Florida Sportsman is a monthly outdoor magazine, with an ABC-audited circulation of more than 110,000 copies. An average issue contains more than 200 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 teachers who are able to provide useful information.

SUBJECT MATTER— Sportsman’s emphasis is on saltwater fishing in Florida, both inshore and offshore, with added coverage of the state’s freshwater fishing. One scheduled feature each month is set in the Bahamas, the Caribbean or Latin America, focused on the fishing available for traveling anglers. Additional material is used periodically on Florida hunting, camping, diving and environmental topics. Some offbeat material is published—including history and fiction—but such topics require unusually entertaining or interesting material and strong writing. We avoid 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 very best chance of acceptance. A review of some past issues will illustrate the preferred writing style. PHOTOGRAPHY—Nearly all manuscripts must be accompanied by color photographs. We prefer transparencies, but can use color prints or black-and-white prints if necessary. A suitable selection for a fishing feature would include scenics of anglers fishing, catch shots, anglers fighting fish and close-ups of the catch and lures or baits. Photos should emphasize action and movement, be correctly lighted and sharply focused. Avoid “hold-ups” with the angler staring at the camera. Use fill flash for proper facial exposures when taking pictures of anglers who are wearing hats, or remove the hat before taking the shot. In stories where specialized techniques are important, so are photos illustrating those techniques. A separate caption sheet should be written and must include the names of any angler pictured, if possible. Photo submissions independent of manuscripts are discouraged, with the exception of potential cover shots. Make sure all slides or photographs have the name of the photographer on them and are keyed to the caption sheet.

LENGTH—A feature should run 2,000 to 2,500 words. Short sidebars are often used to provide additional detail and their word count should be included in the total. No filler material is used, but short news items are sometimes purchased for Sportsman’s Scene and On the Conservation Front departments.

SUBMISSION FORMAT—Manuscripts may be submitted on a 3 1 ⁄ 2 -inch computer disk in ASCII format. A clear, easily read printout must accompany it. Assigned material may be filed electronically, addressed to FSEDITOR@aol.com. Typed manuscripts are acceptable. Pages should be numbered and the text double-spaced. A cover letter containing the story’s key contacts and their telephone numbers is helpful. On articles dealing with a specific place, a detailed map of the location must be included.

RATES— Sportsman’s freelance rate is $400 for an exclusive full-length feature package that includes acceptable photography. Payment will be lower if the material requires extensive editing or if supplementary file photography must be used. The rate for a full page cover photo is $500-$1,000. Payment for shorts runs $15 to $100. Payments are made on the first day of the month after acceptance, except for cover photos or shorts, which are paid on publication. We buy first-time rights on an exclusive basis and non-exclusive subsequent rights. If the writer re-sells the work elsewhere, the unedited original shall be used, subject to the writer’s alterations.

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. Queries are not accepted via E-mail. 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 could be delivered to the editors. Queries accompanied by transparencies are encouraged. Acceptance and payment is contingent on the quality and timeliness of the manuscript package.

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS CLICK HERE