The Ionian Guidelines for Writers and Photographers
The Ionian is an English language magazine distributed throughout the Ionian area of Greece. We write, edit and design for everyone who sails, travels, lives, works and visits in the Ionian. Our features emphasize the joy and rewards of life in general and specifically in the Ionian. We look for features that are simultaneously entertaining, practical and instructive.
The Ionian’s readers want to know everything about the Ionian area of Greece. And they want to see it, too. We look for photographs that illustrate the story clearly or contain a universe of beauty. Our writers are also encouraged to be photographers, and to think about photography while they think about writing.
The Ionian is sensitive to our Greek hosts. Although most of us will never be fluent in Greek, we love Greece and are fascinated by the Greek history and culture. We are seeking Greek writers and editors who would like to contribute in any way, but especially to our Greek page.
ARTICLES
A popular article length is 500-800 words, although it takes a strong concept to merit maximum length. Most stories in The Ionian are shorter, and very, very short pieces are prized. Developing writers should pay attention to sections at the front of the magazine and be alert to our search for small stories with punch.
FORM
We prefer to receive material via email or on a CD (include hard-copy) in MSWord. Please add a brief (50 words or less) biography and a head and shoulder shot for our contributors’ page. Hard-copy manuscripts should be typed, double-spaced, with wide margins. All submissions by mail should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope large enough to enclose your material so that we may return it to you should it not meet our editorial needs.
The Ionian will not consider articles that have been submitted simultaneously to another publication. Payments vary depending upon the type of article. We pay upon publication. Articles that have been published elsewhere are occasionally considered. We like to buy first European and e-magazine rights but will consider reprints.
We strongly suggest that writers query The Ionian about specific ideas. Although we cannot make a decision without seeing the article, we can tell you whether or not your idea is appropriate for The Ionian. We attempt to read, consider, and reply to your query or article within 60 days. Please don't call us before that time.
SUBJECT MATTER
We look for unique views of life in the Ionian. Read recent issues of The Ionian to see the sort of articles we publish. Remember that The Ionian reaches people of all interests as well as cultural and ethnic backgrounds: tourists, business owners, land owners, employees, ex-pats, sailors.
Here are hints for different sections of the magazine:
FEATURES
Select specific actions or events and build your article around them. Focus on a theme or choose a specific aspect of life in the Ionian and discuss perhaps a personal attitude or philosophical approach. Notice that we devote certain issues to special themes: check with us if you have an idea. Stay away from pieces that chronicle your journey or life in the day-to-day style of a logbook or diary (these have rarely been successful). And keep in mind that you want to take readers on-board to share your sailing, travel, or life experience.
We repeat: Our favorite features are simultaneously entertaining, practical and instructive. Think locally. If you have an idea about Greek wine, write about wine from Corfu or Lefkada.
GREEK PAGE
We are interested in learning more about Greek culture, history, music, art, architecture, and life in general from the lucky people who are native here. Tell us about gathering herbs in the hills, the men-only kafenions, about why life begins at one in the morning even in winter, and about Easter celebrated the Greek way. Greek language is not as difficult as many people think - learning a few words each month will make life for the non-Greek much richer. Share with us a simple recipe or how to make Greek coffee. Tell us how it felt to return to your family village after living abroad.
HOW-TO, TECHNICAL ARTICLES
We want clear and concise articles of 300 to 700 words written for the intelligent layman. Discuss how to deal with the process of purchasing a vehicle or land in Greece, how to make your own olive oil from the olives you grew yourself, how to med moor successfully in Fisgardo in August, or how to plan a birthday party complete with Greek dancing. Don't bounce over a wide range of topics superficially; instead, deal with one subject in detail, with precision.
MEMORIES
These short essays (200 to 500 words) are reminiscences of the author's sailing, traveling or settling down in the Ionian, including favorite anchorages, learning experiences, people encountered, places visited. It's an opportunity to let the writer in you have rein.
THROUGH THE PORTHOLE INTERVIEWS:
If you know someone who lives in the Ionian or is a long time visitor that you find fascinating - the chance is that we will too. Write about what makes this person special. How have they contributed to their community, what have they done that will inspire others.
IONIAN NEWS
We offer readers practical community news. Any change or development that a member of the Ionian community might benefit from knowing is useful. We usually assign news reporting in advance; it is best to query The Ionian at least one month ahead of any scheduled event you want to cover. Accuracy and clarity are demanded.
