Writer's Guidelines

ComputorEdge is the nation’s largest regional weekly computer magazine, with 120,000 devoted readers of the printed magazine, and innumerable Web readers.

2006 Editorial Calendar
(PDF Format)

A Profile of CE Writers

Freelance writers contribute to most sections of the magazine. CE writers use a style that is easily understood by novice and intermediate computer users, yet respected by well-educated readers and experts. Our writers are clear and conversational. They share their technical expertise in a relaxed, personable manner without unnecessary techno-jargon. This is a rare combination of talents.

Rights and Compensation

We buy First North American Serial Rights for the print edition of ComputorEdge, as well as electronic publishing rights for our online archive. Feature articles should be 1,000 to 1,200 words in length. The columns “Mac Madness” and “The Linux Link” are open to freelance writers. They should consist of approximately 900 words. Payment is rendered 30 days after publication. Feature articles pay $75; columns pay $50.

How to Submit Your Ideas

If you are not already familiar with the magazine, log onto www.computoredge.com, where you’ll find the current issue, as well as archived copies. The articles are presented in PDF format and look exactly like those in the printed magazine. Take the time to read a couple of issues. You’ll notice that each issue has a specific theme, and the articles depict different aspects of the theme. These themes are listed in the ComputorEdge Editorial Schedule. Download a copy from www.computoredge.com/sandiego/edcal.pdf or request an e-mail copy from .

If you have an idea for a feature story or column, e-mail a query to . Keep in mind that we assign stories up to two months ahead of the writer’s deadline (shown on the Editorial Schedule). In your query, provide a paragraph or two describing the article you would like to write. In the body of the e-mail, denote whether your proposed article is intended as a feature story, Mac column, or Linux column. Do not send unsolicited manuscripts.

If you have never written for ComputorEdge before, please give a summary of your writing credits, credentials, or a bio. Do not include any attachments. We do not open attachments from unknown senders; queries with attachments are automatically deleted.

This is important: In the Subject line of your e-mail, put the word “Query” and state the Issue Number for which you wish to write, i.e., Query for Issue #2450. This will assure that your message receives priority over any spam e-mails that filter into the Submissions Inbox.

Article Acceptance / Rejection

If your query is accepted, an editor will reply to your submission. If you do not hear from us within a reasonable amount of time, your article topic has probably been rejected. You will be contacted only if your proposal has been selected. However, if you query for an issue that is many months away, a response may be delayed, because issues are planned in chronological order. If you wish, you may send a reminder e-mail to check on the status of your submission. Acceptance of a piece does not guarantee its immediate publication. On occasion, a scheduled article may be moved to another issue. We reserve the right to edit or cut text from your article(s).

Sending an Assigned Article

When you have finished writing your assigned article, e-mail it to . It must be received by the writer’s deadline unless alternative arrangements have been made. We prefer to receive the article in Microsoft Word format or as part of the body of the e-mail.

This is important: In the Subject line of your e-mail, put the word “Issue” and state the Issue Number for which your article is slated, i.e., Feature Article (Mac column or Linux column) for Issue #2450. To keep our Assigned Inbox free of spam, all messages that do not state the Issue Number in the Subject line are automatically deleted.

Please do not direct any other e-mail to the Submissions or Assigned mailboxes. Questions and comments should be addressed to , or to the editor who contacted you.

Revised 2/7/06