NWTF Editorial Contributor Guidelines
The NWTF publishes six magazines — Turkey Call, Women In The Outdoors, Wheelin' Sportsmen, Get in the Game and JAKES Magazine — that are available through membership.
Articles submitted for publication fulfill the promise of the author's query and, more importantly, the editor's assignment. Familiarize yourself with our publications to ensure your material is compatible with the magazine's format or needs. Articles must be free of spelling errors, grammatically correct and accurate.
Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the rejection of your manuscript or photographs. We purchase first North American serial rights to articles. All written material should be original and unpublished and must consist of accurate information that appeals to our special-interest readership. While most feature stories deal with non-fiction subjects, we do accept fiction that contributes to the education, enlightenment or entertainment of our readers. We pay upon publication. Kill fees are 20 percent of contracted payment.
Our readers enjoy articles that are easy to read. Feature stories are typically supplemented with sidebars, bulleted lists, subheads, pull quotes and other graphic-friendly elements.
Queries
Written queries may be submitted via conventional or electronic mail and must fully explain a proposed article and its main points. Queries should include ideas for potential graphic aids and sidebars. Because queries exemplify an author's writing talent, verbal queries are not acceptable.
Check each magazine's section below to see whether laundry lists are accepted.
Queries allow us to assign specific articles according to our needs. Even though you may have a fantastic article idea, we may have recently published a similar story or have one in our files.
We typically respond to queries within 14 business days. However, we may ask to hold certain queries for review at a later date. An editor will contact you with assignment specifications if your idea is accepted, or a rejection if it is not. Provide e-mail (preferred), telephone or other contact information with each query.
Assigned Articles
Articles, sidebars and photo captions must be submitted in one of the following methods:
- Microsoft Word (file ends with .doc suffix)
- Rich-Text Format (file ends with .rtf suffix)
- Text-only format (file ends with .txt suffix)
- On paper
All text must be single-spaced, with only one space after periods, no tabs or indentions on the first line of paragraphs, and only one "hard return" at the end of each paragraph.
For e-mail submissions: Paste all text within the body of an e-mail message and send as an attachment in one of the formats listed above. Ask the editor if e-mail is appropriate for sending a particular assignment. We follow the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook and Libel Manual.
Unsolicited Articles
Though we accept unsolicited manuscripts, they are not preferred. Such speculative submissions may remain in our files for a long time before being reviewed. If an unsolicited manuscript is accepted, an editor or publishing assistant will contact you. If rejected, all materials will be returned to you. (Enclose a SASE for return; the NWTF does not pay shipping costs for the return of unsolicited material.)
Photographic Submissions
All photographers making submissions to the NWTF and its publications must agree and comply with the terms listed in the following guidelines. These terms supersede any terms submitted or offered by the contributor at the time of submission.
Terms
- All submissions, unless approved otherwise by the editor, are sent at the expense of the contributor.
- The NWTF does not pay agency research fees.
- The NWTF will negotiate the replacement cost of damaged or lost slides at the time of the incident based on fair market values, and does not agree to any contracts, delivery notices or statements of value included in a submission.
- The NWTF does not return digital submissions, nor does it hold any liability to replace discarded or lost CDs, DVDs, digital files or any prints from these digital files that may accompany a submission.
- The NWTF agrees to one-time North American rights for each image selected for publication or additional rights as negotiated with the contributor.
We look for quality — clarity, sharpness, composition and correct exposure. Each photo should have a written caption with a description of the shot and the names of any people shown.
Images are accepted on speculation as well as to accompany specific assignments. It is best to limit the number of images to less than 20 on any one submission unless directed otherwise by the editor. Rather than sending near-duplicates and similar images, state in a cover letter whether you have more images similar to images submitted.
Slides and Photographs
For color photo submissions, the NWTF accepts only original (not duplicate) transparencies; 35mm is the most common, although medium formats are also acceptable.
Prints must be silver-process photographic enlargements, not ink-jet or laser-printed copies. Minimum size for prints is 4x6 inches; maximum size is 8.5x14 inches.
Images must be in focus and well exposed.
Each photo should have the contributor's name, address and phone number on it, and a code number for identification.
Each photo should have a written caption with a description of the shot and the names of any people shown. Photos including people must have a model release on file with the contributor for each of the subjects in the photo.
Carefully package your photographs and use a traceable shipping system. Remember that those who handle the mail may not have our same consideration for the value of your photographs; if not packaged correctly, your photos risk being damaged. The NWTF is not responsible for photos not received or photos damaged while in transit to the NWTF.
Return of your photos is important to us. Provide ground-shipping instructions at the time of submission to ensure delivery by traceable shipping method (Federal Express, UPS, etc.).
Digital Images
The NWTF and its publications follow the specifications set forth by the Digital Image Submission Criteria working group (www.disc-info.org) for Category A publications. Digital photos submitted to the NWTF publications must pass these criteria before being considered for publication:
- The minimum allowable resolution for photos in all NWTF publications is 2,000x1,500 pixels. If your camera will not take photographs at this resolution or higher, do not submit digital photos from that camera.
- Always shoot in the digital camera's highest quality, lowest compression mode.
