If you would like to submit an article, story or personal adventure to DesertUSA.com for possible publication, you can do so by following the guidelines listed below. DesertUSA.com reserves the right to refuse any content submitted. Manuscripts and content are not acknowledged or returned unless accompanied by self-addressed return envelope with proper postage attached. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited contributions.
DesertUSA Magazine
Writers Guidelines
DesertUSA.com is an Internet-based, regional publication, focusing on travel, wildlife, geology, desert lore, cultural and natural history related to the North American Desert regions. The first issue of DesertUSA Magazine was launched on October 1, 1997 and has received an overwhelming positive response.
Currently, DesertUSA's Web site receives approximately 450,000 visitors per month and our readership continues to grow at a rapid pace. Although our publication has a regional focus, our readership spans the globe with subscribers in most countries.
Subject Matter
The main editorial focus of DesertUSA.com is travel in the North American Desert and surrounding regions. A strong emphasis in natural and cultural history is a major theme in our magazine and a popular interest to readers. Adventure, desert lore, photo essays, events, southwest arts & crafts are also consistently represented in our editorial.
We purchase copy for the following sections of DesertUSA.com: We pay $100.00 for each article with photos that we use.
Wildlife (Natural History)
A feature consisting of 1200 to 1500 words dealing with a specific animal or plant species, biome, or ecosystem. First or third person is preferred with an emphasis on education, wildlife conservation, and personal experience. We want our readers to learn while being entertained. Photos are required unless DesertUSA.com agrees to provide them.
Native American & Southwest Arts & Crafts
Art is an important part of southwest cultural history. Features on this topic range from 1200 to 1500 words, photos are required. First or third person is accepted. Some examples of topics include; Navajo rugs, pottery, jewelry, Katchina dolls, sand painting, tools of Native Peoples, etc.
Adventure
Almost any outdoor activity can become an adventure . Adventure features are approximately 1200 to 1500 words and are written from a personal experience perspective. Do not give lengthy descriptions of how to get to the location, this information can be put in a side-bar titled Travel Notes. The article should focus on your interpretation of the activity, plants and animals you see along the way, and the geology of the location of your adventure. Rock climbing, river rafting, back road auto tours, are all adventures type activities which can be turned into exciting adventure stories. Photographs are required.
Travel
Whether a small charming town, scenic park, deserted ghost town or a remote location off the beaten track, DesertUSA wants readers to learn about it. Travel features range from 1200 to 1500 words and interprets a location where travelers can visit. First or third person is acceptable. Content should focus on what there is to see and do when a visitor travels to this special place. What type of plants and animals can a traveler see along the way? Are there any unusual geological features or points of interest that are a must see? Personal perspective and experience make the article more interesting and help readers get a better sense of the place you are writing about. Photographs required.
History
Features ranging from prehistoric and native american cultures to current history occurring within the last few hundred years is included in this section. Ancient cultures, historical sites, legendary trail blazers, explorers, settlers, cowboys, are examples of cultural history topics. Historical features range from 1200 to 1700 words and a list of sources is required. Photographs and illustrations are requested, but not required.
Desert Lore
Stories of lost mines, ghosts, hidden treasures, and mysterious ships seen in the shifting desert sands all qualify as desert lore. Features should be 1000 to 1500 words and include a source list and notes on any fictional content. Photographs or illustrations requested, but not required.
Content Format & Submission Instructions
1. All manuscript text needs to be submitted to DesertUSA via e-mail, attached file to an e-mail, or on disk. DesertUSA can scan text from type written originals if a digital file is not available.
2. DesertUSA prefers digital images via e-mail. Standard reflectives or slides are acceptable when digitals images are not available. When sending slides or reflectives please send copies, not your originals, in the event they are lost or damaged in the mail.
3. If related video
footage is available we may be able to use it in conjunction with your submission.
Please click here to
inquire about our in-house video capabilities and what formats are required.
Click
here to
email a submission
or mail standard US postal Service to:
DesertUSA
PO Box 270219
San Diego, CA 92198
Tel: (760) 740-1787 Ext. 1#
Fax: (760) 546 0321
Copyright
All photographs, text, illustrations, maps, video, audio and other content in DesertUSA are for personal use only. Do not download any DesertUSA content to any online service or FTP site. All content on the DesertUSA.com are protected by copyright laws.
