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.

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.

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.

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 slides for color photography, good-quality color prints are acceptable. 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 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.