Dear Readers,
I want you to write for us! Share your experiences, viewpoints and writing flair with other readers. Whatever your age is, whether you’re new to Canada or deeply rooted here, I want to be inspired by your unique perspective. Writers and artists are invited to submit work to be considered for publication. No pitches, please. Only completed work.
A few things I look for are an original voice, humour, an unexpected view, vivid details which show versus tell, an unfamiliar perspective and anecdotes which illuminate a wider theme. Read some of the back issues and get a feel for the style, content and tone of Whitewater News before you submit your work to be considered. If you’re submitting a story, use Canadian statistics and experts whenever possible. Every article for Whitewater News is fact checked. Please include a comprehensive checking package which includes sources for all of your statistics, studies, and so forth, and the phone number and email address for all interview subjects.
Before submitting your story, please ensure your topic is relevant to a Whitewater Region and Ottawa Valley audience. Also ensure you are familiar with our publication and confirm your story idea isn’t one Whitewater News has already examined. When submitting your work for consideration, please include a cover letter in the body of your email which introduces yourself, your work and the piece you’re submitting. Anonymity and pseudonyms are not granted. Story submissions are to be no shorter than 500 words and no longer than 1,200 words. Your work must be submitted in advance of publication, while still remaining current and timely. Our editorial calendar with advertising and submission deadlines is available online or by email request to [email protected].
Short Essays
Whitewater News publishes timely short essays, to a maximum of 1,200 words, reported from Whitewater Region and the Ottawa Valley. These pieces take the form of memoirs, small features focusing on a specific topic or issue, or reported narratives. They demand a singular, focused argument and a strong writing voice. You should have something original and significant to say and these pieces are different from newspaper op-ed’s. Please note all work is considered only on spec.
Long Reads
Long-form narrative journalism at Whitewater News focuses on issues relevant to peoples living in Whitewater Region and the Ottawa Valley. We accept submissions in the fields of politics, local affairs, the arts, health, science, the environment, sports and so forth. Good articles have through research, access to sources, the ability to tell a compelling story through a narrative and interesting characters. Please note all work is considered only on spec.
Arts and Culture
Reviews at Whitewater News covers theatre, art, books, architecture, fashion, film, music, media, television and poetry. Writers should have some authority in the area of interest. These pieces generally take the form of timely profiles of important figures in the arts; thematic reviews exploring new works in context of other works; and narrative essays on new or ongoing phenomenas in the Whitewater Region or Ottawa Valley culture scene. Please note all work is considered only on spec.
Digital Features
Whitewater News publishes online features and essays covering a variety of timely, relevant subjects at whitewaternews.ca. A general familiarity with our website is the best guide to what we are looking for. Topics of interest include politics, society, business, local affairs, arts and culture. Digital pieces differ from print pieces by timeliness, however they maintain the same quality of originality, reporting and language. Please note all work is considered only on spec.
Fiction
Whitewater News publishes original work of previous and current peoples of Whitewater Region and the Ottawa Valley. We accept submissions from both new and established writers. Short stories range from 2 thousand to 5 thousand words. Short stories on any subject are welcome but please note we do not publish mystery, historical romance, thrillers or genre fiction. Please note all work is considered only on spec.
Poetry
Work is published by both new and established Whitewater Region and Ottawa Valley poets. Poems should fit in a single, half-page column. Please send no more than six poems per submission. Whitewater News does not consider work that has already appeared elsewhere, including on a personal blog. Please note all work is considered only on spec.
Visual Features
Photographers who have produced a range of images on a particular theme are invited to submit their work for inclusion in Whitewater News as a photo essay. Please note all work is considered only on spec.
Submissions can be sent by email to [email protected]. and in the subject line, put “Submission” and the topic in two to three words. Please submit your written work in two forms, as a .docx attachment and copy and pasted into the body of the email. Please do not submit a piece that has already appeared in any other print or online publication, but feel free to submit a topic you’ve blogged about. There is no payment if your work is published.
Please note unsolicited materials sent by mail will not be returned without a proper self-addressed and stamped envelope with proper postage. Do not submit more than one short story or six poems every three months. Whitewater News does not accept simultaneous submissions. Please do not send pictures or artwork unless they are requested. Whitewater News does not accept responsibility for the loss of unsolicited prints, transparencies and so forth.
I look forward to reading your submissions! I strive to respond in a timely manner, however it may take up to two weeks to hear back.
Sincerely,
Megan Chase, Editor
