WRITERS’ GUIDELINES

Want to write for Shameless?

Send us a brief query letter outlining your story idea. Be sure to include a clear and concise description of your idea, angle, sources, expected length, why it’s right for Shameless and why you’re the writer for the job. You should also include a few writing samples (published or unpublished).

Remember, since Shameless only comes out three times a year, your idea must be one that will still be fresh and relevant several months from now.

We prefer to receive query letters and writing samples through e-mail. Address your letters to Megan Griffith-Greene.

Alternately, you can do it the old-fashioned way:

Shameless magazine
P.O. Box 68548
360A Bloor St. W
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1X1
CANADA

Please be patient. We will respond to your query as soon as possible, but it may take several months. Story ideas are welcome all year round, but please note that we publish in March, July and November.

What Shameless Publishes

Features (about 2,000 words)

From the truth about the prom to women in politics, Shameless features are for girls who get it. Insightful, edgy and engaging, our features cover socio-political issues, arts and culture, current events, activism and more.

Front/Back of the Book:

• News Flash: News briefs (about 200 words) from around the world delivered from a progressive point of view.
• The In-Group: A profile of an organization or community group worth joining. (300-500 words)
• Activist Report: A brief profile of a person, group or movement doing something good for the world. (300 words)
• She’s Shameless: A profile of a teenager who’s totally shameless. We feature girls who are making a difference in their communities, whether it’s by volunteering, staging a play or running the local soccer club. (700 words)
• Show + Tell: Art, poetry and short pieces of writing by our teen readers.
• And In This Corner? : A guest columnist tells it like she sees it, tackling anything from fat phobia to her battle with bushy eyebrows. (800 words)
• Get-Up: An alternative style guide. Think one-inch buttons, rainbow-coloured tresses and crafty room décor rather than half-naked, size-zero models. (300-500 words)
• Geek Chic: The latest in technology and games. (800 words)
• DIY: A step-by-step guide to doing something useful — from silkscreening T-shirts to recording a demo tape. (600-800 words)
• Sporting goods: Dispatches for athletes and sports fans. (800 words)
• Arts: Profiles of musicians, artists and arts organizations. (800-1,000 words)
• Reviews: Music, books, comics and zine reviews. (100 words)

Note: Shameless may sometimes choose to run articles from other publications, as long as the author has rights to the article and provides written permission to reprint the piece.

PAYMENT

Because Shameless is an independent, grassroots magazine with no corporate backer, we are unable to pay writers (or our staff) at this point. We truly appreciate the donation of your time and talent. When our financial status changes, our pay policy will as well. In the meantime, what we can offer you is international exposure for your writing, a complimentary copy of the magazine and our undying gratitude.

LANGUAGE, TONE AND STYLE

We are looking for diverse, creative, original, thought-provoking, entertaining, challenging, well-researched, engaging stories. We prefer journalistic-style to academic-style writing.

Shameless is a progressive magazine with no religious or political party affiliation. Sexist, racist, homophobic and other exclusionary language will not be tolerated.

Please refrain from using stereotypes, sweeping generalizations, jargon and clichés. We are looking for fresh, witty writing that engages and entertains. Frenzied ranting is strongly discouraged. So are over-the-top attempts at sounding young and hip. (Hint: Shameless is not Seventeen and “omigawd” is not a word.) Remember, you’re the reader’s trusted co-conspirator, not her cooler older sister. Let your natural voice come through.

Questions about submissions and writers’ guidelines? Get in touch with Megan.