Writers' Guidelines

About our magazine: Iowa Commerce is a bi-monthly, business magazine that focuses on interesting people, businesses and commercial activities found throughout our state. Articles in Iowa Commerce emphasize art, history, culture, travel, sports, and business as well as the contributions made by Iowans from all walks of life. One of the purposes of the magazine is to aid those doing business in Iowa and to act as a reminder of Iowa's high quality of life and business achievement. Most of our readers live in the state. But many live elsewhere, and for them the magazine acts as a way to keep in touch with the Iowa business community.

Writers: Most of our features are assigned to a limited number of writers with whom we have worked in the past. However, we do review unsolicited manuscripts. We prefer that you present your story proposal to us in a query letter rather than sending us a completed manuscript or describing your proposal by telephone. We also prefer features that can be illustrated well, either by the author or by one of our regular photographers. Enclosing snapshots or photocopies of photos with your proposal can help us determine a story's photographic potential. Writing in Iowa Commerce is vivid, descriptive and employs basic storytelling formulas when possible. (We like stories that have a beginning, middle and an ending. We're not looking for reports that read like they could appear in an encyclopedia.) We're not interested in stories that have appeared elsewhere. We want profiles of interesting people and businesses (particularly high-tech or artistic endeavors), new looks at historical events, and stories about trends that effect the way people do business in the state. Manuscripts will be returned if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Photographers: We welcome for review any photographic materials pertaining to Iowa Commerce. Pictures need not be related to a particular story. We are making an additional attempt to include more people in our article pictures.

Payment: Rates are negotiated individually with writers and photographers based on the story's length and degree of difficulty. Under certain circumstances the magazine will also pay expenses.

Contacting us: Please keep in mind that we plan individual issues of the magazine at least 12 months in advance. Send all materials to Jay Wagner, Editor, Iowa Commerce, at 504 E. Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309. Include an SASE for the return of materials. It usually takes four to six weeks to handle each submission. (Note: Iowa Commerce cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited materials.)

Advice for first-time submissions: We strongly suggest that you familiarize yourself with our publication before making a submission. Copies are on sale at many newsstands throughout the state. Or you may receive one directly from us, postage paid, by mailing a check or money order for $4.50 to Mary Guidicessi-DeSio, Administrative Assistant, Iowa Commerce, 504 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.