Writers’ & Photographers’ Guidelines
Writers’ Guidelines (click here for Photographers’ Guidelines)
Vermont Life is interested in queries that have to do with Vermont. As the state magazine, we are most interested in ideas that present positive aspects of life within the state’s borders. We have no rules, however, about avoiding controversy when the presentation of the controversial subject can illustrate some aspect of Vermont’s unique character. Please provide written queries via e-mail or U.S. mail; no phone queries, please. If a query is accepted, an assignment will be given. All stories and articles are assigned, please do not submit completed works.
Articles are not planned for inclusion in Vermont Life before they have been assigned, accepted and received in this office. We often work as much as a year in advance in preparing articles for publication, a fact that contributors should bear in mind.
Please review the most recent issues of Vermont Life to understand the editorial direction, keeping in mind the various departments: Downtowns; Getaways; Ingenuity; Outdoor Recreation; The Working Landscape. Vermont Life’s scope is more toward solid journalism than personal or anecdotal essays. We rarely publish poetry.
Our text rates for feature articles range between $350 and $900 depending on the length and research involved in preparing the manuscript. Most articles run approximately 1,000 words. We buy first North American Serial Rights to the article (more detailed information is in the assignment contract). The copyright normally reverts to the author after Vermont Life publishes the article.
When submitting assigned articles, please include a complete list of your sources: names and phone numbers of people who can confirm the facts in your story, as well as books or other sources that were used to write the article. Let your sources know they are likely to be called by someone from Vermont Life checking facts, but that no one will read the article back to them. While Vermont Life makes a strong effort to check the facts in all articles, it is essential that the article is thoroughly fact checked before submission.
Please note: We make every effort to respond to each query; however, because of our deadline-driven environment, small staff and the large volume of queries we receive, a reply is not always possible.
Photographers’ Guidelines
Vermont Life uses digital photos (preferred) from cameras of at least 6 megapixels. Original color transparencies (35-mm slides and medium or larger format transparencies) and black-and-white prints are acceptable, but due to time and budget constraints, Vermont Life is moving toward using only digital photography. We do not accept color prints or transparencies made from prints or negatives. Photographs should be current — taken within the last five years.
In each issue of the magazine, a number of pages are set aside for purely scenic photography, ranging from landscapes to activities in a Vermont setting. Submissions for this section must be made by
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
Autumn |
Calendars |
July 15 |
October 15 |
January 15 |
April 15 |
September 15 |
Please limit your submissions to one per project with no more than 150 images. Submissions will not be returned without a self-addressed stamped envelope or a check for return postage included with your submission. We take no responsibility for unsolicited materials.
Because we are part of a state agency with limited resources, we cannot accept submissions with delivery memos stating specific dollar valuations, holding fees, arbitration agreements or the like. We do, however, take the utmost care of each submission.
Digital photos should be sent on CDs or DVDs as RAW files, with low-resolution JPEGs for viewing and RGB color profile. High-resolution TIFFs or JPEGs without compression may be substituted if absolutely necessary. Please include low-resolution versions of all images. Insert photographer name and caption information including location in the metadata for each digital file; contact sheets are no longer necessary if metadata is complete. If possible, please add photographer last name to the file name.
Transparencies should be enclosed in a plastic sleeve for convenience of viewing as well as protection. Location information can be submitted on a separate sheet. Each transparency must include photographer name. Please note that preference is given to digital submissions.
Pictures selected for use in the magazine are bought for one-time exclusive use for six months from publication date. Occasionally we will seek permission for a second use in calendars or other products, for which there is additional remuneration. Please refer to the following page for our current stock photo payment rates. Payment for any photographs selected for use by Vermont Life includes the possible reproduction of those photographs in connection with the advertising and promotion of Vermont Life and may include use on the Vermont Life website.
Photographic assignments are contracted at the rate of $250 per day, plus mileage. Other expenses for assignments must be pre-approved. Assignment submissions do not require an SASE for return. However, please indicate whether or not materials should be returned.
We pay for scenics on publication and assignments on acceptance.
STOCK PHOTO PAYMENTS
MAGAZINE
Front Cover............................................ $500
Inside 2-page spread.............................. $250
1 2/3 to 1¾ page.................................... $225
1 1/3 to 1½ pages................................... $200
Inside full page........................................ $150
3/4 page................................................. $125
Inside 1/2 page....................................... $100
Less than 1/2 page.................................. $75
WALL CALENDAR
Cover photo original................. $200
Cover photo reuse.................... $100
Inside original photos................ $150
VERMONT SEASONS CALENDAR
(Same payments as Wall Calendar)
DESK CALENDAR (same photos as wall calendar)
Cover photo................ $100
Cover photo reuse........ $50
Inside photos................ $75
ENGAGEMENT BOOK
Cover photo original ................ $150
Inside original photos................ $75
Any photo reuse ...................... $50
POCKET CALENDAR
Cover photo original ................ $150
Any photo reuse ...................... $50
MISCELLANEOUS
Catalog cover photo ................ $250
Subscription gift card ............... $125
Subscription gift card reprint .... $50
For more information:
Submission Guidelines
Vermont Life Magazine
6 Baldwin St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
e-mail: editors@vtlife.com
