Image Submissions

GUIDELINES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

In some cases, photographs can make-or-break a feature submission. If we receive a package with good photos, we’re more apt to work with the contributor to shape the text into something useful, versus submissions that include poor writing and poor, or no, photographs. Appropriate photography or rough sketches for our illustrator must accompany how-to pieces that deal with tactics, rigging, fly tying, and the like. Naturally, where-to stories must be illustrated with shots of scenery, people fishing, anglers holding fish, and other pictures that help flesh out the story, paint the local color, and help readers visualize the experience.

Do not send previously published or poor photographs (for example, slide scans or anglers in dated fashion). You will only IRRITATE the editor. To help contributors put their best foot forward, here are a few other considerations.

 

Acceptable Files

American Angler does not publish scans of slides or print photographs. We live in a digital world, so get with it. That said, we are willing to review low-resolution photographs (small files are easier to email) for every facet of the magazine (cover, back cover, TOC, etc.). However, before you submit images, verify the original or high-resolution file must fit the standards below. If it doesn’t, don’t submit the low-resolution file for consideration.

  • Two-page spreads—the image should be no smaller than 11(h)x17(w) inches @ 300 dpi.
  • Front Covers—vertical images only, and not cropped from larger horizontal photographs. File size needs to be 9×12 inches @ 300 dpi.
  • Supporting Images—all other digital images need to be at least 10×14 @ 300 dpi.
  • Once again, DO NOT submit previously published images.

 

Front Cover

Cover images are the hardest void for editors and art directors to fill. Not only does the files size need to be 9×12 inches @ 300 dpi, there needs to be enough room for the magazine title, coverlines, and an address box (lower right). That said, a great image isn’t necessarily a great cover, especially if there isn’t room in the frame for copy to breathe.

In addition to meeting size and composition standards, we are sticklers for sharp focus. We want images where the subjects are as tack-sharp as possible. Typically this means both a fish and the angler, but a good cover image doesn’t necessarily need to be a grip-and-grin. More than anything, we look for eye-catching images that speak to any angler (not just fly anglers) walking past the newsstand.

 

Sweet Spot

This portion of the magazine is a repeating contest that appears in each issue. The concept is for readers to guess the location the image was captured, submit their guess on the magazine’s website, and from the collection of correct answers, we’ll select a random winner to receive a prize (provided by a sponsor).

We’re looking for wide-angle photographs of a fly angler in a vivid, but identifiable, location—places that have a recognizable landscape or geographic identifiers someone that’s visited the area might be able to distinguish. For past examples, visit the Sweet Spot page on the magazine’s website, www.americanangler.com.

We’re not looking for landscape images of beautiful rivers—in fact, if it’s just that, it won’t be considered at all. The two keys to this spread are a fly angler must be in the image and it must be recognizable enough to even a small collection of readers (again, DO NOT submit previously published images).

 

Back Cover

Think of this final page of the magazine as somewhat of a “parting shot” for readers—something that captures some emotional facet of the sport. However, like the front cover, it must meet specific dimensional and file size requirements.

 

Queries

If you’d like to receive bimonthly emails from the editor about the needs for the upcoming issue, email the editor at the address below. Otherwise, send all queries, correspondence, and submissions to:

Editor
American Angler
643 Broad St.
Augusta, GA 30904
(706) 828-3971
[email protected]

Make sure your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address are somehow attached to all materials submitted (queries, cover letters, and first manuscript pages).

 

Payment

We buy modified North American serial print, electronic, and in-house marketing rights to articles and photos, and payment is made at publication. Payment amounts are based on the size the image appears in the magazine.

If American Angler purchases your work, you’ll receive a contract via email from a Morris production coordinator after the issue is sent to the printer. Once Morris receives a signed copy of the contract, the accounting department issues payment.

 

Final Thoughts
  • Sadly, it’s unbelievably apparent which potential contributors read the magazine, and which do not. If you’re unwilling to take the time to study recent issues and gain a better background on what AA purchases before you submit, don’t be offended by rejection.
  • Don’t try to work “deals.” While we may express interest in a particular image, we do not make verbal or written commitments to photographers to “hold” a photograph for future use. If you find a buyer, sell your work, and make some money. Don’t wait for an editor to revisit an image 12 months later and decide it doesn’t work. If an editor wants to buy it later, but it’s been published, that’s their loss.
  • Don’t miss deadlines—this goes beyond drop-dead dates. I understand this industry requires a lot of travel, but if you can’t submit outstanding photos or respond to emails in a timely manner, wait to submit a query until you can.
  • Don’t use your work (writing or photography), or the assurances from another magazine or title, as “leverage” against another. This is a small industry, and editors and publishers talk with one another. When an editor hears a contributor purposely shared details of one arrangement to gain ground on another, it leaves a bad taste in the editor’s mouth.
  • DOT NOT SUBMIT PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED MATERIAL! Building an opening spread or cover around and image that’s appeared elsewhere is a surefire way to anger the editor, and likely limit our willingness to purchase anything from you in the future.