Rock and Ice Contributors' Guidelines
Rock and Ice, established in 1984, is the core climbing magazine and we are proud to be the leading publication for world-class writing, training and technical tips for climbers of all levels, hard-hitting gear reviews and stunning photography. Our readers look to Rock and Ice as the authentic source of climbing information and inspiration, and their expectations for accuracy, detail and talent from our contributors are very high. Below are some suggestions on crafting your work to fit our needs.
Editorial Submissions
• Rock and Ice is published nine times a year, or roughly every six weeks. Please submit all article proposals in a one-page query letter, preferably via email, to editor@bigstonepub.com. If this is your first time submitting to Rock and Ice, it's helpful if you include clips of previously published work. Please be sure to read several issues of Rock and Ice to familiarize yourself with the voice and content of the magazine before submitting queries, and be aware that it may take a matter of weeks for us to respond to your query.
Features
• Rock and Ice features focus primarily on profiles, destinations, current outdoor/clibming-related issues, survival stories and occasionally, fiction. Features are generally 1,200 to 1,400 words in length, and require in-depth research, quotes and talented writing. We do not publish trip reports.
Departments
• These are good places for writers to begin a relationship with Rock and Ice. The departments have specific focus and format, and are generally shorter than features.
Breaking News
• Short (100 to 500 words) write-ups of the latest feats, events, controversies and access issues in the climbing world. Strong photos are a big plus when we are considering a piece for publication. Please send your queries to Andrew Bisharat.
• We also occassionally run photos and brief, 100-word accounts of the latest gatherings, fetivals and community events. Please send and email to Alison Osius and let her know of the upcoming event. Please see the events page for a sample on what you need to submit.
Training
• The latest training tips and techniques, presented in a detailed, east-to-digest format for beginner and advanced climbers alike. We like to see the article focussed on one or two top climbers and their training strategies. This section also includes Nutrition, dedicated to eating strategies for more power, endurance, etc., and generally ties into the training tips. Alternating positions with Training is Medicine, focusing, for example, on better strategies for long-term tendon health, healing torn muscles or caring for blown-out fingers. For training tips, please send your emails to Andrew Bisharat.
Field-Tested Gear
• Our Equipment reviews are a signature item of the magazine, and require expert (and exhaustive) field testing of gear in a certain category (i.e., two-person portaledges, ultra-light waterproof/breathable shell jackets). Writer/testers must be objective, honest, hard working and capable of writing catchy, detailed reviews. Please contact Duane Raleigh.
Photography
• Rock and Ice's large format design places strong emphasis on stunning, cutting-edge photography. Please feel free to submit photos for any of the above departments as well as our Exposed section, featuring the editors' picks of their favorite images in each issue. You will need to send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their return.
• Rock and Ice is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Please address all submissions to:
Photo Editor
Big Stone Publishing
417 Main St. Unit "N"
Carbondale, CO 81623
• Digital submissions are preferred. Please send a low-rez preview CD and a corresponding high-rez CD along with hard-copy printout. We do not return CDs unless accompanied by SASE of the proper dimensions and with sufficient postage. CDs do not have a monetary value. Generally, we require a minimum of 6mp for up to 2/3-page, and 10mp for full page and spread use. We prefer unsharpened images. You can mail your CDs to the address above or email low-rez samples to Duane Raleigh.
• We accept slides (but still prefer digital) and black-and-white prints; color prints are NOT acceptable.
• IMPORTANT! All photo submissions are subject to Rock and Ice's rates, terms and conditions. Rock and Ice does not accept photographers' "Terms and Conditions" for any unsolicited slides, film or prints.
