Lynn Smythe
Write for Creative Loafing (LINK)
December 31st 2007 01:35
Creative Loafing Coverpage
What is Creative Loafing?
Creative Loafing Atlanta is the flagship of four weekly newspapers owned by Tampa, Fla., based Creative Loafing Inc. Our first issue was printed in 1972. Today, our print version (circulation: 124,000) is the second-most broadly distributed newspaper in Georgia. We're an alternative newsweekly nationally known for our coverage of news, culture, contemporary music and the arts.
Creative Loafing Inc. also publishes Creative Loafing Charlotte, N.C., Sarasota, Fla. and Tampa, Fla.
Creative Loafing Freelance Writer's Guidelines
Creative Loafing writers are expected to adhere to the commonly understood principles of journalistic ethics: They must refrain from covering subject matter that could present a conflict of interest, may not accept gifts from sources and must report stories accurately and fairly. Although we encourage creative writing approaches, our writers generally adhere to the Associated Press Stylebook. The use of unnamed sources is discouraged and must receive an editor’s approval. Writers must be prepared to provide full documentation so that their stories can be fact-checked. These guidelines apply to freelance writers for Creative Loafing/Atlanta.
We want reporting and writing of the highest quality. Cover stories (1,500-3,000 words) that are well researched, well written, fresh and impossible to ignore. We want writers to dig until they find out what’s really going on. We want stories that force readers to pick up CL every week because they know they will always get a fascinating read. They must have a strong local angle and must be of broad interest. The strongest covers have a central point or tell a dramatic tale. They may be investigations that expose government, corporate or individual wrongdoing; articles that challenge the conventional wisdom concerning important social or political issues; features about cultural or artistic trends that interest a broad range of readers; or profiles about fascinating people.
What They are Looking for
Inside features on the arts, music, movies, travel and news (600-1,200 words). We want edgy stories in both the arts and in news – stories that others haven’t done yet, but still will interest a lot of people – stories about fresh faces, new groups, styles or trends; and unique or important events and issues. We strongly emphasize local stories that dig to the heart of the matter and speak candidly to our readers. The articles must be well researched, well written, with particular attention given to prose, story flow and maintaining the interest of our readers. Generally, we do not accept single-source stories. Look closely at each section of the paper to guide your queries.
Reviews on the arts, music, restaurants and movies (400-800 words). Reviewers must demonstrate superior knowledge of their subject and be willing to offer criticism where it is due, but their work also must be fair and accurate. They should be adept at using wit and wordplay to express their points.
Opinion or humor columns (500-700 words). We have limited space but occasionally do publish freelance columns. We place a premium on good writing, provocative ideas and interesting local issues.
Getting Paid
Our pay varies according the article. Checks are mailed two weeks after publication. No invoice is necessary. We buy first print and electronic rights, and the right to archive online. Writers must tell us if they’re working on or have published similar material elsewhere. They must obtain special permission to resell work performed for us in the Atlanta market. We offer kill fees equal to one-fourth of full payment on assigned articles only to writers who have been published by us before. First-time articles or articles written on spec will not, if unpublished, qualify for a kill fee.
Complete Guidelines
The complete writer's guidelines can be found on the Creative Loafing website.
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Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
This looks like a very interesting market! Thanks for sharing it!
Have a wonderful New Year!
Jeanne
Comment by Lynn Smythe
The Pagan Path
Freelance Online Work
I Love Herbs
Where's the "How to Clone Yourself so You can Write More" article? Too many sites to keep track of.
I started out writing for print publications. Just started writing online a few months ago. Seems to be more $$ writing for print publications but online writing gets instant feedback.
One of the print pubs. I worked for took over a year to get paid - extremely long lead time!
Take care,
Lynn