Freelance writing, Chesapeake Family, pays $75-$200 per article

Are you a local writer who's interested in topics that relate to family life here in the Chesapeake? Send an introductory e-mail to our editor. Please include two story ideas, a list of previously published work and one writing clip. Send e-mail to: editor@chesapeakefamily.com

Who We Are

Chesapeake Family is a free, monthly parenting publication serving Anne Arundel, Calvert, Bowie and Upper Marlboro areas of Prince George’s and Kent Island area in Queen Anne’s counties of Maryland.

Chesapeake Family is always interested in hearing from freelance writers, whether they be experienced or just starting out. You do not need to be a parent to write for us.

Our editorial calendar is set at least three months—and sometimes up to a year—in advance. Holiday- or seasonally-themed stories should be submitted at least six months in advance.

We do not accept first-person essays unless they are particularly compelling. We are not currently in the market for any columnists. Sending us first-person essays only suggests to us that you didn’t check out these guidelines in advance.

Pitches should be sent to editor@chesapeakefamily.com; they are reviewed by our editor monthly.

We are mostly interested in stories of interest to parents in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Calvert and Queen Anne Counties. We are particularly enthusiastic about stories that relate to teenagers (middle to high schoolers), health and education. All of our feature stories require, at minimum, three interviews with local experts and/or parents, either in person or over the phone. Email interviews are not acceptable. While personal anecdotes are a welcome way to add interest to a story and engage the reader, no story should be entirely in the first person unless you first received clearance from the editor.

We are also particularly in the market for local travel stories, “local” being everywhere in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., Delaware and Pennsylvania. While features on other locations are a possibility, we try to stay as local as possible. We will pay extra for good-quality high resolution photos.

Payment ranges from $75-$200, with most features hovering around $100. We do not, as a rule, pay for travel expenses or for mileage; however, we will do our best to assist you in getting press tickets or rates for events/locations/etc. Payment is made upon publication. Payment covers all online rights unless we arrive at another agreement. We pay a kill fee of $25 for stories cut due to space requirements; stories cut because they do not meet CF’s standards will receive no compensation. Should a story not meet the editor’s satisfaction, though, she will do her best to work with you to make the story acceptable for inclusion. Stories moved to online-only status due to space will receive their full payment. Chesapeake Family buys one-time print rights and exclusive online rights for three months.

Chesapeake Family pays $35 for reprints; however, authors willing to localize their reprints with interviews with local parents and experts can expect more.

Contacting Us

Preferred method of contact is via e-mail at editor@chesapeakefamily.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You may also send faxes to 410-280-0255 or to the office at 929 West Street, Suite 210, Annapolis MD 21401.

More information here.