Writer's guidelines
Thank you for your interest in contributing to General Aviation News & Flyer. Our publication is a biweekly tabloid-sized newspaper covering general aviation across the United States and Canada; therefore, we publish regional, national and international stories of interest to pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts.
We stress news because with our short turnaround time we can get it to our readers while it is still news. A controversy over an airport, a first flight of a new design, storm or flood damage to an airport, a new business opening at your local airport - those are the sort of projects that may get a new writer onto our pages, if they arrive here soon after they happen.
We are especially interested in reviews of aircraft. Our Pilot Reports typically consist of an experienced pilot taking an airplane out for a test flight and providing a well-written, 2,000-word critique. A bit of the aircraft's design background is usually incorporated, as well as what a potential customer may expect for his money. Air-to-air photography and aircraft specifications also are required. Pilot Reports on new aircraft such as a Cirrus SR-20 or a Zenith CH 2000 are more likely to find their way into our pages than rehashed articles on 30-year-old Cessnas.
A variety of special sections are included in GANews & Flyer throughout the year. Alaska Flyer and Sport Flyer are monthly features. Annual sections include coverage of modifications and maintenance, career and educational opportunities, seaplanes, kitplanes, computer software, air shows, avionics, engines, painting and interiors, and headsets and intercoms.
For an idea of the other kinds of stories we are after, look at some recent issues. Sample copies are available for $3.50. Our circulation department may be contacted at 206-471-9888.
Some tips for first-time contributors:
* The longer the story, the less likely it is to be accepted, all other factors being equal. A 1,000-word story with good photos is the best way to see your name in print.
* If you are covering controversy, send us both sides of the story. We are interested in stirring debate, but not from a soapbox.
* Another possibility for non-flying writers is the personality piece involving someone who is using his or her airplane in an unusual way, usually in earning a living, but possibly otherwise. For example, a man who tunes pipe organs for a living but who just could not earn a living without the travel and scheduling flexibility his airplane brings him.
* As for photography, shoot clear, up-close photos, preferably color prints or slides. Black-and-white prints are acceptable, but color images offer the most flexibility.
* Prepare your manuscript carefully, double-spaced with wide margins. Clean typescripts or letter-quality computer printouts are best. A poorly prepared manuscript means we cannot use our text-scanning equipment, and editors have better things to do than copy-type manuscripts. Floppy disks formatted for Microsoft Word software are especially welcome, as is E-mail. Our E-mail address: comments@ganflyer.com
* Most of our features and news stories are assigned in response to a query.
* Stories about aviation safety always will be considered. If you've learned from an unusual or frightening experience you had while flying, or if you can relate someone else's story, we are interested.
We pay approximately $3 per printed column inch, $10 per black-and-white photo and $50 per cover photo, based on quality and market demands. We pay the month following publication.
You should include with your submission your name, address, telephone number and social security number. Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you wish to have your manuscript returned. Be sure to indicate whether your story has been offered to another publication or if it has been published elsewhere.
Please send your material to the attention of Kirk Gormley, managing editor.
[Top of File] [A to C] [D to H] [I to O] [P to T] [U to Z] Home