DOG FANCY is devoted to the care and enjoyment of all dogs, purebreds and mixed breeds. Our goal is to provide our readers with easily accessible information they need to be responsible dog owners.

Our Readers:

• College-educated, middle-class adults interested in dog training, health, behavior, activities and general care.
  
  
• Want to be informed about canine health and behavior and also new ways to have fun with their pets.
  
  
• Have little time, so need practical information fast: Why should I care? How much does this cost? Where can I get involved?

Our Writers:

Most of the articles in DOG FANCY are written by freelancers. We welcome new contributors because they offer fresh ideas we might not otherwise consider.

General Standards:

1. We do not publish poetry, fiction or articles in which the dog speaks as if he were human.

2. We discourage tributes to dogs who have died or to beloved family pets because we receive an abundance of this material. We especially encourage well-written, thoroughly researched articles about health, nutrition, care, grooming and training.

3. Word count: roughly 850 to 1,200 words; ideal if accompanied by high-quality color slides or photographs. See photograpers' guidelines.

4. DOG FANCY does not accept unsolicited manuscripts; we work from a query basis only. About queries:

• Please submit queries by mail only and enclose a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) for reply.
  
  
• If possible, include published writing samples and a resume. Do not telephone with queries; we can't judge writing ability over the phone.
  
  
• Because of the volume of queries we receive, a response will take eight to 10 weeks.
  
  
• The query should offer a well-focused idea, descriptive information about how you plan to pursue the topic and a preliminary idea of who the sources will be. Just as important, the query should demonstrate your writing ability. Background information and writing credentials also are helpful.

Writing Style:

• DOG FANCY's spelling and style guides are Webster's New World College Dictionary and The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual, as well as our own style guide.
  
  
• Before you write, outline the article. The outline can be as simple as a list of important points to include. An outline will help you stay on track as you write. Keep in mind that information boxes, short sidebars and bulleted lists can increase readability, especially for readers who don't have time to wade through text. Look for opportunities to present information in these ways.
  
  
• Do not rely on information from the Internet. You can use websites to locate people or organizations, but the origin and content of Internet information cannot be verified.
  
  
• Remember: Dogs are the main focus of every story. Use a real story about a real dog to open the piece, then relate it to the subject. Use expert sources and information woven together with quotations and anecdotes to propel the reader through the article. When contacting sources, keep in mind that we value diversity.
  
  
• We prefer a comfortable, conversational style that's like talking to a friend, but don't get sloppy. Tighten your writing before submitting your manuscript; turn clauses into phrases and phrases into words. Pay special attention to leads and conclusions to ensure they have impact.
  
  
• DOG FANCY refers to all dogs as "he" in features and "she" in section items (Newshound and Checkup) unless the dog's name is used, in which case we will need the dog's age, breed, and gender.
  
  
• Make sure your article answers all the questions a reader might ask: not only who, what, where and when but also how, why and what the future holds. Suggest a headline and deck on every story.
  
  
• Double-check spelling (particularly names) and phone numbers, street addresses, website and e-mail addresses. Use full names for people and organizations and include credentials (DVM, MD, etc.) and any relevant qualifications or affiliations. Include the location (city and state) for all businesses, educational institutions, and organizations mentioned. For book titles, include in parenthesis the publisher, year of publication, and price of the book.
  
  
• Include a list of all sources of information, including names, titles, affiliations and telephone numbers.
  
  
• We have a tight production schedule; articles must be submitted by their assigned deadline and meet the specified length. The editors reserve the right to edit and cut for clarity and space.

Acceptance and Payment:

If we accept your proposal, we will ask you to submit the article on speculation. Articles may be submitted by e-mail, as Microsoft Word e-mail attachments (preferable) or on disk in Word form along with a hard copy. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited materials.

DOG FANCY pays on publication. Payment will not be received before the first week of the issue month in which the article appears. The payment varies with the quality and length of the article and the number and quality of author-supplied photographs. All writers are asked to sign a contractual agreement.

Submissions:

Queries
DOG FANCY
P.O. Box 6050
Mission Viejo, CA 92690-6050

If applicable, include in the address the name of the magazine section to which your query pertains.