.) Article files should be named as follows: month, year, word count, article title or name, and authors’ name. Byline should follow text of the article. No page formatting, headers or footers, please. Example:

March 2009
Word Count=
Title
By

Style Notes

South Sound Woman uses AP style in combination with South Sound Woman style. Below are basic style sheet notes:

• Include a title or headline with every story.
• Nonprofit—no hyphen
• In a series of items, do not use a comma before the word “and.”
• No periods after ordinals, example NW SE, etc.

Deadlines

All copy must be received by the 1st day of the month prior to publication, unless other arrangements have been made with the editor. Example: Articles for May/June must be received April 1st.

Fee Policy

There are many reasons to write for South Sound Woman. Many people choose to write stories to help promote their business, portfolio or passions. Please contact our office to discuss your visions.

Usage policy

South Sound Woman reserves the right to edit, cut or rewrite stories and request exclusive rights for 6 months.

Invoice Policy

Writer’s final word counts are submitted to the accounting office after the issue is sent to the printer. Please keep this office advised of any changes in address, or contact information.