Contributor's Guidelines
Friction Zone is a monthly motorcycle publication with a circulation of 33,000 copies. It is distributed throughout Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Our editorial focus is on local travel, motorcycle information, and rider safety.
In each issue we publish at least 15 feature articles ranging from 800 to 1500 words in length. We assign stories based on writers' proposals. We do not accept unsolicited submissions, and we do not accept any first-person (using the words "I" or "me") writing. We are most interested in creative writers whose work requires minimal editing.
Before you submit article ideas, please read several issues of Friction Zone to familiarize yourself with our requirements. Back issues are available for $4.50 an issue. We rarely accept proposals that are not accompanied by a writing sample.
Friction Zone purchases first North American serial rights for 90 days from date of publication. We also reserve the right to publish travel articles on our annual free CD. Friction Zone does not accept articles that have been printed elsewhere (including articles that have been published in electronic format).
We pay up to $.20/published word (except for travel articles) and $15/photo/illustration upon publication. We do not pay for news items, product or press releases, or product reviews. Payment is always made upon publication, and no payment is made if we decide not to publish the article. The only reason we would not publish an assigned article is if a writer does not follow the guidelines or cannot write.
Articles are only accepted via e-mail and should be sent to the editor. Submitted articles must include writer's name, address, social security number, telephone number, fax, and e-mail address.
Digital photos are preferred provided they are submitted at a minimum of 6 megapixels. All photos must be accompanied by captions. A model release must be submitted for any picture that shows a recognizable person unless you are covering a newsworthy event.
We reserve the right to edit and restructure your material to ensure that it fits with the writing style of Friction Zone. When time permits, we will work with you throughout the editing process.
Submitting your story to Friction Zone constitutes an express warranty that the material is original and there is no infringement on the rights of others. Simultaneous submissions are not accepted. Please do not query us using a shotgun approach. If we accept your query only to find out you have given it to someone else, no further queries will be accepted.
Features
Friction Zone contains several monthly features that are provided by freelance writers. We are only interested in publishing articles that fit into those features. Features that are open to freelance writers outside of California include Cover Story, Health Zone, Motorcycles 101, Pulp Friction, Special Feature, and Spotlight. All features are open to freelance writers/riders who live in California. You must ride your own street bike to be a contributor to Friction Zone. Regular features that are provided by freelance writers include:
Cover Story
Typically 1200-1500 words. This feature offers the greatest amount of freedom for writers because the only requirement is that it be related to motorcycling. Some examples of past Cover Stories include: How Helmets are Tested, The True Story of Easy Rider, Harley-Davidson's 100th Anniversary Party, Mentoring Done Right, California's Motorcycle Awareness Program, How to Increase Event Participation, and Making Better Travel Photos. Unless you are a professional photographer, we will provide the cover artwork to go along with your article. If you supply an acceptable cover photo (must be 6 Megapixel if it's digital, otherwise the original negative or slide must be submitted), you will be paid $100 for its use.
Discover Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Washington
Typically 1200 words. A review of a motorcycle-friendly hangout and surrounding roads. Please contact the editor for specific guidelines and a list of roads and eateries already reviewed.
Health Zone
Typically 1000 words. A health issue is discussed along with how it relates to a motorcyclist. Examples of topics previously published in this section include Hyperthermia, Treating Road Rash, Managing an Accident Scene, Tattoo Removal, Accidents and Memory Loss, and Hypothermia. Health Zone typically contains tables, graphs, and photos that enhance the reader's ability to understand the topic while making the layout more appealing. Credentials may be required depending on your topic. Please contact the editor for specific guidelines and a complete list of health-related topics already covered.
Pulp Friction
Typically 700 words. A review of a motorcycle-related book. Please contact the editor for specific guidelines and a list of books already reviewed.
Road Trip
Typically 1500 words. A review of a place of lodging, fine dining establishment, and roads in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Washington. Please contact the editor for specific guidelines and a list of roads and places already reviewed.
Special Feature
Typically 1000 words. A Special Feature usually concerns a current event in the sport of motorcycling and must be of interest to riders in the western United States. Past stories include Update on Assembly Bill 1200, Helmet Testing Results, and San Francisco Motorcyclists Take a Stand on Parking. Guidelines are given after acceptance of your idea.
Spotlight
Typically 1000 words. A Spotlight highlights a special figure, event, or item that is of interest to motorcyclists in the western United States. Past Spotlights have included The Gourmet Biker, Motorcycling HAMS, Italian Motorcycle Exhibit in Santa Paula, and the National Motorcycle Patrol. We do not spotlight dealerships, and we do not routinely cover events. When we do "cover" an event, it is to publish information about the event before it happens in order to bring interest to the event just prior to its occurrence. Guidelines are given after acceptance of your idea.
If you have any questions about our guidelines, please contact the editor.
Copyright © 2008 - Friction Zone
| Friction Zone is available at over 650 dealers, accessory shops, and popular motorcycle hangouts throughout the western United States. If you can't get Friction Zone at your local shop, either ask the dealer to stock it, or you can receive a year's subscription for only $30. |
| The print magazine is 10" wide by 12.5" high, color cover (133 lpi), inside pages are black and white (100 lpi). Visit our advertising information page. |