FOR WRITERS

Woods Reader is a publication for those who love woodland areas: whether a public preserve, forest, tree farm, backyard woodlot or other patch of trees and wildlife. Our readers like to hear about others’ experiences and insights, especially those that make an impression that they think about long after they have finished the article. Submitted content should center around trees and woodlands.

We are not looking for articles which put urban environments or lifestyles in a negative light, rather ones that describe the woodland experience. The magazine does not take political positions nor promote any particular woodland management practice but will share educational information of general interest. We do not publish hunting stories.

We welcome writers of all experience, including those who have never submitted a story before but have a story to tell.

No portion of any submission may be generated by artificial intelligence or other text or graphic generating software. We only publish human-generated content.

Please note: at this time Woods Reader is only accepting submissions from authors based in the United States or Canada.

STYLE

Woods Reader follows AP style. Stories do not have to be submitted in this style, our editorial staff will adjust where needed.

ARTICLES

We are primarily interested in stories about experiences relating to woodlands. Stories should ideally be about 500-1000 words, but we will consider any length.

We buy articles in the following categories with woodland themes:

  • Personal experience

  • Educational or nonfiction

  • The Woodland Philosopher

  • Fiction/fantasy

  • DIY article using woodland materials (accompanying photographs requested)

  • Humor blog or cartoon

  • Short poetry

  • Destinations

  • Book reviews (please contact us prior to submitting)

  • Assigned topic to authors we have previously published

We also buy the occasional longer fiction or true adventure story which may be serialized over up to four issues (2000-5000 words).

We do publish reprints where you as the author own the copyright.

ILLUSTRATIONS

We buy high resolution color photographs taken in woodland areas. To submit, send a low resolution photo.

We also assign illustrations in black and white or color, preferably pen/ink, colored pencil or watercolor. To submit sample work, please send link to a portfolio or several low resolution images.

SUBMISSION

Submissions may be made in the body of an email to submissions@woodsreader.com or by mail to Woods Reader, P.O. Box 42, Spring Lake, Minn. 56680. We accept simultaneous submissions ; please inform us that you are making a simultaneous submission.

PURCHASE

For most categories we purchase first North American serial rights, plus reprint rights for Woods Reader anthologies and other publications within the company, with a 6-month exclusive. Rights to both print and digital distribution are included. Contributors retain the copyright.

You must agree that 1) the submission is your own work and 2) (for nonfiction and personal experience stories) that the events depicted are true. If your submission is a reprint or a derivative of another published work by you, you must notify us.

Payments: Short poetry or cartoons: $35 each; standalone photograph: $25 each; articles/essays by offer from $40 to over $100 for longer articles. Offers for reprints are less than those for unpublished works, but you must own the copyright. All payments are in U.S. dollars and are paid on acceptance (allow two weeks).

Reprints: We consider previous publication to include print and online magazines or journals. We do not consider original work you have placed on your own website or blog as a reprint.

TIPS FOR WRITERS

Grammar:  Before submitting, check your grammar!  We can make minor changes or bring a story into AP style, but we do have some pet peeves: correct use of its and it’s, for example. 

Positive writing:  We’re all for reality, but our magazine is designed to uplift spirits.  Please limit references to death, despondency, etc. 

Topics: A frequent topic in submissions is the story of a hike through the woods.  We accept a limited number of stories on any one topic, so be aware “hiking” is a full category.  History, woodcrafting and how-to DIY are topics we would like to see more often.

A note about poetry: Please note that we are a reader-oriented magazine as opposed to a literary magazine. Successful submissions use ordinary words to describe and enhance something of common experience. Woods Reader buys four to six short poems per issue.