- The camera's colorspace (color matrix, color setting) must be set to ADOBE RGB (1998). We do not accept images with a colorspace of sRGB (optimized for Web).
- Images that have been cropped, sharpened, brightened, color-adjusted or manipulated in any way will not be accepted.
- Do not submit scanned prints or slides. Submit the original prints or slides and let us scan them to our printing specifications.
- Photos scanned from another magazine or newspaper are not acceptable.
- Images must be in either uncompressed TIFF or low compression JPEG format. We also accept RAW files.
Digital images must be embedded with ownership metadata, the photographer's name and contact information, as well as caption and credit information.
A printed contact sheet that includes image names must accompany digital images submitted on CD-ROM or DVD.
E-mailed submissions must not exceed 18mb and must be approved by the editor prior to transmission. It is best to send low-resolution thumbnails at 3x5 inches/72dpi in an initial e-mail. The editor may then ask you to send specific high-resolution files as needed.
Turkey Call
As the flagship publication of the NWTF, Turkey Call is dedicated to the interests and entertainment of wild turkey enthusiasts everywhere — people who hunt, study and actively support the restoration and conservation of the North American wild turkey. It is published bi-monthly with issues in January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October and November/December. Turkey Call feature articles focus on the restoration, management, biology, distribution, history and hunting of wild turkeys. Features typically run 1,500 words, and are accompanied by graphics, sidebars, bulleted text, pull quotes, fast facts and other reader-friendly shortcuts. We also publish short features on unusual hunting experiences, historical vignettes, the wild turkey in art or literature, biographical sketches, tips, anecdotes, humor or other appropriate outdoor subjects.
While limited use of the author's experience is acceptable, articles should feature advice from experts and not rely too heavily on biological terms to emphasize points. Preference centers on anecdotes about people besides the author.
Send individual queries; no laundry lists. Articles should:
- Be written for wild turkey experts, except when specifically addressing neophytes
- Appeal to a national readership
- Be meticulously researched
- Be accurate; dates, figures and the names and titles of agencies and people involved must be correct
- Provide documentation and contact information for all sources, including people interviewed and quoted within the story
Turkey Call works four months to a year ahead of each issue. Most feature story material is planned a year in advance.
We pay $100 for short pieces of 600 to 700 published words; $200 to $275 for articles of 700 to 1,100 words; and $300 to $500 for up to 1,800 words.
We publish images of various wild turkey subspecies in their natural habitats, turkey hunting scenes, colorful scenics of wild turkey habitat and vintage turkey hunting scenes. Images may be submitted to accompany specific assignments or on speculation. See photograph submission information and send speculative images to the photo editor at the NWTF shipping address.
Rates for published photographs:
- Cover = $400
- Two-page spread = $175
- Full page = $125
- Half-page = $100
- One-third page or less = $75
Editor: Burt Carey
bcarey@nwtf.net
Managing Editor Gregg Powers
gpowers@nwtf.net
Photo Editor: Matt Lindler
mlindler@nwtf.net
Women In The Outdoors
Women In The Outdoors magazine informs and entertains outdoorswomen of all skill levels who aspire to become more involved in outdoor sports and activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, shooting, hunting, canoeing, boating and bird watching.
It is the quarterly magazine of the NWTF's Women in the Outdoors program, which provides exciting, hands-on outdoor learning opportunities for women ages 14 and up. Women In The Outdoors is prepared three months or more ahead of each issue's release date. Magazines are published seasonally, with winter, spring, summer and fall issues each year.
An average feature/sidebar mix runs about 1,800 words. We also publish shorter articles that average 800 words, depending on the specific department. Regular departments include:
- Outdoor-related book reviews
- Game and fish recipes
- Wildlife profiles
- Stories of notable outdoorswomen
- Outdoor health issues
- Outdoor gear
- Backyard habitat enhancement
Most articles are geared toward novice outdoors enthusiasts, including information on where to go, necessary equipment and how to find out more on a specific activity. We prefer stories quoting experts over narrative treatments. Articles should treat women as independent outdoors enthusiasts, depict outdoor activities in a positive/encouraging manner and appeal to a national audience.
Send individual queries; no laundry lists.
We pay $200 to $275 for articles having up to 1,100 words; $300 to $375 for up to 1,500 words; and $400 to $500 for up to 2,000 words.
We accept shots that illustrate wildlife, conservation, colorful scenics, women participating in various outdoor activities and families participating in hunting and outdoor pastimes together. Check with the editor for current photographic needs.
Rates for published photographs:
- Cover = $400
- Two-page spread = $175
- Full page = $125
- Half-page = $100
- One-third page or less = rate negotiated by editor
Editor: Karen Lee
klee@nwtf.net
Wheelin' Sportsmen
Wheelin' Sportsmen is the quarterly magazine of the Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF program, which delivers, and in some cases re-introduces, the beauty and excitement of the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and recreational shooting, to thousands of people with disabilities. The publication is also a tool for able-bodied sportsmen and women to learn more about sharing the outdoors with their disabled peers and relays information about the Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF program and the NWTF. Wheelin' Sportsmen feature articles average 1,500 words. Most articles deal with concepts and ideas on "how to enjoy" to "where to enjoy" the outdoors. We're also interested in stories about disabled people who enjoy the outdoors and ways able-bodied individuals can help people with disabilities participate in outdoor fun. Articles should depict outdoor activities in a positive/encouraging manner and appeal to a national audience. Editorial coverage for Wheelin' Sportsmen is prepared three months or more ahead of each issue's release date. Magazines are published seasonally, with winter, spring, summer and fall issues each year. Send individual queries; no laundry lists.