CHILDREN'S PAGE Here we are the most careful yet very broad in our requirements. We are always looking for input from our young readers.
LIVE AND LEARNIf it happened to you, and you learned something from it, you are a candidate to write a Live and Learn piece. These stories generally run about 500 words and focus upon a particular situation, an evolving set of events, and consequences. A sidebar of 100 words, included in the total word count, presents the lessons learned as "Hindsight."
PHOTOGRAPHY
Almost all articles in The Ionian are accompanied by appropriate photography. Sometimes we can acquire images from professionals, but most of the time the appropriate photos are those taken by someone who is participating in the events being described. Think about taking pictures at the same time you're thinking about writing; try to include the people in your story as well as the landscape.
And if you're thinking about writing, take more photos than you think you'll ever need. Note that this doesn't mean you shouldn't edit the collection. General requirements: Sharp focus, good variety of close-up and overall shots, even lighting, good saturation in warm colors.
PHOTOGRAPHY INSIDE THE MAGAZINE
The Ionian accepts digital photos of high resolution. There are a couple of ways to submit digital images. (1) Put your files on a disk and send the disk (manuscript too, if you wish) to us. (2) Email low-res versions of your files; we can make a selection of those we'd like to see in high res. (3) If you're going to email high-res photo files, send just a few at a time to avoid computer indigestion.
All submissions should have your name and address somewhere—for example on the CD case or in the Properties. Please include a caption list: who, where, when. Payment is upon publication. The Ionian reserves the right to reproduce its existing covers and layouts, including photography and art for promotional uses, such as circulation and advertising sales.
COVER AND CALENDAR PHOTOGRAPHS
Covers require vertical format; calendar shots are horizontal. Images must be strong technically and in composition. Subject: The Ionian. They should be conceptually clear; the reader should understand the mood and context immediately.
Send queries, manuscripts and images to:
editor@theionian.com
The Ionian Magazine Internship Positions:
The Ionian offers four internship positions each summer, running from May 15 to August 25.
Responsibilities: All internships are with the editorial department and offer an opportunity for news-gathering, story researching, and writing. Interns will write articles that focus on Ionian travel, yachting, culture, arts, and environment. Internships are available on Lefkada (main office), as well as Kefalonia, Corfu and Zakinthos islands.
The interns are expected to work without supervision but will receive assistance, coaching, comments and editing by the editor. Their work is appraised throughout the internship. Interns must be able to schedule their work in order to submit articles by deadlines. Weekly meetings (in person, via internet or telephone) are mandatory.
References: The editor will provide a written reference upon request and be available for a telephone reference.
Application Requirements: Applicants must have a native grasp of English and demonstrate interest and ability in writing and editing. High school graduation is obligatory. University graduation or enrollment, experience in a publication and knowledge of Greek are favoured. We expect interns to be independent, self-motivated, and professional.
Remuneration: At this time there is no remuneration for this position, however, the intern may be asked to submit freelance articles for pay in the future.
Responsibilities: All internships are with the editorial department and offer an opportunity for news-gathering, story researching, and writing. Interns will write articles that focus on Ionian travel, yachting, culture, arts, and environment. Internships are available on Lefkada (main office), as well as Kefalonia, Corfu and Zakinthos islands.
The interns are expected to work without supervision but will receive assistance, coaching, comments and editing by the editor. Their work is appraised throughout the internship. Interns must be able to schedule their work in order to submit articles by deadlines. Weekly meetings (in person, via internet or telephone) are mandatory.
References: The editor will provide a written reference upon request and be available for a telephone reference.
Application Requirements: Applicants must have a native grasp of English and demonstrate interest and ability in writing and editing. High school graduation is obligatory. University graduation or enrollment, experience in a publication and knowledge of Greek are favoured. We expect interns to be independent, self-motivated, and professional.
Remuneration: At this time there is no remuneration for this position, however, the intern may be asked to submit freelance articles for pay in the future.
Application Instructions:
Applicants should send a covering letter, resume and three writing samples to the magazine.Receipt of application will be acknowledged. Applicants are asked not to call the magazine.
Application deadline for 2011 is April 30, 2011.
Application deadline for 2011 is April 30, 2011.
Email your application to editor@theionian.com
