CONTRIBUTOR GUIDELINES

We love hearing fresh ideas, and we encourage you to pitch us stories that align with our mission and focus. However, due to the volume of pitches we receive, we aren't able to respond to every submission.

If you don't hear back from us after following up a couple of times, you're welcome to send your pitches to other outlets. We respect your time and talent, and we want you to feel free to explore every opportunity for your work.

• Assignments are typically 700–800 words.
• Our longest pieces are 1,000–1,200 words.
• We generally pay $0.25 to $0.30 per word; rates can be negotiated based on story complexity and budget.

We look for uplifting, real stories. Our aim is to inspire and connect readers to genuine experiences without resorting to fluff. We love stories that highlight perseverance and community.

Creative elements like sidebars can add depth and make your story more engaging. Sidebars could feature additional tips, fun facts, or related activities. For example, if you're writing about a restaurant owner, a sidebar might highlight their favorite local spots or favorite dishes on the menu.

• Deadlines: Our deadlines are clearly listed in your Writers Agreement. If you foresee any issues meeting them, please let us know as soon as possible.
• Formatting: Use single spaces after punctuation and a single return after each paragraph. No tabs or extra spaces.
• Grammar: We use the Oxford comma, and em dashes should have no spaces between them.
• Titles: Suggested titles are appreciated but not guaranteed.
• Byline: Start each piece with "Words by [Your Name]." Please submit your name as you'd like it to appear in the byline and Contributors section.
• Social Media: Share your Instagram handle so we can tag you when posting about your stories.
• Fact-Checking: Double-check the spelling of names and places, and ensure all facts are accurate before submitting your piece.
• Tear Sheets: We'll send you a tear sheet of your story once the issue is out.

When submitting your final piece, include your mailing address as well as the addresses of anyone you interviewed so we can add them to our comp list.

We don't just tell stories — we live by values that shape how we connect with our audience, our partners, and our contributors. As a writer for Fisher & Farmer, we ask that you embody these values in the work you do for us, helping to represent Fisher & Farmer with integrity, passion, and purpose.

Meaningful and Relational

We believe in creating stories that go beyond the surface. Your work should spark genuine connections, foster relationships, and resonate deeply with our readers. We aim to tell stories that leave a lasting impact, and your contribution is essential to making that happen.

Proactive Communication

Clear, timely communication is key to a smooth writing and editorial process. We value writers who are not only responsive but also anticipate needs and deadlines. Keeping communication open ensures we're always moving forward together toward a shared goal.

On Purpose and With Purpose

Every story you write for us should have intention behind it. We're here to inspire, inform, and connect, and we rely on you to approach each assignment with the same sense of purpose. Whether it's a small piece or a major feature, we expect your writing to align with our mission and offer meaningful value to our readers.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Transparency is crucial in all aspects of our work. We value writers who set clear expectations regarding deadlines, story angles, and revisions, and we aim to do the same in return. By being upfront about what's possible, we create a foundation of trust and collaboration.

Adding More Value Than We Receive in Compensation

We believe that the work we do is about giving more than we take. We ask that you approach your writing with the mindset of creating value — not just for our readers, but also for the communities and subjects your stories highlight. Together, we aim to exceed expectations, both in the quality of our work and the relationships we cultivate.