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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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