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Feature Guidelines | Department Guidelines Sierra is a bimonthly national magazine publishing writing, photography, and art about the natural world. Our readers are environmentally concerned and politically diverse; most are active in the outdoors. We are looking for fine writing that will provoke, entertain, and enlighten this readership. Though open to new writers, we find ourselves most often working with authors we have sought out or who have worked with us for some time. We ask writers who would like to be published in Sierra to submit written queries; no e-mail queries, please. Phone calls are strongly discouraged. If you would like a reply to your query or need your manuscript returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Prospective Sierra writers should familiarize themselves with recent issues of the magazine; for a sample copy, send a self-addressed envelope and a check for $3 payable to "Sierra"; back issues are included on the magazine's Web site, sierraclub.org/sierra. Please be patient: Though the editors meet weekly to discuss recently received queries, a response time of six to eight weeks is usual. Please do not send slides, prints, or other artwork. If photos or illustrations are required for your submission, we will request them when your work is accepted for publication. Sierra is looking for strong, well-researched, literate writing on significant environmental and conservation issues. Features often focus on aspects of the Sierra Club's work. For more information about the Club's current campaigns, visit sierraclub.org. Writers should look for ways to cast new light on well-established issues. We look for stories of national or international significance; local issues, while sometimes useful as examples of broader trends, are seldom of interest in themselves. We are always looking for adventure-travel pieces that weave events, discoveries, and environmental insights into the narrative. We are more interested in showcasing environmental solutions than adding to the list of environmental problems. We publish dramatic investigative stories that have the potential to reach a broad audience. Nonfiction essays on the natural world are welcome too. We do not want descriptive wildlife articles, unless larger conservation issues figure strongly in the story. We are not interested in editorials, general essays about environmentalism, or highly technical writing. We do not publish unsolicited cartoons, poetry, or fiction; please do not submit works in these genres. Examples of feature articles that display the special qualities we look for include "Beneath Wyoming Stars" by Geoffrey O'Gara (March/April 2004), "Lessons in Granite" by Daniel Duane (March/April 2005), "Dangerous Liaisons" by Marilyn Berlin Snell (May/June 2005), and "Earth's Innovators" by Dashka Slater (July/August 2005). Feature length ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 words; payment is from $800 to $3,000, plus negotiated reimbursement for expenses. Much of the material in Sierra's departments is written by staff editors and contributing writers. The following sections of the magazine, however, are open to freelancers. Articles are 100 to 1,500 words in length; payment is $100 to $1,500 unless otherwise noted. Expenses of up to $50 may be paid in some cases. "The Green Life" provides a colorful, upbeat take on green living. At turns practical and whimsical, this lavishly illustrated section informs readers about the latest (and best) trends, products, and tips in food, fashion, housing, transportation, and other areas of their everyday lives. The section also includes brief Q&As with green innovators in the lifestyle field and short takes on the books, music, movies, art, and other media that should be on any well-rounded environmentalist's radar. Writers are encouraged to submit queries on light, positive, inspiring topics that will help readers add more value to their lives, not more work--or more guilt. We especially welcome ideas that incorporate lists, factoids, photos, how-tos, recipes, quotes, statistics, tips, and other quick-hit presentations. Items should generally be 50 to 200 words in length; payment will vary depending on length and complexity. "Good Going" succinctly describes a superlative place, including fascinating natural and cultural facts, in about 300 words. "Lay of the Land" focuses on environmental issues of national or international concern. Regional issues are considered when they have national implications. At 500 to 700 words, "Lay of the Land" articles are not sweeping surveys, but tightly focused, provocative, well-researched investigations of environmental issues. Payment varies according to length. "One Small Step" features first-person accounts of ordinary folks doing extraordinary things. We publish a 100-to-150-word quotation from an interview that explains the person's actions, motivations, and impact. Payment for all articles is on acceptance, which is contingent on a favorable review of the manuscript by our editorial staff, and by knowledgeable outside reviewers, where appropriate. Kill fees are negotiated when a story is assigned. Address all queries to: Up to Top | Guidelines for Writers | Guidelines for Photographers |
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