Freelance Submission Information

Where to Start

Russian Life magazine (RL) is published bimonthly, in January, March, May, July, September, and November. If you expect us to give your submission or query careful consideration, it must reflect an understanding of the magazine. 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). Back issues are available for $8 each, inclusive of postage. Subscriptions cost $33 per year. To find out if we have previously covered a story you are pitching (we avoid repetition), search our online archive. It may also be helpful to understand the history of the magazine.

Most RL features are written by experienced and talented freelance journalists and writers. RL covers Russian culture, travel, history, cities, towns, politics, art, geography, issues, business and society. RL often focuses on current issues and events facing Russia and Russians. But it is not a newsmagazine. The majority of RL content is feature articles, many of which are tied into a round (5/10/25-year multiple) anniversary or other seasonal "hook."

Our Style

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 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 Journal 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 the Editor's prerogative.

What We Don't Want

poetry or fiction (we only publish established Russian authors, and that only rarely)
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
articles about events (e.g. reviews of foreign performances or exhibitions)
book, movie or music reviews

What We Do Want

These are the different departments or sections of the magazine and what we accept from freelancers:

Notebook: We do not accept freelance submissions for this department.
Practical Traveler: We do not accept freelance submissions for this department.
Russian Calendar: On occasion, we accept short (500-800 word) freelance submissions to this section on Russian history. This is the place for biographies, short historical curiosities and date-related stories that do not expand to feature length.
Events Calendar: We do not accept freelance submissions for this department, but we are always happy to hear about Russian-related events going on around the world. Please submit them to our online database.
Survival Russian: We do not accept freelance submissions for this department.
Russian Cuisine: We do not accept freelance submissions for this department.
Under Review: We do not accept freelance submissions for this department, but we are always interested to hear about books and CDs that we ought to consider for review.
Feature Articles: This is where most freelance work in our magazine is published. Each issue of the magazine has 4-5 feature articles, usually between 2000 and 5000 words in length, with 6-10 photos.
Travel Journal: Often, one of the feature stories will be a travel journal type of story, which allows use of first person and freer narrative forms than might be typical for a issue- or history-focused feature article.
Photo Features: Only rarely do we publish photo features without editorial.
Interview: We are interested in exclusive interviews with Russian newsmakers who have something interesting to say about current events, history or culture.
Post Script: We do not accept freelance submissions for this department, although we do at times commission editorials for this page.

Queries

Persons interested in submitting articles (or photos) to RL or being assigned freelance work should first contact RL editorial offices to discuss the work with our editors. Submit a short email (2-3 paragraphs) that succinctly summarizes the proposed article, how you think this will fit into our editorial mission, and why you think you are uniquely qualified to offer this piece. Also include a few sentences about your past publishing experience and what type of work samples you can supply. Only rarely do we accept the work of unpublished freelancers. The means of communicating that will get the quickest response is email.

While we welcome unsolicited manuscripts (NOT over email, by regular mail only), we feel that it is most productive to work with writers ahead of time - to hone story ideas to fit our needs. Queries by phone are strongly discouraged.

We are usually quite quick to respond to queries sent over email, indicating whether we have general interest or not. Please note, however, that if we are under production or other deadlines, it can take us a few weeks to respond to an email. Be patient. We respond to all requests sooner or later.

RL publishes most submissions 3-6 months after acceptance. Seasonal material must be submitted earlier: up to 9 months in advance of anticipated publication date.

Manuscripts, photographs, slides and other submissions are returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. RL is not responsible for any materials submitted on speculation, and they will not be returned to you without sufficient pre-paid postage and packaging. Submissions may also be made electronically, with prior approval.

Fees for freelance work are agreed upon on a 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. Most stories will be between 2000-5000 words in length and authors receive $100-300. Photos are paid for additionally, from $20-40 per photo. RL typically acquires first English language rights and non-exclusive electronic rights, however in some instances will purchase all rights. Serious freelancers should not simultaneously submit to other publications queries they have submittted to RL.