True West's Submissions Guidelines
TRUE WEST relates our American West history back to the present day, to show readers the important role our heritage plays in keeping the spirit of the West alive during our everyday travels and adventures out West.
True West magazine (established in 1953) is published 10 times annually with a bonus "Best of the West" Source Book.
True West's features and departments tie the history of the Old West—focusing mainly between 1800 to 1910—to the modern Western lifestyle through enticing narrative and intelligent analysis. We actively seek out creative writers who can infuse their articles with personality and humor. Even though the magazine does not publish fiction or poetry, such creative talents can be utilized for True West by writing narrative journalism that humanizes the facts.
Generally, the lead features in each issue relate to a specific topic, which is set by the magazine's editorial staff. True West does also accept quality story proposals that stand on their own merit. The editors encourage each writer to keep his or her ear to the ground and inform us about new research or upcoming anniversaries concerning Old West icons and historic events and places. We also want to hear about any big, exciting projects that are keeping the lore of the West alive and well in your local community.
Below are the leading issue topics for True West's current editorial calendar:
2011 Editorial Calendar
Jan/Feb: Top 10 True Western Towns
March: Western Trains
April: Annual Travel Issue
May: Historic Ranches
June: Extreme History Vacations
July: Western Entertainment
Aug: Best Photography of the American West
Sept: Top 10 Western Museums
Oct: Western Art
Nov/Dec: TBA
Please query True West if you have a story proposal that seems perfect for any of the above issues, or a story idea that you feel fits our passionate and knowledgeable readers. When submitting story ideas with a timely nature to them, please keep in mind the magazine's 6-month lead time. With regards to word length, we actively look for articles that range from: 1,500 words for features; 500 words for short features; 250 words or less for snapshot coverage. Articles that are accompanied by historical photographs, drawings, paintings, etc. that are approved for publication receive greater consideration than those without art. Please click on the below links for more-detailed instruction on providing materials for publication.
True West seeks to establish long-term relationships with writers who conduct excellent research, provide a fresh look at an old subject, write well, hit deadlines and provide manuscripts at the assigned word length. Such writers tend to get repeat assignments.
Send your query and accompanying MSS and photos to: Meghan Saar
Via mail (SASE):
Editor-In-Chief
P.O. Box 8008
Cave Creek, AZ 85327
To encourage only submissions written by folks who have deeply thought about their idea and why it is perfect for our publication, we have withdrawn the acceptance of e-mail submissions. Our printer is also running out of ink! I'd like to save paper by reading these on the screen, but unless a generous benefactor donates an iPad to the editorial department, the convenience factor just is not there. Back to the mailbox it is!
As we need to circulate the material among numerous editors for comment, please include your manuscript/images on a CD/DVD. The manuscript must also be printed out; at the top of the first page, please note your mailing address, phone # and e-mail address. Only manuscript submissions accompanied with appropriate return postage on SASE will be returned; any MSS without SASE will receive a response via e-mail. True West is not responsible for any unsolicited manuscripts or photographs (all imagery should be sent as hi-resolution scans, so the originals remain safe with you). To check to see if we received your MSS, you are more than welcome to e-mail us at editor@twmag.com When checking on your submission, please be sure to include your full name, the title of your submission and the date you mailed it out.
True West makes every effort to respond within a three-month timeframe; oftentimes, the editors can respond within a month. For time-specific features, True West encourages you to submit your package at least six months in advance.
Please note: Any material sent to Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell, whether via e-mail or mail, will not receive a response. Material must be sent to the Editor-In-Chief. Since our submission guidelines are a public document, available both on the Internet and upon written request (SASE) to True West magazine, all submissions sent to the publication are subject to these guidelines. Please click on the below links for more specific details.
We appreciate your interest and desire in becoming part of our True West family of writers and researchers!
Want to Write for True West? Here's What We Look for in a Query!
Payment Details for Published Articles in True West
Magazine-Quality Image Guidelines
CRITERIA FOR SPECIFIC MAGAZINE SECTIONS
Western Books for Review Consideration