ESSENCE . Writer's Guidelines
      

 Thank you for your interest in writing for ESSENCE, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for today’s African-American woman. We feature personal growth articles, celebrity profiles, and well-reported pieces on political and social issues. We also look for articles on relationships, careers, money, health and fitness. And we run short items on community activists and people in the arts. Word length is given upon assignment. 
              
 Please send a query letter rather than submitting a completed manuscript, and understand that we will contact you if your query is selected. If we think your subject is of interest to our readers but you are a writer new to ESSENCE, you may be asked to submit the completed manuscript on speculation. Payment will be made if the article is accepted. 
              
 Give us a clear outline of your story; one page is sufficient. It would also help to include a brief biography that describes your writing experience, and some clips. If you would like to submit more than one idea, write a separate query for each topic. Check our masthead in the current issue for the names of the appropriate editors. 
              
 All manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced. (We suggest that you keep a copy of your original manuscript.) We cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow six to eight weeks for review. 
              
 Our address:
           

Essence Communications Inc.
1500 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Attn: Editorial Dept.
Send queries to: editors@essence.com 
We look forward to hearing from you!