WRITER'S
GUIDELINES
Alabama Heritage,
a nonprofit publication of the University of Alabama and the Alabama
Department of Archives and History, is a quarterly historical magazine
designed for a general audience. We publish articles on local, state,
and regional history, art, literature, language, archeology, music,
religion, architecture, and natural history.
We seek lively, well-researched, and well-written articles that appeal
to intelligent, inquisitive readers. Of special interest to us are
articles that discuss events within the context of their times and
articles that show connections between the past and the present, between
Alabama and the rest of the world.
Most of our feature articles contain approximately 2,000-4,500 words
and include additional material such as sidebars and photographs.
We will also consider short pieces, 250-1,200 words, for our departments:
Southern Architecture and Preservation, Southern Folkways, Alabama
Album, Arts in the South, and Alabama Treasures. Southern Folkways
focuses on the origins of traditions, beliefs, expressions, and other
reflections of southern culture. The Recollections department offers
photographs and recollections of Alabamians who have made or witnessed
history. Arts in the South centers on both recognized and obscure
artists, writers, musicians, and performers, as well as folk art,
decorative styles, and antiques. Our Alabama Treasures department
features an artifact or document of value. The Alabama Album department
features a "slice of life" photo from Alabama's past.
Authors should include footnotes and a bibliography. (We do not print
footnotes, but we do check facts.)
We welcome the contributions of freelancers but suggest that ideas
for articles be submitted—in some detail—to our editors
in advance. Queries should include a description of the writer's credentials—both
writing experience and expertise in the subject being proposed-and
writing samples.
When submitting feature articles, authors should also send a brief,
personal biographical statement including credentials and a list of
suggested further reading for our subscribers. This information will
appear in the "Contributions, Sources, and Suggested Reading"
section in the back of the magazine.
We occasionally publish excerpts from nonfiction books. We do not
publish fiction or poetry.
Our articles are heavily illustrated. We encourage authors to provide
photocopies of suggested illustrations and photographs with the submitted
article.
Alabama Heritage purchases articles on a "work for hire"
basis, with all reprint rights being retained by the magazine, including
electronic publishing rights.
Any suggestions or submitted manuscripts should be accompanied by
a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If the writer wishes to have declined
material returned, the envelope must be of a sufficient size with
adequate postage to return it. We regret that we are unable to send
out sample copies. Most back issues are available for $7.00 each plus
$2.50 postage and handling.
