Freelance writing, Vox Pop (regular feature in Metropolis Magazine), pays $50-$100 per essay (Philadelphia)

VoxPop is a regular feature that runs in Metropolis, the in-depth news and information web site for the Philadelphia region. It is a personal essay, ranging from 750-800 words. Payment is $50 for the first essay accepted, $75 for the 2nd and $100 for the 3rd and subsequent essays.

Metropolis is strictly a local site. We we run the work of Philadelphia-area writers only.

The best way to get a sense of the range of essays we like is to go to Metropolis at www.phlmetropolis.com and click on the VoxPop logo so you can read recent essays.

What we like: Personal stories, told in the first-person, about an interesting or important moment in your life. We have a preference for stories about city life. They can be funny, sad, wry and sardonic - as long as the voice is true. We generally avoid snark and we do not run rants. We like original work, not a piece that ran on another website or publication or a piece that is several years old. We prefer fresh, original material. The cardinal rule is: We like essays that are well written, well constructed and tell an interesting tale. The better the writing, the better the chance of being accepted.

What we don't like: We generally do not run columns about sports and we do not have a venue for arts and entertainment pieces. We do not do run columns (ala Jerry Seinfeld and Andy Rooney) that are general observations about the trouble with ice trays or service in restaurants, etc., especially if they are not related to particular events or episodes in your life. We do not run sermonettes about how to keep your head up in times of adversity or "tip" columns, as in 10 tips for coping with a troublesome boss. We generally do not run essays on the theme of how it is difficult (or a joy) to be young or to be growing older. Finally, we do not run essays on events that happened in the distant past. We prefer our stories to be current.

How to submit: Send your essay as a Word doc attachment to VoxPop2011@gmail.com.

Usually, we will respond within two weeks with an email that accepts or rejects the piece. Sometimes we will make suggestions or changes. If we make major changes, we will send the edited essay back to you for approval. We ask that you respond as quickly as possible to these emails.

Put your byline at the top of the essay in the Word doc, but include in the body of your email your name, mailing address and telephone number. We will mail a check, usually within two weeks of the essay being posted on the site.

It may take a month or more for your essay to appear on the site. We will send an email to alert you when it is posted.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: VoxPop2010@gmail.com

For submissions: VoxPop2010@gmail.com

Website: http://www.phlmetropolis.com