Submit Your Work to ColorLines

ColorLines is the bimonthly newsmagazine filling the space where race and politics intersect. Through essays, investigative reports, opinion pieces, and cultural criticism, we examine the challenges and opportunities facing a multiracial, multi-national America.

ColorLines solicits articles on specific topics, but we also encourage writers, activists, and artists to independently submit queries, manuscripts, photography, and other forms of visual and new media to be considered for publication.

Words
ColorLines depends on submissions from its readers to maintain the quality and diversity within its pages. Our editors review and respond to every submission and each query letter.

Articles in ColorLines run from 300-2500 words in length; main features run from 1500-2500 words. The editors reserve the right to reduce any assigned length.

Articles may be accepted for publication as submitted; they may be accepted contingent upon certain revision and/or adjustments in length; they may be held over to another issue; or they may be rejected. Sometimes such decisions are made at the last moment, though we strive to avoid such late changes.

Because of the volume of manuscripts we receive and our space limitations, we are often unable to publish material that is otherwise appropriate for the magazine. We are committed to responding to authors within one month after receiving manuscripts.

We much prefer you to submit here, though you can feel free to mail submission to our office.

Images
All submitted drawings, cartoons, art work, and photographs are reviewed by the editors. Because of the volume of material we receive and our space limitations, we are often unable to publish material that is otherwise appropriate for the magazine. We try to get back to artists and photographers within a month or so after receiving your work.

Unless specific arrangements are made with an editor, photographs and art work submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by self-addressed stamped envelope.

Financial Arrangements and Copyright
ColorLines pays authors ten cents per word up to a maximum of $250. We pay photographers $60 per photo and will make specific financial arrangements for cover art, illustrations, etc. Under some circumstances, we will consider reimbursement expenses incurred in drafting an article.

For artists and photographers, we will consider reimbursement for expenses of production.

We encourage maximum feasible discussion between our editors and contributing writers, artists, and photographers. It is imperative that writers communicate immediately if they cannot meet their deadlines. If you are considering submitting your work to ColorLines or have any questions about our policies, we encourage you to contact the ColorLines editors.