We prefer detailed queries but also consider unsolicited manuscripts. Please make proposals informative yet to the point. Spell out your qualifications for handling the topic. We like to see clips of previously published material but are eager to work with new and unpublished authors, too. An affirmative response to a query proposal does not necessarily mean the resulting article will be accepted.

Each issue of Mushing includes a mix of information, features and columns. We consider articles on canine health and nutrition, sled dog behavior and training, musher profiles and interviews, equipment how-to's, trail tips, expedition and race accounts, innovations, sled dog history, current issues, and humor, including cartoons. We consider personal experience articles only when the experience illustrates information that is useful to mushers and generally do not when the focus is the personal experience itself. See the Editorial Schedule for current special issue focuses. All articles should be well researched, logically organized and readable. Appropriate photo support and/or illustrations are encouraged.

We prefer clear, informative, straightforward writing. We generally follow Associated Press style, although we have our own style guide as well. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Features generally run between 1,000 and 2,500 words. Longer articles are considered if well written and of particular interest. Columns and departments usually run from 500 to 1,000 words. Short news pieces run from 150 to 500 words.

Contributor phone number, social security number, name, address and the article's approximate word count should appear at the top. Include a 2-4 sentence author's biography. Do not send originals, and always keep a copy of your work. We treat submissions with care but cannot be responsible for loss or damage.

Mushing uses both color and black-and-white photographs. All photos and slides to be considered must be clean, sharp and accurately exposed. Potential subjects include dogs working, playing and resting as well as expedition and racing events, recreational mushing, skijoring, winter camping, freighting, mushing equipment and mushing personalities. We use a variety of horizontals and verticals. We prefer digital photo submissions, see digital images information box.

Black-and-white images account for about 50 to 80 percent of the art in any given issue. Contributors of color images agree to have their images published in black-and-white format unless a specific written agreement is made with Mushing in advance of submission.

All photos and artwork must be clearly marked with the contributor's name and address. Do not send originals unless you have duplicates. We will need originals for final printing, but prints, duplicate slides, digital images, or photocopies are suitable for the initial submission to Mushing. All photos, slides and original artwork are returned after consideration or use unless other arrangements are specified.

Black-and-white photos should ideally be 8-by-l0-inch glossy prints, or negatives accompanied by a contact sheet. High-quality prints on semi-matte paper are acceptable but not preferred. Color prints should be high-quality and be submitted on glossy paper. We prefer slides.

Ideally submit color photos in 35-mm or l20-mm transparencies. Submit slides in protective slide sheets.

Send by e-mail for preview at low resolution. JPEG format preferred. If sending large quantities of digital images (25+) please organize by subject in folders. Use simple, descriptive file names or accompany with a caption list. Contact sheets are very helpful. For final printing, we need high resolution digital images but prefer original slides or prints. Additional Digital Media Information

Mushing occasionally uses black-and-white illustrations and drawings—mostly simple images of sled dogs running, howling, sleeping, eating, playing, etc. We have used color artwork on the cover. Sled dog-related cartoons are considered. Artwork and cartoons can be sent digitally in TIFF or EPS formats. Some artists submit work that Mushing can keep on file and use as the need arises.