Dear Writer:

Thank you for your interest in writing for Edible Los Angeles (ELA). We are a member of Edible Communities, a growing, award-winning, nationwide series of community-based food publications whose mission is “to transform the way communities shop for, cook, eat, and relate to the food that is grown and produced in their area.” Please read about Edible Communities at www.ediblecommunities.com.

Edible Los Angeles is published quarterly. Each issue emphasizes the current season with a focus on the L.A. Region. We look both for subjects that are timely and traditional, and we have a special interest in topics that relate to the full breadth of our mission. The editor chooses writers and topics for each issue with the intention of balancing the coverage and nurturing a wide and loyal readership.

The primary qualification for contributors is an ability to write in a lively, elegant, informative, original, accurate, and interesting manner. To demonstrate this, potential ELA contributors should submit writing samples along with a brief biography detailing their interests, professional and educational background, and publishing experience. Also include a list of topics you would like to write about, along with a brief description of the content and approach you would take. Generally, writers generate their own topics;
at times, the editor will make specific assignments based on seasonal topics, writers’ interests and knowledge.

Recipes to accompany articles are highly desirable, but they must be original and carefully tested. If they are not original, permission for reprint must be obtained and paid for by the submitter. Likewise, all sources for information in the article should be cited, and if passages from published (including Web published) material are included, permission for use must be obtained.

Articles can range in size from around 400 (1/2 page) - 2,700 (3 pages) words, with the length determined by what seems best for the particular topic. Articles from 400 – 950 are preferred. We also seek short (@ 150 – 300 words) news-type features for our upfront Notable Edibles section.

At this time, payment is anywhere from $.18 to $.30 per word for original articles. Payment is also based on the complexity and polish of the submitted article. In some cases, the editor will negotiate a set fee for an article in advance, but writers submitting for the first time should not expect a commitment until their final draft has been approved. Ownership of published articles and recipes revert to the author after the current issue has expired. All copy is due approximately six weeks prior to the issue publication date. Please note that Edible Los Angeles reserves the right to reproduce all or partial versions of commissioned work on www.ediblelosangeles.com and its other outlets and materials.

If you have further questions or want to submit materials for consideration, please contact David Vega.

NOTE: Materials should be submitted by email, but can also be mailed to Edible Los Angeles at the address below.