Writers' & Photographers' Guidelines

WRITERS' SPECIFICATIONS (5/07) (Click here for photographers' specifications)

Vermont Life is interested in any article, query, story idea, photograph or photo essay that has to do with Vermont. As the state magazine, we are most interested in pieces 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. With most ideas, we prefer written queries first. No phone queries, please.

We often work as much as a year in advance in preparing articles for publication, a fact that contributors should bear in mind.

Our text rates for articles vary depending on the length and research involved in preparing the manuscript. Most feature articles run approximately 1,200 words and departments 1000 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. We normally do not publish poetry.

When submitting articles, please send them to us by e-mail. Vermont Life makes a strong effort to check the facts in all articles. To help us do so, please include from your notes a list of your sources -- the names and phone numbers, when possible, of people who can confirm the facts in your story. We do not read the stories back to the people we check facts with, but we do read them the facts and make sure that those facts are correct. 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. Also include books or other sources that were used to write the article.


PHOTOGRAPHERS' SPECIFICATIONS (5/07)

Vermont Life uses original color transparencies (35mm slides and medium or larger format transparencies), black and white prints and digital photos from cameras of at least 5 megapixels. 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 can be made on:

  • June 1 for winter
  • September 1 for spring
  • December 1 for summer
  • March 1 for autumn

Submissions for Vermont Life calendars can be made by August 15.

Please limit your submission to one per project with no more than 200 transparencies. Enclose your self-addressed stamped envelope or a check for return postage with your submission. Transparencies are returned by certified mail only if appropriate postage is included. We take no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Be sure your name and the location of the photo are on each transparency, and enclose transparencies in a plastic sleeve for convenience of viewing as well as protection. Location information can be submitted on a separate sheet, if necessary. Transparencies not selected will be returned as soon as a decision is made. We will pay first class postage for return of transparencies used in the magazine or calendars upon publication. Because we are part of a state agency with limited resources, we cannot accept transparencies with a delivery memo stating specific dollar valuations, holding fees, arbitration agreements or the like. We do, however, take the utmost care of each transparency.

Digital photos should be sent on CDs as high-resolution TIFFs, RAW files or jpegs without compression. If possible also include low-res. versions of all images. Include color contact sheets of all images in a readable size and sharp resolution -- no more than nine images per page. Include a simple caption sheet.

Pictures selected for use in the magazine are bought for one-time use only. Occasionally we will seek permission for a second use in calendars or other products, for which there is additional remuneration. Please refer to the payment schedule below 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 at the Vermont Life website.

For more information please contact us at:
Submission Guidelines
Vermont Life Magazine
6 Baldwin Street
Montpelier, VT 05602-2100

or E-Mail: GUIDELINES