Russian Life magazine (RL) is published only in digital form. If you expect us to give your submission or query careful consideration, it must reflect an understanding of the publication and its audience. Please read our publication thoroughly so you have a good grasp of our style and content (not doing this is the surest way to have your submission rejected; it is quite easy to tell who understands our style and mission, and who does not). It may also be helpful to understand the history of the magazine.
Most RL feature stories (our longer reads) are written by trusted journalists in Russia or working with Russia from abroad. RL covers Russian culture, travel, history, cities, towns, politics, art, geography, issues, business and society. Most all the shorter content on RL is written by our staff of online editors.
RL's writing style is terse and readable. The model is third-person American magazine journalism style (and spelling) on the lines of the AP stylebook. We seek to provide coverage of Russia that is free of illusions (but not blemishes) and full of hope (but not ideology or agendas). Our job is to present a realistic, truthful, and independent view that balances these realities, providing enjoyable, insightful reading. It is also helpful to remember that RL is a very visual magazine; few feature stories do not include photographs of professional caliber.
Freelancers should also familiarize themselves with our transcription and dating guidelines.
Issue-focused articles rely on heavy reporting and excellent sourcing. Historical articles must use a well-balanced choice of sources and, where applicable, publications. Travel articles must draw on rich quotes and real events that provide local flavor, and not simply first-person narrative. Writers must be willing to prove and demonstrate their sources and reporting at the request of the Editors.
All manuscripts are thoroughly edited for style, consistency, and clarity. The final title of the published article, subheads, captions, photographs, and illustrations, are all the Editor's prerogative.
poetry or fiction (unless you are an established Russian author)
stories about how Russia (or Russians) changed your life
travel diaries
editorials or personal viewpoints on developments in Russia
unsolicited travel photos
articles with a hidden or open intent to advertise the services of a company, non-profit organization or governmental agency
articles espousing the viewpoint of specific companies, organizations or governments (particularly the Russian government)
opinion articles
articles about events outside Russia (e.g. reviews of foreign performances or exhibitions)
In the wake of Russia's War on Ukraine, we rarely take on unsolicited articles. Most all long-reads are articles written by Russian journalists offering unique insights into what life is now like inside the country. We would, however, be willing to consider the following types of submissions from freelancers both inside and outside of Russia.
A travel journal type of story, in which the traveler has a unique but well-informed take on the destination (inside Russia) and a unique ability to tell this story.
Photo features that at least have long captions, better yet a short, relevant article.
Persons interested in submitting articles (or photos) to RL or being assigned freelance work should follow these procedures:
Use the form below to send a message and introduce your proposed piece to our editors. Summarize the proposed article in 200 words or less, explaining how you think this will fit into our editorial mission, and why you think you are uniquely qualified to offer this piece. Also send links to previously published stories. Only rarely do we accept the work of unpublished freelancers.
Do NOT submit unsolicited manuscripts without first submitting a query.
NEVER send us images over email. If we are interested in a story or feature idea, we will supply you with upload links for thumbnails and/or full-resolution images.
We are usually quick to respond to queries sent over email, indicating whether we have general interest or not.
RL publishes most submissions a month or two after acceptance. Seasonal material must be submitted earlier: several months in advance of the anticipated publication date.
Do not send any solicitations or story pitches by snail mail. Only via email and only using the form below.
Fees for freelance work are agreed upon on an individual basis, depending on the scope, difficulty, and nature of the story being written. Payment is upon publication and fees vary depending upon the length and difficulty of the article.
The Editors Russian Life magazine
Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.
Russian Life 73 Main Street, Suite 402 Montpelier VT 05602
802-223-4955
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