Submission Guidelines
Who We Are
The Paint Horse Journal is the monthly publication of the American Paint
Horse Association (APHA). Our readers are Paint Horse enthusiasts with a range
of interests as wide as the world of equestrian activities.
Our Editorial Needs
The Journal is continually in need of good articles about Paint Horse
people—the owners, breeders and trainers—and about the horses themselves.
History of the breed articles are popular, as are how-to articles on training,
riding or showing.
Human interest pieces and unusual stories about Paints and their owners may be
the basis for an article. Material on health care is sometimes used, but must be
well-researched and include new or useful information from qualified experts
with established credentials.
Well-written and photographed articles on outdoor activities such as trail rides
are welcomed.
The Journal does not accept poetry.
Please Query First
Before submitting an article to the Journal, send a query letter or contact the
editor or managing editor. A self-addressed, stamped envelope is not required.
However, if you send a manuscript and wish to have it returned, please include
appropriate postage.
If your query idea is accepted, you will be asked to provide a complete outline
of the article, as well as a list of the photos that will accompany it.
Article Length and Style
Feature articles generally run between 1,000 and 2,000 words. Longer articles
may be accepted if the content warrants the expanded coverage.
However, please note that long, rambling essays will be rejected, as will opinion
pieces or manuscripts that have not been carefully researched or that contain
factual errors. Poorly-organized submissions containing misspellings or improper
use of grammar or punctuation may also be rejected.
The main consideration is the accurate presentation of facts in a concise,
interesting manner.
Short articles are often used, and may include how-to, where-to-go, or special
interest topics.
The Journal uses the Chicago Manual of Style (14th Edition) as its style
guide. Our dictionary of choice is the Random House Webster's College
Dictionary.
Typed submissions should be double-spaced and either e-mailed or sent on computer
disk.
Photography
Suitable photographs are an integral part of an editorial submission and are
considered part of the complete editorial package. They should be visually
interesting, while clearly illustrating the major points made in the article.
If the writer cannot take good-quality photos to accompany a manuscript, he or
she should arrange to have photos taken.
When taking photos, fill the frame with the subject. A long focal- length lens
often enhances an equine subject, providing the best photograph. Shoot both
horizontal and vertical format photos so the Journal's graphic artists
have flexibility in designing a layout.
While we prefer RAW or high-resolution digital images, we also accept
good-quality prints for color photography. In general, Polaroid or snapshot
camera photographs will not be of the quality required.
As a rule, photographs are not purchased independently of editorial.
However, exceptional photographs are sometimes used in Journal or APHA marketing
material.
The photographer must provide the name of the horse or horses being photographed,
and have permission of the owner to submit the images to the Paint Horse
Journal.
Once Your Manuscript has been Submitted
The Journal editorial staff reviews all submissions for content quality
and suitability. Once accepted, manuscripts are edited to conform to Journal
style.
Payment Policy
Once an article has been accepted, an offer of payment will be made.
Payment for filler material and short articles ranges between $35 and $150.
Feature article payment ranges from $150 to $500.
Contact the Journal at:
P.O. Box 961023
Fort Worth, Texas 76161-0023
(817) 834-2742