Florida Sportsman is among the largest state outdoors magazines in the nation, with an ABC-audited circulation of over 95,000 copies a month. An average issue contains more than 80 pages and half of that space is devoted to feature stories, departments and other editorial material. Much of this copy is generated by masthead staff writers, but freelance contributions are encouraged provided they comply with the criteria outlined here. Be aware that there is little chance of acceptance when a contributor lacks extensive actual experience in the outdoors. Our readers expect our writers to be knowledgeable, entertaining sources.

SUBJECT MATTER— Sportsman’s emphasis is on saltwater fishing in Florida, both inshore and offshore, with added coverage of the state’s freshwater fishing and hunting. Additional material is used periodically on Florida camping, diving, environmental topics and fishing adventures in the Bahamas, the Caribbean or Latin America. Some offbeat material is published—including history and fiction—but such topics require unusually entertaining or interesting material and strong writing. We normally don’t cover boat racing, sailing, narrative adventures and “celebrity” or “hero” articles in which an individual is the story’s primary focus.

STYLE—Features lean heavily on “how-to” and “where-to,” written in a relaxed, anecdotal style in which first-person experience is used to illustrate information that will entertain and benefit the reader. A submission that makes the readers want to “go there and do that” stands the best chance of acceptance. A review of some past issues will illustrate the preferred writing style.

LENGTH—A feature should run about 1,500 words and can range up to 2,000. Short sidebars are often used to provide additional detail and their word count should be included in the total.

PHOTOGRAPHY—Nearly all manuscripts must be accompanied with color photographs. High resolution digital photos (at least 2 MB JPEG, TIFF or RAW) on CD are preferred, but slides and color prints are acceptable. Digital photos must be 300 dpi at actual size (2,400 x 3,000 pixels for an 8” x 10”, for instance), and must include thumbnail reference prints. No color correction, Photoshop work or other doctoring of images, please. A suitable selection for a fishing feature would include scenics of anglers fishing, catch shots, anglers fighting with fish and close-ups of the catch and lures or baits. Photos should emphasize action and movement, be correctly lighted and sharply focused. An indexed caption sheet must be written. Make sure all slides or photographs have the name of the photographer on them. Vertical format cover photo submissions are also sought, and the magazine occasionally purchases high-quality images independent of manuscripts for supplemental inside use. Simultaneous submissions to other magazines or Websites are discouraged.

SUBMISSION FORMAT—Hard copy is required. In addition, articles must either be accompanied by CD in PC-compatible format, preferably Word for Windows. Pages should be numbered and the text double-spaced. A cover letter containing the story’s key contacts and their telephone numbers is helpful.

RATES— Sportsman’s freelance rate is $475 for an exclusive full-length feature package that includes acceptable photography. Cover photo rate is $750. Payment for shorts and supplemental inside photography runs $25 to $120. Payments are processed on the 15th of the month after acceptance, except for photos or shorts, which are paid on publication.

DEPARTMENTS—Most regularly published departments are not open to outside freelance contribution.

QUERY LETTERS—Although every complete, unsolicited manuscript package received will be reviewed, it is far better to provide a written query to the editors before a submission is mailed. A query letter should provide details about the proposed article, describe photography that will accompany the manuscript, suggest the best time of year to publish it and provide a date when the manuscript package will be delivered to the editors. Sample photography is also encouraged. A go-ahead response from the editors does not constitute an assignment for which a kill fee will be paid in the event of rejection.

LOST OR DAMAGED SUBMISSIONS—Contributor assumes all risk and liability for loss of or damage to editorial submissions, including but not limited to photographs, transparencies and electronic storage devices, incurred during regular publishing practices, including but not limited to scanning, handling and shipping.

TERMS & CONDITIONS—Final acceptance and payment may be affected by style, photographic support, extent of editing necessary and timely completion. Author acts as an independent freelance contractor and warrants that submission is original, not previously published and not in violation of any laws. Unless otherwise explicitly agreed, payment covers all rights, including exclusive print, electronic or other use by the Magazine or related entities involving first use and subsequent publication for one year thereafter. The provider's rights refer to the material as originally submitted. After one year the Magazine and Author share publishing rights to the material.

CONTACTS
Florida Sportsman Magazine/FSCN
2700 S. Kanner Hwy.
Stuart, FL 34994
phone 772-219-7400
fax 772-219-6900

Editor: Jeff Weakley
Art Director: Drew Wickstrom

FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF PHOTO SUBMISSIONS CLICK HERE