We pay $100 for short pieces of 600 to 700 words; $200 to $275 for articles of 700 to 1,100 words; $300 to $375 for up to 1,500 words; and $400 to $500 for up to 2,000 words. We accept images that illustrate wildlife, conservation, colorful scenics, individuals with a variety of disabilities participating in hunting, shooting, fishing and other outdoor pastimes, as well as able-bodied and disabled people enjoying the outdoors together. Check with the editor for current photographic needs.
Rates for published photographs:
- Cover = $400
- Two-page spread = $175
- Full page = $125
- Half-page = $100
- One-third page or less = rate negotiated by editor
Editor: Karen Lee
klee@nwtf.net
Get in the Game
Get in the Game, published for members of the NWTF's Hunting Heritage Program, is targeted toward people with a passion for hunting and managing their acres for wildlife. Get in the Game feature articles average 1,500 words; articles in the 600- to 700-word range are also needed. The magazine helps readers learn how to improve habitat for deer, quail, wild turkeys, small game and other wildlife using layperson terminology. Readers will also learn about strategies that work for hunting deer, turkey and more. The articles range from secrets for locating your treestand in a whitetail hotspot, suggestions on how to improve your soil, tips to tune up your tractor, building a duck blind and more. Get in the Game emphasizes the importance of active forest management.
This 64-page magazine mails twice a year, in February and July. While a limited use of the author's own experience is acceptable, articles should feature advice from experts and not rely too heavily on biological terms to emphasize points. Preference centers on anecdotes about people besides the author. Get in the Game relies heavily on charts, tables and other graphic elements to quickly communicate concepts to a readership busy hunting and managing their land. Good research, reporting and fact checking are vital.
Editorial coverage for Get in the Game is prepared three months or more ahead of each issue's release date. We pay $100 for short pieces of 600 to 700 published words; $200 to $275 for articles of 700 to 1,100 words; $300 to $375 for up to 1,500 words; and $400 to $500 for up to 2,000 words. Individual queries or laundry lists are acceptable.
We accept images that illustrate wildlife, scenes depicting hunting deer, turkey, ducks, quail and more. In addition we are looking for photos that showcase wildlife management equipment and activities from plowing to planting to prescribed fire and beyond. Check with the editor for current photographic needs.
Rates for published photographs:
- Cover = $400
- Two-page spread = $175
- Full page = $125
- Half-page = $100
- One-third page or less = rate negotiated by editor
Editor: P.J. Perea
pperea@nwtf.net
JAKES/Xtreme JAKES Magazine
JAKES Magazine is the NWTF's publication for members of its youth program, JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship). The magazine is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources.
All stories need to be fun and keep the interest of our readers (mean age of 10 years old). Feature criteria for JAKES Magazine should be either documentary or fictional with the emphasis on the outdoors, conservation, hunting, hunter safety, hunting ethics or heritage. Historical fiction must be accurate, including cultural and social accuracy. Stories run between 800 and 1,200 words.
Xtreme JAKES is an online-only e-magazine focused on attracting young readers to outdoor pursuits and to help them better understand their role in natural resource conservation.
Article ideas for Xtreme JAKES must be outdoor-related with an emphasis on education and entertainment. Topics may include traditional outdoor pursuits including hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, etc., and also popular extreme sports such as snowboarding, rock climbing, etc. Typical articles run between 800 and 1,200 words.
Editorial coverage for JAKES Magazine is prepared three months or more ahead of each issue's release date. Magazines are published seasonally, with winter, spring, summer and fall issues each year. Article payment is negotiable, up to 25 cents per published word. Individual queries or laundry lists are acceptable.
We accept images that illustrate wildlife, conservation, colorful scenics, families participating in hunting and outdoor pastimes together and youth and their involvement in hunting. Check with the editor for current photographic needs.
Rates for published photographs:
- Cover = $400
- Two-page spread = $175
- Full page = $125
- Half-page = $100
- One-third page or less = rate negotiated by editor
Editor: Matt Lindler
mlindler@nwtf.net
Managing Editor: P.J. Perea
pperea@nwtf.net
The Caller
The Caller is the official newsletter of the NWTF, which is comprised of 2,200 local chapters. It is published as an insert to Turkey Call magazine six times per year. The primary purpose of The Caller is twofold: to communicate to the membership news related to hunting, wildlife habitat management and the programs available to them through the national office of the NWTF; and to give the membership an outlet to publicize the work of local chapters.
NWTF members are encouraged to submit information, with photos, about their chapter to The Caller. Deadlines for each issue are available here. No payment is issued for publication unless noted by editor.
Editor: Gregg Powers
gpowers@nwtf.net
