Writing Guidelines
If it‘s more convenient, you can download RFM’s guidelines as a pdf.
Richmond Family Magazine is a full-size, full-color monthly magazine published for the Metro Richmond readership. Articles vary in length from 600 to approximately 2,400 words
Our articles are informative and topical with regional or local relevance and written for parents with kids of all ages – from babies to teens. Writing style is upbeat and informal. Our articles are never preachy and always unbiased. Content should answer everyday questions parents ask: family life, healthy living, education, working parents. Seasonal topics are welcome. No fiction or poetry, please.
Features:
A full-length feature (1,800 words minimum) must explore a topic thoroughly and use quotes from real parents and/or anecdotal information from family life, and/or quotes from a Richmond-area expert. Credentials should be cited in context. Sources for statistics and research (books and websites) should also be cited within the article. When applicable, include resources for parents, i.e. local contact information, lists for parents, useful websites. Photos or artwork may be submitted with final for consideration. Sidebars may be submitted and should include information that does not appear in the article itself.
Profiles:
We are looking for Richmond area people with unique or inspirational stories to tell, such as parents with multiple multiples, families who have adopted internationally, parents who are serving in the military, etc. We are also interested in profiles on local celebrities who are parents: sports figures, business and political figures, and media personalities, for example.
Travel:
Family travel pieces should inspire parents in a concise way to enjoy and explore destinations with the entire family. Content should be information based and should not use the words “I” and “me” excessively. We are looking for regional day trips, resort packages, and vacation destinations for families with kids of all ages. Sidebars should include information not related in the article itself: websites and email addresses, phone numbers, costs, hours of operation, dining opportunities.
No previously published material. We buy exclusive periodical rights and electronic rights. Payment is based on experience and quality of work and will be made at the time of acceptance.
Submissions:
Email manuscripts: Editor@RFMonline.com
Real Mom or Dad
This popular column is written every month for RFM by real parents who want to share valuable information with other parents. We offer a $50 Target gift card to say “thanks!” to our Real Parent contributors.
Read below, or download guidelines as pdf.
Real Parent articles should be about 1000 words.
Here’s some editorial help:
- Find your topic. 7 Things I’ve Learned about Toddlers; How To Connect With Your Teen; 8 Secrets to Smoother Bedtimes; How To Get Kids Hooked on Math; The 5 Best Films for Family Movie Night; 6 Ways Middle-Schoolers Can Have Fun in Richmond; 5 Things We Did Right – just button down your main topic. (The number of points used is up to the Real Parent writer.)
- Write your lead-in or introduction (usually about one paragraph). This will be the place to talk about your expertise in the area and/or personal experience with the topic. Why are you writing about this topic? Try to put a little of yourself and your family in here if you can.
- Start a list. Actually write down your item headers, which is really the first line of each point. For example: Read, read and read some more. Turn off the TV. Start a business. Cook dinner once a week. Short simple points that people can glance at and decide whether or not they want to read the whole thing.
- The beauty of this list format is that you don’t have to transition from point to point. Just state your “reason, thing, or step,” etc. and get on with it, explaining it in a few sentences (or more if necessary.) Then move on to your next point.
- At the end of the article, try to use a paragraph or a few sentences to wrap up your main point.
- Don’t forget the endnote: “Real Mom or Real Dad” _________ teaches, works, whatever (if applicable) and lives in …. with son? daughter? ages?
Generally, try to make your Real Parent piece personal. Tell the reader about you and your family and your experience. Be informative, but don’t overwrite. Put anecdotal info in it. Try to put your kids and family in it. It will be helpful to go online and read past articles for direction.
Note: You can submit to this format as many times as you like.
