Writers' Guidelines

The first thing you should know is this: Paddler doesn't pay for contributions. But if you've written a wonderful story, or have a story you'd really like to publish, we'd love to have a look. But let's settle something now: Don't assume that because we have no budget for contribution, we have no standards for contributors. Paddler won a Maggie in 2008 for representing the most improved publication west of the Mississippi and while that's a difficult standard to maintain, we work everyday to maintain it. Here's how:

No cliches. If the figure of speech runs right off your fingertips and onto the computer, you're probably typing a cliche. Cliches are easy to write because we hear them so often. They are intrinsic. Creative, original speech is more difficult because you have to think of it all on your own. Take the time to create a new expression.

No passive voice: If you don't know who did it, you're probably writing in passive voice. Consider this example. Let's say you're a high school student, trying to make and keep friends and your own dignity. And let's say, one day, the principal notices you got a black eye. He hauls you into his office and asks you how you got the black eye. Really, you have three possible responses, other than lying. Here they are:

A.) I was hit.

B.) I was hit ... by that girl.

C.) That girl hit me.

Which one you choose depends largely on what your goals are, right? Let's say you don't want to lie, but you don't want to rat out your assailant because she's your best friend's girlfriend. You'd probably choose A, right. You'd choose A because of all the honest answers, A is the least likely to get your best friend's girl in trouble. A, in other words, is passive. B is ambivalent because it provides all the information to the principal, but in a way that says "... but seriously, Mr. Principal, it's no big deal." B, in other words, is for sissies. What about C? C says I don't care what anyone thinks of me. That girl hit me and she deserves punishment. Whether you agree with the motive or not, you can't disagree that C is the most powerful response. And power in writing is what journalism is all about.

No dead construction: If your sentence begins with "There are/is" or "It is" or "It would," you are committing dead construction. Consider these examples:

Dead: There are lots of children at the playground today.

Active: A lot of children are having fun at the playground today.

Dead: It would be nice to paddle the Skykomish today.

Active: Paddling the Skykomish today would be nice. Or: I would love to paddle the Skykomish today.

Features: Paddler publishes 2-3 features per issue. Features should be between 2,000 and 3,000 words. Original, high-quality photos must be available. Please, no boring "Me and Joe" Stories, and make sure your cliché filter is turned on before you start writing.

Lead-In Section: timely news, exciting developments, or humorous happenings relating to the paddling community. Stories must be lively and newsworthy. Query first. (150-800 words)

Book and Video Reviews: Current reviews of interest to a large number of Paddlers. Query first. (300-400 words)

Earth Matters: Issues related to the paddling environment, from dam updates to pollution and access issues. This is not a forum for rants; we welcome hard-hitting stories, but they must be well-researched and objective. (400-800 words)

Opus: 600-700 words. This is a light- or heavy-hearted, regularly running column. It can be about anything related to paddling. Doesn’t have to be about a paddling trip. Make us laugh, cry, think. In Person: Profiles of unique individuals involved in the sport. Could be a “famous” or not-so-famous paddler. (400-1,000 words)

Traveling Section: Mostly places to paddle, plain and simple. We often run many small blurbs of paddling places in a particular region (Alaskan sea kayaking, Colorado whitewater, for example. These are about 200 words each. Follow this format: A lead paragraph or two; When to Go (Time of Year); Time: (3-4 days, for example); Local Persuasion (beta from a local expert, guide, writer, etc.). Submissions should include photos. My Trip: This is a 600- to 800-word column about a particular trip one has taken. Tip: Like Opus, make us think, make us laugh, make us cry, andmake us want to go there. Good photos a must, including one of yourself. We occasionally run stories about traveling tips, too.

Know How: Any how-to piece related to paddling, such as a skill, gear maintenance, or fitness. Technique: A "how-to" forum in which experts share their paddling knowledge, from playboating techniques to backcountry safety. Query first with paddling resume. (400 words)

Body Shop: Articles that are related to health (diet, for example) and fitness (fitness training, avoiding injuries, treating injuries, etc.) 500-1000 words.
Address all submissions to the appropriate department and send to Paddler Magazine/Paddlesport Publishing, 6409 132nd. Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98033. or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Address all submissions to the appropriate department and send to Paddler Magazine/Paddlesport Publishing, 6409 132nd Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98033. or contact us for more information.

 Photography guidelines: We don't pay for photos either!

Send photos to: Paddler Magazine, 6409 132nd. Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98033. or  contact us for more information.