Article Guidelines

SPORTS `N SPOKES features articles on sports and recreation for active wheelchair users (adults and children). Our readers are interested in new sporting and recreational opportunities and want to know how to take advantage of them. They also want human-interest stories about active people and information about rules, equipment, techniques, and adaptations.

Do you have a great idea for an article.

• Submit a query before sending feature articles. This allows you to receive feedback before you begin writing and will help us plan our editorial calendar.

• Features (1,700-2,000 words) should have an introduction explaining why the topic is important, a discussion of your experiences and/or interviews with others, and a conclusion that summarizes.(The articles may also be published on the S’NS Web site.) With your submission, include a short bio and a color head shot. NOTE: Articles considered for feature status must be accompanied by some type of illustrative material: photos, charts, or tables.(See Photo Submission Guidelines.)

• Other articles should be 500–700 words.

• Most readers are not familiar with technical jargon. Write as though you are explaining to someone who knows nothing about the subject.

• Try to humanize or personalize the story to encourage reader involvement. Use quotes, anecdotes, and first person when possible.

• Identify with full names all acronyms; make sure proper names are spelled correctly.

• Use appropriate language in referring to people with disabilities. Wheelchair bound, handicapped, confined to a wheelchair, stricken with, suffering from, and victim of (disease or condition) are examples of what NOT to say. Remember, people come first (people with disabilities, people with hearing impairments, etc.).

• The S`NS staff edits copy as needed for clarity, length, and adherence to style (Words into Type, third edition.)

• We do not normally pay for articles or photographs appearing in our magazines. Contact the editor to negotiate payment prior to publication.

Contact: Assistant Editor Ann Santos  or Editorial Coordinator Brenda Martin, (602) 224-0500 / (888) 888-2201.

SPORTS `N SPOKES 
2111 East Highland Ave., Suite 180
Phoenix, AZ 85016