Archives for June 2009

This week’s edition of Monday Markets has guidelines for the Saturday Evening Post, a magazine that is all about language, and one geared toward massage therapists.

The Saturday Evening Post

From the web site:

The Post’s goal is to remain unique, with content that provides additional perspective on the ever-evolving American scene.

In addition to feature-length articles, the Post buys anecdotes suitable for “Post Scripts,” as well as cartoons, illustrations, and photos. Payment ranges from $25 for Post Scripts to $400 and up for feature articles.

Our nonfiction needs include how-to, useful articles on gardening, pet care and training, financial planning, and subjects of interest to a 45-plus, family-oriented readership. For nonfiction articles, indicate any special qualifications you have for writing about the subject, especially for technical or scientific material. Include one or two published clips with your query. We prefer typed manuscripts between 1,000 and 2,000 words in length. We generally buy all and/or first serial rights, as well as online rights.

We also welcome new fiction. A light, humorous touch is appreciated. We are also always in need of straight humor articles. Make us laugh, and we’ll buy it.

Verbatim Magazine

From the Web Site:

Here, briefly, is our editorial policy. I am frequently asked how I choose what appears in VERBATIM. I refrain from answering “by Magic Eight Ball,” although I understand that it may sometimes appear as if that is, in fact, our editorial method. I look for articles that explain and illuminate without condescending; that are funny; that are moving; that are fascinating; that are less than 3,000 words; that are all of the above. I sometimes strong-arm learned professors into writing about their areas of expertise, and I accept unsolicited manuscripts from people with no academic credentials at all. I ask readers (in surveys and in private communications) what subjects interest them, and I search out that material.

There are some kinds of articles that I am always interested in, that in many cases I have asked for, and that have not yet come into my hands: Articles on the insider jargons of professions: best boys, dental hygienists, taxidermists, sous-chefs, prison wardens . . . Articles about the history of grammar “rules” … Articles about bygone language theories. And there are many more on my wish list.

If there are topics we haven’t covered on your wish list, please send those ideas to me. If you want to see a particular person’s byline in VERBATIM, send that in as well. In fact, suggestions of any kind are welcome (although there’s a limit to the number of times we can act on “go soak your head!”) to any of our snail-mail or email addresses, or even by phone. Request away! I’ll be here, reading.

General Information

VERBATIM is published for popular consumption. That does not mean that it does not publish articles on language that are scholarly, merely that it is not designed to appeal primarily to academicians (though many subscribe). VERBATIM publishes original articles dealing with any aspect of language.

If you are unsure about the suitability of your subject matter, please email the Editor at [email protected] with a query. Please do not phone. It is a very good idea to query the Editor regarding subject matter in order to avoid rejection on the grounds that an article on the same or a similar subject was previously published. The acceptance of any material for publication is at the discretion of the Editor.

Pay varies from $25-$500, on publication.

Massage Magazine

From the Web Site:

MASSAGE Magazine is an internationally circulated trade publication for massage therapists and allied health professionals. We have been in publication since 1985, have a readership of about 80,000, and publish 10 to 12 times per year. We strive for comprehensive coverage of the art and science of massage therapy and related healing arts, with the goal of supporting our readers as they work to promote the benefits of healing touch.

Types of articles
FEATURES: We publish six to 12 full-length feature articles per year. Topic examples: the use of massage in a particular setting (such as corporate or hospital); projects that provide massage therapy to disadvantaged populations; accounts of how massage helped a person overcome or deal with a physical condition; descriptions of types of massage used in non-Western cultures; and trends of national significance, such as the incorporation of complementary techniques into the mainstream medical system, among others. Submissions should be 1,500 to 3,000 words.

BUSINESS: We publish at least six articles per year that describe, in detail, techniques to grow or improve a massage therapy practice. Topic examples: increasing or retaining clientele; setting goals; marketing techniques; new business ventures; and money management, among others. General business-related articles written for small-business owners will be considered. Submissions should be 500 to 3,000 words, depending on the complexity of the topic.

NEWS BRIEFS: We publish up to 15 news articles per issue. These articles must display concise, fact-checked reporting and direct or paraphrased quotes, and must focus on current events or trends. News briefs can be on anything newsworthy, particularly those situations that impact therapists on a national or North American level. Submissions should be 200 to 800 words.

TOUCHING TALES: We publish up to six articles per year that detail how massage/bodywork “touched” either therapist or client on an emotional, spiritual and/or physical level. Submissions should be 1,000 to 2,500 words.

IMPRINTS: We publish one article per issue that details an experience which has left an imprint on the client and/or therapist: a new realization, a reason for entering the health care field, a poignant or humorous remembrance, etc. Submissions should be 500 to 1,000 words.

PROFILES: We publish two to six profiles per year. Profiles must highlight why a particular therapist’s story is compelling; describe a particular clientele; or serve as an example of how the therapist solved an ongoing business- or clientele-related situation. Submissions should be 1,000 to 2,500 words.

MIND/BODY/SPIRIT: We publish two to six articles per year on the topic of the relationship(s) between mind, body and spirit, with a specific focus on how massage therapy impacts clients’ emotions or spirituality, and how therapists can address or respond to this during sessions. Submissions should be 1,000 to 3,000 words.

SELF-CARE: We publish three to six articles per year which describe techniques that help the therapist care for her/himself. Topics range from exercises to relieve repetitive stress injuries, to ways to relax. How-to articles must be accompanied by photos or illustrations. Submissions should be 1,000 to 3,000 words.

GUEST EDITORIALS: We publish one guest editorial per issue. These may be written by either a practicing therapist or student of massage/bodywork who is passionate about a particular issue facing the field, who has a challenge to present to massage and bodywork practitioners, or who has a unique perspective on the role of massage/bodywork in the greater society. Guest editorials must be accompanied by a professional-quality head shot of the author. Submissions should be 750 to 1,500 words.

TECHNIQUE, GENERAL DESCRIPTION: We publish three to six articles per year that describe a particular, well-established system of bodywork. These articles must be written to a specific guideline, available by contacting our editorial department.

TECHNIQUE, HOW-TO: We publish three to six articles per year that tell readers, through both text and photos/illustrations, how to perform a massage technique or stroke. These articles must be written by a professional therapist with several years’ proven experience in the application of the technique, and must be written to a specific guideline, available by contacting our editorial department.

Pays $50 to $400, depending on the subject matter, category, length and quality of writing, on publication. Payment increases proportionately for longer and more weighty articles.