Markets for Hobbyists

by Karri Watson

According to HIA Nationwide Craft & Hobby Consumer Usage and Purchases Study, residents of 58 percent of U.S. households have participated in crafts and hobbies in 2001. This makes the hobbyist magazine market a good focus for writers who currently (or would like to) pursue a hobby. My personal hobby is making Christmas stockings, what is yours?

The following publications made the list because they provide something for everyone. Take your pick from antiques, genealogy, model trains, teddy bears (oh my) and more. These markets are looking for writers who know their subject and can provide an interesting spin on it.

ANTIQUE TRADER

(formerly The Antique Trader Weekly)
700 E. State St.
Iola WI 54990-0001

www.collect.com
Writer's guidelines available at website.
Works with many new/unpublished writers each year.

Nonfiction:
"We're looking for well-researched stories about the current market for particular antiques/collectibles areas (like Carnival glass, art pottery, postcards, etc.). Stories must include current market trends, values and quotes from appropriate dealers, collectors and other sources." Also looking for interesting, topical profiles of interesting collectors, dealers and others in the industry.
Buys 100-150 manuscripts/year.

Submission method: Query or submit story on spec

Length: 750-1,000 words plus sidebars

Pays $100-200 for features.

Photos:

Reviews:
Transparencies
Prints (color, b&w)
slides, digital images (at least 150 dpi)

Payment for photos is included with purchase of mss

"We don't want the same historical 'textbook' approach seen in other antiques publications. We want articles brimming with personality, style, fun trivia, interesting sidebars and lively quotes. Make antiquing come alive through vibrant writing and clear photos."

COLLECTOR'S MART

Contemporary Collectibles, Gifts & Home Decor
Krause Publications
700 E. State St.
Iola WI 54990

Fax: (715)445-4087
E-Mail: collectorsmart@krause.com

Accepts queries by: Mail, E-mail and Fax
www.collectorsmart.net

Writer's guidelines available

Key To This Market: Break in with "exciting, interesting theme topics for collections, i.e., seaside, fun and functional, patio decor, etc."

Nonfiction:

Inspirational (collectibles with religious themes)

Interview/Profile (artists of collectibles)

New Product

Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 750–1,500 words.

Pays $50-300.

Send only color photos with submission.

Reviews:
Transparencies
Prints, electronic images

Photos Require:
Captions

Offers no additional payment for photos accepted with ms.

"We're looking for more pieces on unique Christmas theme collectibles, i.e., tree toppers. Also includes giftware and home decor."

FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE

Discover, Preserve & Celebrate Your Family's History
F&W Publications
4700 E. Galbraith Rd.
Cincinnati OH 45236

Accepts queries by: Mail and E-mail

E-Mail: ftmedit@fwpubs.com

www.familytreemagazine.com

Guidelines available online.

Key To This Market: Break in by suggesting a "useful, timely idea for our Toolkit section on a resource that our readers would love to discover."

Nonfiction:

"Articles are geared to beginners but never talk down to the audience. We emphasize sidebars, tips, and other reader-friendly 'packaging,' and each article aims to give the reader the resources necessary to take the next step in his or her quest for their personal past."

Needs:
Book excerpts
Historical
How-To (genealogy)
New Product (photography, computer)
Technical (genealogy software, photography equipment)
Travel (with ethnic heritage slant)

Submission method: Query with published clips

Length: 500–3,500 words.

Pays $150-800.

Accepts previously published submissions.

State availability of photos with submission.

Reviews:
Transparencies (color)

Photos Require:
Captions

Negotiates payment individually.

"We see too many broad, general stories on genealogy or records, and personal accounts of `How I found great-aunt Sally' without how-to value."

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED

The Premier Cutlery Magazine
265 S. Anita Dr., Suite 120
Orange CA 92868-3310

Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.

Fax: (423)892-7254
E-Mail: knivesillustrated@yahoo.com

Accepts queries by: Mail, E-mail and Fax

www.knivesillustrated.com

Nonfiction:

Needs:
General Interest
Historical
How-To
Interview/Profile
New Product
Photo Feature
Technical

Submission method: Query

Length: 400–2,000 words.

Pays $100-500.

Send photos with submission.

Reviews:

Transparencies (35mm, 2 1/4 × 2 1/4 , 4x5)
Prints (5x7 prints)
electronic images in TIF, GIP or JPG Mac format

Photos Require:
Captions
Identification of subjects
Model Releases
Negotiates payment individually

"Most of our contributors are involved with knives, either as collectors, makers, engravers, etc. To write about this subject requires knowledge. A 'good' writer can do OK if they study some recent issues. If you are interested in submitting work to Knives Illustrated magazine, it is suggested you analyze at least two or three different editions to get a feel for the magazine. It is also recommended that you call or mail in your query to determine if we are interested in the topic you have in mind. While verbal or written approval may be given, all articles are still received on a speculation basis. We cannot approve any article until we have it in hand, whereupon we will make a final decision as to its suitability for our use. Bear in mind we do not suggest you go to the trouble to write an article if there is doubt we can use it promptly."

MEMORY MAKERS

The First Source for Scrapbooking Ideas
Satellite Press
12365 Huron St.
Suite 500
Denver CO 80234

E-Mail: editorial@memorymakersmagazine.com

www.memorymakersmagazine.com

Guidelines available online

Accepts queries by: Mail or E-mail

Key To This Market: Break in with articles on "unique craft techniques that can apply to scrapbooking, and personal stories of how scrapbooking has impacted someone's life."

Nonfiction:

Needs:
Historical
How-To (scrapbooking)
Inspirational
Interview/Profile
New Product
Personal Experience
photography

Does Not Want: No "all-encompassing how-to scrapbook" articles.

