Writers’ Guidelines
About Wisconsin Trails: Wisconsin Trails is a bi-monthly publication intended to showcase the travel destinations, outdoor/indoor activities, nature, history, culture and people that make this state great.
About our contributors: Wisconsin Trails writers are experienced writers that have an in-depth knowledge of Wisconsin and are able to write engaging copy that provides new insight to popular destinations, events and activities.
Contributor’s rights: Wisconsin Trails buys first rights for print and publication on wisconsintrails.com. All rights revert back to the author upon publication. Writers are paid upon publication. Wisconsin Trails editors reserve the right to edit content without approval from the contributor. Contributors receive two copies of the issue upon publication.
Kill fees: If a story is unable to be used, due to lack of editorial space in an issue or an unsatisfactory job on the part of the writer, a kill fee of 20 percent of the assignment fee, up to a maximum fee of $75, will be issued 30 days after the assignment was scheduled for publication.
Expenses: Wisconsin Trails freelancers bear all expenses associated with assignments. In unusual circumstances, Wisconsin Trails may agree to cover certain expenses, if negotiated at the time of assignment, or as approved by the editor as the story is written. Under no circumstances will Wisconsin Trails pay for expenses not previously authorized by the editor, or billed after the fact.
Photos: Because Wisconsin Trails works primarily with professional photographers, we do not pay writers for accompanying images nor do we reimburse for any related expenses. Photos will be credited and the author retains all rights.
How to submit: You may mail or e-mail your query, but keep in mind that e-mail does not imply a faster response. Please do not call to pitch stories or to check on the status of your query.
- e-mail: clewis@wistrails.com
- mail: Attn: Chelsey Lewis, 333 W. State Street, Milwaukee, WI 53201
We regret that, due to volume, we cannot reply to every query. We will only reply to queries that we are interested in. Unsolicited manuscripts are not accepted and will not be returned. Materials will not be returned, please do not send self addressed stamped envelopes. Query review typically takes 2-3 months.
Queries are evaluated on uniqueness of the approach and the appeal to a state-wide audience of well-traveled and well-read subscribers. Special attention is paid to those articles with a fall or winter relevance.
As a bi-monthly publication with much season-specific content, some stories may have to be assigned for the following year. We plan our content at least six months ahead.
Wisconsin Trails does not consider simultaneous submissions nor previously published material.
What we are looking for:
- Word count: 250-500 for short pieces, 500-1,500 for extended pieces.
- Wisconsin Trails content:
o Short travel features (500-750 words): destinations that can be visited in a day (must include places to shop, eat, see; also preferred: various ways to access this destination: drive, hike, bike, etc.)
o Extended travel features (1,000-2,000 words): destinations that make for a great weekend away (must include places to shop, eat, see; also preferred: various ways to access this destination: drive, hike, bike, etc.)
o Profiles (250 to 500 words): On occasion, Wisconsin Trails profiles Wisconsin natives or residents of note. These people should have some impact on our state’s natural resources, events, history, culture or activities.
o Special sections (100-1,000 words): Wisconsin Trails frequently publishes special sections requiring editorial content, from short quick-hit sidebars to features.
Tips:
- Know our magazine. All queries must demonstrate a knowledge of Wisconsin Trails content and style.
- Be brief when submitting an idea. Your query letter is not your chance to demonstrate your writing ability; that is what your samples are for. Two paragraphs or about 150 words should be sufficient in presenting your ideas.
- Do not submit generic ideas on a sport or activity. For example, if you have an idea on the Birkebeiner, specify the points you will cover that will appeal to an audience that has probably already read and/or seen much coverage of that event in the past.
- Destination or travel pieces should not focus on one event or activity, but also include places to eat, stay and play plus interesting facts about the destination, including other activities that may be going on in the area at other times of the year.
- Demonstrate your expertise. You should show an in-depth knowledge of your subject area and be prepared to submit samples from previously published work.
- Note whether you own or have access to supporting photography.
Letters to the editor: Wisconsin Trails welcomes and encourages feedback regarding content. All letters should include your name, city and state, if not Wisconsin. Letters may be edited for length and clarity, and may be published in any medium. All letters become the property of Wisconsin Trails and will not be returned.