Interested in Writing for Chicago Parent?

Chicago Parent is a parenting news magazine. We offer a lively editorial mix with a distinctly local focus and a "we're all in this together" spirit. We seek to include new voices, but we use only local writers. Articles submitted by writers who have not previously written for Chicago Parent are on speculation.

Short Stuff is the port of entry for new writers. If you haven't written for Chicago Parent, chances are we'll ask you to start here. It is a section in the front of the magazine that covers local people, places, groups and things of interest to families. We are always looking for breaking news and relevant issues as well. We ask first-time writers to pitch us an idea. They may be asked to submit a full article on speculation, with no guarantee of publication.

My Life reader essays are another way to get published. These parent essays, written on speculation, are told in first-person in 400 to 600 words, with a provided photograph of the writer and family. We receive dozens of essays a month so the essays selected usually have a lingering message, humor or other traits that set them apart.

Our larger feature articles tackle a wide range of timely topics for local families, including issues relating to child care and education, balancing work and family and handling the everyday joys and challenges of parenting. We ask writers to use the best experts on a subject-national and local, but every story should use local parent voices and children.

Queries and Pitches

We do not reprint stories, including those published only on the Web. E-mail queries or story pitches to Editor Tamara L. O'Shaughnessy at tamara@chicagoparent.com. Please include your phone number and address. We do not accept articles through mail or fax and will not return unsolicited manuscripts nor do we accept pitches over the telephone. We attempt to respond to your query within 60 days.

Magazines

Chicago Parent generally works at least two months in advance of publication. Current needs include stories that focus on raising a child in the Chicago area.

Going Places is a quarterly magazine with seasonal content that highlights fun family activities in the Chicago area. Contact Going Places Editor Liz DeCarlo directly at ldecarlo@chicagoparent.com with story pitches.

Chicago Special Parent is a semi-annual magazine for parents with children with special needs. We seek stories that inspire and empower parents of children age newborn to 22. Send story pitches to tamara@chicagoparent.com.

Chicago Baby is now an annual magazine for expecting and new parents. It has an early fall publication date. The magazine focuses on issues facing parents in one of the most joyous times of their lives. Send story pitches to tamara@chicagoparent.com.

Payment

Short Stuff articles are 300-400 words in length, payment is $50, depending on the reporting. My Life essays pay $100. The average feature story is 800 to 1,500 words in length. Payment varies depending on the writer's experience and the relationship with Chicago Parent, but begins at $100 for a one-page story of 800 words. Stories in Going Places are generally one page, or 350 words long, and pay $50 per story. Longer story spots are available. We pay upon publication. Invoices are necessary.
Articles should be submitted electronically. We will not consider stories sent through the mail or fax and do not return unsolicited manuscripts. Text files may be sent to us at kpancero@chicagoparent.com and tamara@chicagoparent.com.