Editorial Submission Guidelines

Okanagan Life is dedicated to maintaining a consistently high standard of editorial content. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new writer seeking to break into print, we urge you to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the magazine before submitting story proposals. The same advice applies to photographers seeking to work with us. See our Contributor Guidelines for details.

Editorial intent

Okanagan Life is a regional character magazine serving Okanagan residents Valleywide from Salmon Arm in the north to Osoyoos in the south. We want to see a passionate sense of Okanagan pride as you explore the Valley’s most fascinating and diverse people, places and activities. Combine the pastoral allure of the region with smart, entertaining dabs of urban sizzle and small town seductiveness. Give us fresh perspectives on the most pressing local issues, carefully maintaining a solution-oriented optimism. We want useful, reader-friendly information and advice pertaining to Okanagan lifestyle. But don’t be afraid to show off your wit, pizzazz and even a touch of daring. Remember accuracy and integrity.

Queries

Always query first — in writing via email or post. Please do not submit complete manuscripts without assignment. Please read several issues of Okanagan Life before you suggest a story. Back issues may be purchased at our office in Kelowna. Be as specific as possible in developing your idea, and if appropriate, tailoring your idea to a regular department. Please remember that the flavour should be local. We do not publish film reviews, fiction or poetry. If you have never worked with us before, please include a list of publication credits and three to five writing samples. Direct written queries to editorial@okanaganlife.com or #10-1753 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna, BC  V1Y 8A6. If submitting by post, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for items you want returned. If you are a photographer or illustrator, you may submit digital samples of your work on CD to the address above or by email to production@okanaganlife.com. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for response.

Freelance Writing Agreement

Please take the time to read through this agreement to familiarize yourself with our policies. A completed, signed Freelance Writing Agreement must be on file before any assignments are made. Download and print this agreement. Fax to 250.868.3040; mail to 814 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna, BC  V1Y 6L9; or scan and email to editorial@okanaganlife.com.

Photographs

Writers: In specific cases, a writer may be asked to provide compelling photos with an assigned story. Unless otherwise negotiated, photographic payments are on a per-issue basis — $25 for the first published photo, $10 for each subsequent photo taken by the same person. Brief captions and credits must accompany all photos. Photos remain on magazine premises until publication. For electronic photo submissions, please see the submission guidelines for photos on our Production page. Email digital photos to production@okanaganlife.com. Photographers: Payment is negotiated on a per assignment basis. For all other procedures follow the guidelines for writers above.

Style

Very important! Please see the Okanagan Life Editorial Style Guide. Your project editor will inform you in greater detail of the approach to be taken with any assigned story. If you are assigned to write a story for a specific department, you will also receive a sample layout of the department, complete with information needed and character counts for each section.

Compensation

Writers: pay ranges from 20 cents to 25 cents per published word, depending on experience (paid within 30 days of publication). Photographers: pay is negotiated on a per assignment basis.