Do you have a story to share with Over the Back Fence magazine readers?

Please send us your stories or story ideas.

Read the guidelines below, and click here to submit a story.

WRITERS RATES AND GUIDELINES

For written submissions used in Over the Back Fence, or in other publications produced by Long Point Media the following rates and guidelines apply:

Over the Back Fence is a regional magazine serving counties in southern Ohio . Our approach can be equated to a friendly and informative conversation with a neighbor about interesting people, places and events.

Long Point Media purchases print publication and web rights from freelance writers as well as makes assignments for specific articles. We reserve the right to reprint written submissions and will make payment for any additional usage, not to exceed original payment. If a submission has been previously published elsewhere, the date and name of the other publication must accompany text.

QUERIES: Send queries for articles. This allows Long Point Media the opportunity to work with writers in developing the most appropriate stories for our publications. However, you may send samples of your writing style or you may send already published articles for consideration. A self-addressed, stamped envelope MUST be enclosed for a response to be sent or samples returned.

SUBMISSIONS: Your manuscript should be double spaced on 8½ X 11 inch white paper with your name, address and daytime phone number on the top right corner of the first page. Include an e-mail address, if possible. Your name must appear on every page thereafter. Always send a cover letter containing contact information. Responses will be sent only if a SASE is included. You may also submit the piece pasted within an e-mail message.

Feature stories are usually 1,000 words after editing. A byline will appear in the publication. Our magazine is published 6 times a year. Please make submissions at least six months to one year in advance, and consider the season for which your submission is intended.

RATES: They begin at 10 cents per word, but are negotiable with experience. A minimum fee of $25 will be paid, and payment is upon publication, net 15 days. Writers receive a contributor copy.

ASSIGNMENTS: Writers may be selected to complete writing assignments that match their writing styles, interests and specialties.

TEXT / PHOTO PACKAGES: For writers who want to supply photographs or illustrations along with their submissions, please request our Photographers' and Illustrators' Rates and Guidelines.

*Note: We do not publish poetry.

Contact:

Over the Back Fence Magazine
Sarah Williamson
P.O. Box 756
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
www.backfencemagazine.com
E-mail: sarahw@longpointmedia.com
Ph: 1-800-718-5727

Rates and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Sample copies of the magazine may be obtained by sending $4.00. Subscriptions are $12.50 annually.

TIPS FOR WRITERS
Create a visual or anecdotal opening.
Continue with visual images throughout.
Use an ending that "circles" and echoes the beginning.
After mentioning a person's full name, use his or her first name thereafter, i.e. John says, not Mr. Smith says.
Avoid all profanity.
Use present tense while quoting, i.e. she says, not she said.
Avoid passive language.
Favor strong quotes.
Maintain a positive and upbeat tone.
Choose your viewpoint wisely, favoring third person unless you are actively involved in the story. Keep consistency within your chosen viewpoint.
Create smooth transitions.
Avoid one-sentence paragraphs.
Strictly adhere to the assigned word count.
Your assignment is a collaboration between you and your editor, so call with questions and concerns. Please note that it is highly unusual for an article to require no editing.