Thank you for your interest in Milwaukee Magazine. Here are some guidelines that will help you in submitting material:
WHO WE ARE
Milwaukee Magazine is a monthly magazine covering the people, issues and places of Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Total circulation is about 35,000; total readership (according to the respected Media Audit) is more than 220,000.
Get to know our publication by reading it. Some stories are archived on our website. Sample copies of the magazine may be bought on newsstands throughout the area. One-year subscriptions are $19.
WHAT WE WANT
We are interested in timely stories about current issues, local personalities, area business, sports, health care, education, politics, arts and culture, architecture and urban life, history, food, shopping, music and nightlife, recreation and the environment. We are particularly looking for writers who can deliver brightly written, well-researched service stories but are also interested in in-depth narrative features (from profiles to investigative stories) from qualified reporters. Full-length feature stories run 2,500-5,000 words; if your query leads to an assignment, we’ll specify what length we’re looking for.
We are also in the market for two-page feature stories, which run approximately 1,500 words. Query Editor Cristina Daglas (cristina.daglas@milwaukeemag.com).
Stories for our front-of-book Insider section range from exposés to amusing slices of local life to interesting people profiles. We’re looking for stories you won’t find in other local publications and unconventional angles on the current scene. Freelance writers often begin their association with Milwaukee Magazine here. These stories usually run no more than 700 words. Query Associate Editor Matt Hrodey (matthew.hrodey@milwaukeemag.com).
Mini-reviews for our Reviews page are assigned by Senior Editor Ann Christenson (ann.christenson@milwaukeemag.com). Mini-reviews run no longer than 150 words.
WHAT WE DON’T WANT
We focus very closely on Milwaukee and the surrounding area. We are simply not in the market for articles that are not about the people, places and issues of our region. We are also not interested in fiction, personal reminiscences or poetry.
HOW TO PITCH US
Your best bet is to query with samples of your previously published work. Tell us why your idea is right for our magazine and why you’re the one to write it.
Pitch feature ideas to Cristina Daglas (cristina.daglas@milwaukeemag.com), Insiders to Matt Hrodey (matthew.hrodey@milwaukeemag.com) and Insider Reviews to Ann Christenson (ann.christenson@milwaukeemag.com). We much prefer a pitch by email, but you can mail us pitches and clips as well. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for our reply.
THE DETAILS
For all stories, Milwaukee Magazine buys first rights (which includes both the print and online publication of story) and pays on publication, unless otherwise indicated. Pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed with proper documentation.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
When contacting sources, you may state that “I’m writing an article for Milwaukee Magazine” if the article has been specifically assigned, in writing, by an editor of Milwaukee Magazine. You may not represent yourself as anything other than an independent contractor on assignment for Milwaukee Magazine.
If you or a close relative or friend are related in any way (e.g., board memberships, employment, volunteer work) to a story you wish to work on, this relationship must be disclosed to the editor prior to accepting the assignment.
Under no circumstances are writers allowed to accept gifts, gratuities, free tickets or other special privileges in connection with an assignment for Milwaukee Magazine.
We are seeking freelance writers who can deliver lively, well-researched stories that help our readers make the most out of the Milwaukee area. We respect writers who can deliver copy on deadline that fits the specifications of our assignment. If you fit this description, we’d love to work with you.
Thanks for your interest in Milwaukee Magazine.