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1. The focus of writing
will be distinctly Canadian. This does not necessarily mean
that the author or the location being written about have to be
Canadian: what is important is that there is a clear and
uncontrived Canadian connection.
2. Writing should generate a strong sense of place and
experience.
3. The text should be information-rich and aimed at the
average to above average fly fisher, except for "The Absolute
Beginner".
4. Local and regional information on fishing and tying
should, wherever possible, be extended to regions and
situations beyond the place of the article's origin.
5. Advertorial should be avoided, although references
to brand-name equipment and specific lodges or guides, etc.
can be used where they are appropriately integral to the text.
6. Where possible and appropriate, diagrams and
sketches should be provided to illustrate technique. Artistic
merit is not a factor here, as we have our own graphic artists
who can work from rough sketches.
7. Maps should be provided wherever appropriate.
Commercially produced maps with key features highlighted are
particularly useful. We will use these to customize maps for
the article.
8. First-time writers must include a bio of 50-70
words.
9. Features range from 1800-2500 words. "Wandering
Aengus" and similar shorter pieces range from 700-900 words.
Occasionally, we use very short fillers.
STYLE:
The last thing we want is to have everybody conforming to one
particular style. What is important is that each piece of
writing should have an individually distinctive mark - the
"voice" of the writer. At the same time, style should always
be appropriate to content and purpose. Within these broad
parameters, we expect the following:
1. Clear organization. In most cases, we use
sub-headings to organize material into manageable,
reader-friendly blocks.
2. Description, dialogue and anecdote are important for
generating a sense of place and recreating experience. In most
cases, however, the function of these will be to provide an
imagination-stimulating context or framework for communicating
information. In regular features, description, dialogue, and
anecdote should always be selected with economy and be
appropriately integrated with the purpose and focus of
writing.
3. Writing should always echo the distinctive "voice"
of the writer.
4. We make extensive use of sidebars for fly patterns,
where to stay, techniques (with diagrams), equipment, etc.
Always try to provide these.
5. At this point, we do not require writers to conform
to any specific style manual. Providing the writing is lucid
and coherent, we prefer to let writers individualize, allowing
style to be determined by purpose, content, and the writer's
unique "voice".
CONVENTIONS:
1. Choice between English and American spelling is
flexible. As Canadians, we welcome this advantage. What is
important is that each writer be consistent within each piece
of writing. The basic rule of thumb is that where Canadians
favour English spelling, we use English (e.g. "plough" rather
than "plow", "favour rather than favor"). Where Canadians
favour American, we use American (e.g. "magazine" rather than
"magasine", "tire" rather than "tyre"). Where there is
ambivalence (e.g. "center"/"center", "programme"/"program") we
can live with either.
2. Do not double space after periods. There should be a
single space after all punctuation marks.
3. Hyphens and dashes. To separate words within
sentences, use a single hyphen stroke with a single space
before and after (e.g. "…trout - the most…"). Do NOT use a
double hyphen stroke without spaces (e.g. "… trout--the
most…").
4. Signal a new paragraph with two strokes of the
"Enter/return" key. Do not use indentation.
5. Do not use headers or footers or pagination.
6. Use one and a half spacing.
7. Use Times New Roman #12. Please don't mix fonts and
font sizes.
8. Submit in Word or Word Perfect.
9. We prefer to receive submissions as E-mail
attachments in Word or Word Perfect (preferably in Word for
Windows 98 for a PC). DO NOT SEND PLAIN TEXT FILES!
10. Include your full name and address (including
E-mail) and phone number at the top of the first page only.
PHOTOS:
Please see our photo guidelines by
clicking
here.
QUERIES / RETURNS:
1. We take most submissions on speculation. Please give
us at least four weeks to respond to queries and on-spec
submissions, especially if it's close to publication time.
2. For manuscripts accepted for publication, we will
return slides 30 - 60 days after publication. Discs will only be
returned only upon request.
3. Please enclose a SASE for queries and unsolicited
manuscripts. Preferably, query by e-mail.
RIGHTS / FEES:
1. We buy first time North American serial rights, plus
the right to publish excerpts on our web site and on our
sponsored page on the HatchesMagazine.com &
FlyTyingForum.com web site. Other
arrangements for electronic reproduction are negotiable.
2. We pay between $150 up to $300 for major features
and super features with quality supporting photos and
graphics, and between $100 and $200 for shorter pieces, such
as "Wandering Aengus". Writers cheques are
issued within 60 days of publication of article or
submission.
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