Pitch / Submit to Art Grove Newsletter!
The types of articles we publish;
What they are, why they exist, and what they must include to be published
Art Grove Newsletter publishes a set of story types that we believe help achieve our mission in the most effective means possible. We have adopted a list of six (6) types of stories that currently can be published in the newsletter, provided they meet the criteria we have established for each.
The types of stories Art Grove Newsletter currently can publish are broken into two categories. These are:
Human Interest Stories
Commentary
The key difference between a Human Interest Story and a Commentary Article is that the latter does not have to feature an artist. The information below covers all of the types of articles we publish and how these submissions should be formatted.
Submission requirements:
500 - 700 words (no more than 1,000 words)
At least one (1) featured artist, interviewed by the writer
At least one (1) headshot of the featured artist, including credits to the copyright holder
At least one (1) web link to a method that readers can support the featured artist
These can be thought of as a blend between a short feature and a thinkpiece. The goal is to identify an artist whose work and/or experiences are relevant to a larger topic in the arts that is worth discussing. The writer will interview that artist about the topic and write an analysis of the discussion by using the artist’s words as their primary source, as well as secondary sources if needed. The greater topic in question could be anything; We’ve published discussions about how parenthood affects an artist’s career; How bluegrass ‘murder ballads’ can be reclaimed to create space for women and non-binary performers; Why higher education can be helpful for some and counterproductive for others. A discussion could even feature several artists at once.
Submission requirements:
1,000 - 2,500 words
At least one (1) featured artist, interviewed by the writer
At least one (1) headshot of the featured artist, including credits to the copyright holder
At least one (1) multimedia element showcasing the artist’s work
At least one (1) web link to a method that readers can support the featured artist
Features are probably our most creatively unbounded story type and are all about good storytelling. The goal is to identify an artist with an interesting story to tell, or group of artists with an interesting and confluent story to tell, and share that through a special interest article. We typically do not place restrictions on the structure of a Feature and allow the writer to format the article around their unique voice. However, a Feature usually has an “origin story” element; The writer provides an analytical retelling of the featured artist’s creative journey.
Some past examples of a Feature are:
“Arjan Singh Discusses ‘Plant Music’ and the Emphasis of Time In Music” - New York City-based composer, performer, and conductor Arjan Singh looks back on his latest project, Plant Music, and how it is a culmination of countless life experiences. [link]
“Unraveling The Knot Of Self-Doubt” - Richmond photographer and visual artist Caroline Frye discusses her journey from non-artist to business owner and the importance of persistence in spite of judgement and denial. [link]
“Mosaic Composer Collective Rejects the 'Solo Genius' for Mutual Aid and Creativity” - New York City-based collective of composers talks about the magic that can happen when artists prioritize working as a team rather than falling victim to divisive systems [link]
Submission requirements:
500 - 1,000 words
No more than* one (1) featured artist, interviewed by the writer
At least one (1) multimedia element, including credits to the copyright holder
At least one (1) web link to a method that readers can support the featured artist
Q&As are exactly what the name implies: questions and answers. These story types, like Listicles, follow a stricter format than most others published in Art Grove. Q&As typically follow the format of an edited interview transcript between the writer and an artist, although groups of artists are welcome too. Q&As must include an introduction of at least 100 words.
Submission requirements:
250 - 500 words
Every month, Art Grove Newsletter publishes a series of reflective questions for the upcoming issue. Reflections are the responses to those questions, and they are generally format-free. We only ask that your response be a thought-out piece of writing, but as far as formatting it goes, it could be anything from a short essay to a poem.
Submission requirements:
300 - 600 words, not including subheaders
At least one (1) multimedia element, including credits to the copyright holder
Listicles are not much different from what most other publications would call a listicle or compendium. The goal is to create a compelling, purposeful, and non-clickbait list-form article that addresses an overarching idea. Listicles are one of few article types we publish that do follow a stricter format. A Listicle must have: (1) an introduction of at least 100 words; (2) at least five subheaders with a 50- to 100-word paragraph expanding on that corresponding subheader’s ideas.
Submission requirements:
600 - 1,000 words
At least one (1) multimedia element, including credits to the copyright holder
Proof of research (see below for more details)
We don’t publish a lot of Op-Eds, and we have our reasons for that. The goal of Art Grove is not to simply hand somebody a microphone to shout out whatever ideas they might have. In this regard, Op-Eds should be seen as Art Grove’s version of an essay. In terms of structure, voice, and content, the possibilities are endless. We specifically prefer to publish Op-Eds that present a standout idea in an equally standout way. Op-Eds should hook the reader in with an opinion that a reader has likely never considered before and entertainingly defend that opinion.
But there is a stipulation, and that’s research. Just because an Op-Ed is published in Art Grove does not mean that Art Grove stands by that writer’s opinions. The writer is fully expected to defend their opinions with reliable, verifiable sources if challenged by readers, editors, or anyone else who reads their Op-Ed. This not only protects Art Grove from undue criticism but also helps ensure the only opinions we publish are fully thought-out and ethical.
Please forward all submissions to artgrovenewsletter@gmail.com with the subject line: "SUBMISSION [Last Name]"
Please include your submission as an attached document (.doc/.docx ONLY, .pdf files will not be accepted)
You must also include a bio of yourself of no more than 150 words in the body of the email, as well as an attached photo of yourself (both to be included in your article).
