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Address the editor directly by name in
your query letter. Nothing shows a writer's lack of attention
to detail than a generic or "Dear Editor" pitch. |
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No,
we do not pay writers for stories at this time. Despite being upfront with this, we still
get many new queries asking about this. |
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If accepted, please park your ego at the
door. We are very generous editors, but it's discouraging
to find that many writers get defensive or hostile upon
their first edit. All edits are meant to be constructive
and to help you improve as a writer. No one starts out
as an instant Hemingway. Everyone has to start somewhere
and, yes, even the best writers benefit from editing. |
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Writer's Guidelines
We
welcome both new and established writers to contribute to WeirdMusic.net magazine
Please ensure that you read these guidelines before sending your story idea.
We receive an average of over 100 e-mails a day — writers who send us questions
that can be found here will be ignored.
Unfortunately, we can't pay our contributors at this time but depending on what
section you choose to write for there are fringe benefits like free CDs, DVDs.
What We're
Looking For
We are looking for timely, balanced and thoughtful Indie Music culture
- and media-related articles. We do not want gossip or non-consequential stories,
like where Brangelina were last night.
What at do you mean by Indie Music culture and media?
Our coverage is wide-ranging and includes not only artists and celebrities,
but also journalists, politicians and entertainment industry figures.
The Pitch
Your pitch should include the theme of your article, what
research you have done and what research you intend to do. Be specific and keep
it less than 250 words. If it is a music or film review, we prefer that you
copy and paste the entire review into the message.
You've accepted my pitch, now what?
The reply will contain a proposed deadline and story length. If the deadline
is reasonable, let the editor know as soon as possible.
Reliability is very important to us, so please keep in touch. Story ideas and
life can sometimes take strange directions, but you should never miss a deadline
without good reason and significant advance notice.
What is your average story length?
As an online publication, we place emphasis on brevity. Articles should be clear
and to the point. Here are general word length guidelines to help you plan your
story:
Reviews: 150-250 words
Music News: 150-300 words
Opinion Column: 350-600 words
Features and Interviews: 500-1000 words
Writing Reviews
We accept reviews for music albums and singles, DVD films and reissues.
Reviews should be 150-250 words in length with no paragraph breaks.
We generally do not accept reviews on items that have been on the market
for more than three months. The more current the release, the more likely the
review will be published — especially for film and music single reviews.
Our Rating System
All reviews are rated out of five stars. There are a total of 9 regularly used
ratings available starting from ½ a star to four-and-a-half stars.
Five-Star Ratings
Five-star ratings should only be given to extraordinary, genre-altering works.
If you believe a work is deserving of this rating, you will need to make an
appeal to the editor on why the rating should stand. If the editor chooses to
deny the request, or no appeal is made, the rating will be lowered to 4 ½ stars
(or possibly 4 stars).
Zero-Star Ratings
Feeling mean? If you believe a work is absolutely meritless, you will need to
make an appeal to the editor on why the rating should stand. If the editor chooses
to deny the request, or no appeal is made, the rating will be raised to ½ star.
Writing News
Indie News is our section devoted to indie culture and media current events.
Stories should be 150-350 words in length with short paragraphs.
If a story is about a well-covered event, it must be carefully presented in
a writer's own words. Facts are not copyrighted, however style and presentation
is.
All articles submitted for the Indie News section require that all sources be
cited for editing purposes.
Writing Features & Interviews
We accept features and interviews on timely and thoughtful
topics or about celebrities. We consider a feature to be an article that uses
multiple sources and is topical in nature. An interview is usually published
in the Q & A format, but can also be written feature-style. Experienced
writers are usually asked to contribute a feature or interview. If you are a
novice writer, we recommend writing a review or a short Indie News article first.
When writing a feature or interview, the writer and editor will discuss story
angles and deadlines. Only upon agreement will the writer approach interview
subjects for the article. If necessary, an editor can communicate with third
parties to verify that the reporter is working on a story for WeirdMusic.net.
Previously-Run Stories
We do not accept previously-run features and interviews.
Editing Process
Once a draft is completed, the editor will go through the piece and
send the writer an edited copy. At this time, the editor will ask for changes
to be made — minor grammar and style changes up to a complete rewrite. We have
published great articles here at WeirdMusic.net, but no one has ever
sent in a perfect first draft. So please don't take an edit personally, as all
edits are meant to be constructive and to help you improve as a writer. This
process will be repeated until an acceptable draft is submitted.
Publication Terms of Agreement
When you submit your article, we reserve the right to
make changes to the article including, but not limited to, changes in grammar,
spelling and word usage. By submitting your article to us via any means, you
agree that WeirdMusic.net retain the non-exclusive right to archive, display
and reproduce submitted articles, photographs and art online and in print in
perpetuity. You retain the copyright of your work
and you are free to reuse your material electronically or in print at any time
unless otherwise agreed upon.
Where to Send Your Pitch
Please send all pitches to "WeirdMusic.net Editor-in-Chief"
via PR@weirdmusic.net — please do not send
any attachments or your e-mail will not be viewed.
Contributors will need
to provide a Photo of themselves (minimum 600 x 400 pixels at 72dpi resolution)
for their column.
(c) 2007
WeirdMusic.net. All right Reserved