Submission method: Query with published clips

Length: 1,000–1,500 words.

Pays $500-750.

Columns open to freelancers: Keeping It Safe (issues surrounding the safe preservation of scrapbooks); Scrapbooking 101 (how-to scrapbooking techniques for beginners); Photojournaling (new and useful ideas for improving scrapbook journaling); Modern Memories (computer and modern technology scrapbooking issues), all 600-800 words.

Submission method: Query with published clips

Pays: $200–350 for columns.

THE NUMISMATIST

American Numismatic Association
818 N. Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs CO 80903-3279

E-Mail: anaedi@money.org

Sample copy free.

Nonfiction:
"Submitted material should present new information and/or constitute a contribution to numismatic education for the experienced collector and beginner alike."

Needs:
Book excerpts
Essays
Historical
Opinion
Technical

Special Issues: First Strike, a supplement for young or new collectors, is published twice yearly, in December and June.

Submission method: Query or send complete ms

Length: 3,500 words maximum

Pays $3/column inch.

Send photos with submission.

Photos Require:
Captions
Identification of subjects
Negotiates payment individually
Columns and Departments:
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Pays: $25–100 for columns.

POPULAR MECHANICS

Hearst Corp.
810 Seventh Ave.
6th Floor
New York NY 10019

www.popularmechanics.com

Writer's guidelines for SASE or online.

Nonfiction:

Needs:
General Interest
How-To (shop projects, car fix-its)
New Product
Technical

Special Issues: Boating Guide (February); Home Improvement Guide (April); Consumer Electronics Guide (May); New Cars Guide (October); Woodworking Guide (November)
Does Not Want: No historical, editorial, or critique pieces.

Submission method: Query with or without published clips or send complete manuscript

Length: 500–1,500 words.

Pays $500-1,500 for assigned articles; $300-1,000 for unsolicited articles.

Usually assigns a photographer. "If you have photos, send with submission."

Reviews:
Prints
slides

Photos Require:
Captions
Identification of subjects
Model Releases

Offers no additional payment for photos accepted with ms.

Columns open to freelancers: New Cars (latest and hottest cars out of Detroit and Europe), Car Care (Maintenance basics, How It Works, Fix-Its and New products: send to Don Chaikin. Electronics, Audio, Home Video, Computers, Photography: send to Tobey Grumet. Boating (new equipment, how-tos, fishing tips), Outdoors (gear, vehicles, outdoor adventures): send to Cliff Gromer. Home & Shop Journal: send to Steve Willson. Science (latest developments), Tech Update (breakthroughs) and Aviation (sport aviation, homebuilt aircraft, new commercial aircraft, civil aeronautics): send to Jim Wilson. All columns are about 800 words.

RAILMODEL JOURNAL

Golden Bell Press
2403 Champa St.
Denver CO 80205

Writer's guidelines free.

Magazine "for advanced model railroaders. 100% photojournalism. We use step-by-step how-to articles with photos of realistic and authentic models."

Nonfiction:

Historical
How-To
Photo Feature
Technical

Does Not Want: "No beginner articles or anything that could even be mistaken for a toy train."

Submission method: Query

Length: 200–5,000 words.

Pays $60-800.

Send photos with submission.

Reviews:
Contact sheets
Transparencies (35mm)
5x7 prints

Photos Require:
Captions
Identification of subjects
Model Releases

"Writers must understand dedicated model railroaders who recreate 100% of their model cars, locomotives, buildings, and scenes from specific real-life prototypes. Close-up photos a must."

TEDDY BEAR REVIEW

Collector Communications Corp.
1107 Broadway
Suite 1210
New York NY 10010

www.teddybearreview.com

Sample copy and writer's guidelines for $2 and 9x12 SAE

Works with a small number of new/unpublished writers each year.

Nonfiction:

Needs:
Book excerpts
Historical
How-To
Interview/Profile

Does Not Want: No nostalgia on childhood teddy bears.

Submission method: Query with published clips

Length: 900–1,500 words.

Pays $100-350.

Send photos with submission.

Reviews:
Transparencies
Prints (b&w)

Photos Require:
Captions
Offers no additional payment for photos accepted with ms

"We are interested in good, professional writers around the country with a strong knowledge of teddy bears. Historical profile of bear companies, profiles of contemporary artists and knowledgeable reports on museum collections are of interest. We are looking for humorous, offbeat stories about teddy bears in general."

TROPICAL FISH HOBBYIST MAGAZINE

The World's Most Widely Read Aquarium Monthly
TFH Publications, Inc.
One TFH Plaza
Neptune City NJ 07753

E-Mail: editor@tfh.com

Writer's guidelines available via e-mail.

Accepts queries by: E-mail

Nonfiction:
"We cover any aspect of aquarium science, aquaculture, and the tropical fish hobby. Our readership is diverse--from neophytes to mini reef specialists. We require well-researched, well-written, and factually accurate copy, preferably with photos."

Pays $100-250.

State availability of photos with submission.

Reviews:
Transparencies (2x2)

Photos Require:
Identification of subjects
Model Releases

Negotiates payment individually.

"With few exceptions, all communication and submission must be electronic. We want factual, interesting, and relevant articles about the aquarium hobby written by people who are obviously knowledgeable. We publish an enormous variety of article types. Review several past issues to get an idea of the scope."

Karri Watson resides in Knoxville, TN with her beloved cat TC. Her hobbies include spoiling her cat and her boyfriend, not necessarily in that order. She is a book reviewer for www.curledup.com. Feel free to contact Karri at wtsn1@comcast.net.