How You Can "Get Published"
Our Iowa is a magazine that's mostly "written by its readers". That makes it your magazine. It's like a "conversation" between you and your neighbors, all sharing the joys of living in our state. Here's how you can join in this conversation and "get published" in a future issue:
Basically, we're looking for any items or photos that help explain why Iowa is such a great place to live. This could be something as simple as a knee-slapper joke or tall tale you heard at the barbershop—just jot it down and send it to us.
Perhaps you'd like to respond to one of our regular departments listed below (click on each department name for more details.) Or maybe you'd like to submit a full-fledged feature story you've written—such as a personal reflection, recollection from the past or a report on a recent "happening" in your area.
Give us your best shot... like this one submitted by one of our Field Editors, Willa Clark, of Weldon. "Cousins Gavin Dixson and Remington Newton were enjoying their own 'country wading pool' at a sandy beach at Little River Lake in Decatur County," Willa explains.
- What I Miss Most About Iowa
If you've left the state and you're homesick, tell us in about 500 to 750 words what you miss.
- Why I Came Back to Iowa
The media often talks about the great "brain drain" and loss of talented young Iowans who move on to seemingly greener pastures in other states. We'd like to counter that negative thinking by featuring people who've moved back to Iowa. If you're one of them, we'd like to share your story. Give your reasons for returning home in about 500 to 750 words
- Iowa's Favorite Ma & Pa Restaurants
Do you have a favorite eating spot—maybe not the fanciest place in town, but a cafe or diner where the food is, oh, so good? Tell us all about it, and include a picture or two.
- Iowa's Prettiest Backyards
Do you have one in your neighborhood that you "ooh" and "ah" over every time you pass by. Give us a "walking tour" and introduce the folks who live there. Include lots of photos to show off its beauty.
- Recipes They're Proud to Share
If you have a recipe that has special meaning to you, give us a taste. Be specific with directions, measurements and sizes of cans, packages and pans. And be sure to tell why this recipe has special meaning to you or your family—those memory morsels are just as savory as the dish itself! Also include a snapshot of yourself.
- My Favorite Rustic Road
Is there a scenic road in your county that you love to drive ... the kind that makes you slow down, enjoy the view and reach for your camera? Our readers would love to "ride along". Send about a dozen of your best photos and a brief caption for each.
- How Towns Got Their Names
If you live in a town with an unusual name—or know of one—tell us the history of how it acquired that moniker.
- Country Characters
Almost every town has a "real character"—someone who just has a way of keeping people's spirits up, finding humor in nearly any situation and is part of the "glue" that holds a community together. If that sounds like someone from your community, tell us all about him or her in 500 to 750 words. Send some photos, too.
- Only in Iowa
Can you recall a comment or experience that would likely occur only in Iowa? For example, when the movie Bridges of Madison County premiered, one couple standing in line appeared highly excited. When someone behind them finally asked, "Are you in the movie?", they answered, "No, but our pickup is!"
- For the Birds
Iowans love birds, from robins to meadowlarks. For this feature, can you share any unusual experiences you've observed with birds at your feeders, nesting activities, etc.?
- Dog Tales
On most farms and country places, dogs are more than just pets. They're "hired hands" that are a great help in guarding the place, alerting the family when something's awry, rounding up cattle, even saving lives. Dogs have even found their way home over many miles—all by themselves. Sadly, when one Iowa farmer passed away, his dog stayed beside the grave for more than a week. Any dog "feats" you can share?
- Heartwarmers
If you know of someone who has gone "above and beyond" to show kindness to a neighbor—or a total stranger—please share this good deed with our readers.
- Budding Businesses
In each issue, we feature creative people who have started their own businesses. If you've developed a product you're marketing—or know of a friend or neighbor who has done so—drop us a note with details for a future issue. Include pictures, too.
- Shortcuts Worth Sharing
If you've developed a time-saver or have a tip that'll make life a little easier for your fellow Iowans, please share it.
- Small Fry
Art Linkletter said it best: "Kids say the darndest things!" If you've overheard the youngsters at your house say something funny or profound beyond their years, pass it along so we can all get a chuckle out if it.
- Iowa Rewind
We're looking for old photos of the way life used to be…a threshing bee, ice cream social, a Model T stuck in the mud or any other slice of Iowa life from "the good ol' days".
We want your photos, too.
If you've taken some pictures you're particularly proud of, submit those you feel will fit in these categories: "Corn-Fed Kids" (photos of Iowa kids enjoying themselves), "Candid Iowa" (adult version of the same), and "Iowa Eye-Catchers" (scenic shots of rural Iowa).
We can utilize high quality color prints, slides or digital images. If you're submitting digital photos, they should be from at least a 3.2 megapixel camera, and be sure it's set at the highest picture quality setting. Submit your electronic pictures as "jpegs".
Red, white and blue through and through. "These Corn-Fed Kids were helping decorate for Zion Lutheran Church's Memorial Day service in Rake," notes Gretchen Daniels of the Rake Register.
Submission Guidelines
If you're responding to one of the regular departments listed above, put the department name at the top of the page or in the subject line of your e-mail. That way, we'll be sure to route it to the proper editor.
If you're submitting a full-fledged feature story, it should be upbeat, positive and conversational in tone. As a rule of thumb, feature stories should be no more than 1,250 words in length. When possible, include photos to help tell your story.
We anticipate receiving a lot of mail as the word about Our Iowa gets out, so please be patient after you submit a story or photo. We may hold your material for consideration in a future issue without informing you first. But we will let you know when we publish it and send you a complimentary copy of the issue in which it appears.
If you want your material returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Send your submissions to
Our Iowa, 2501 North Loop Drive, Ames IA 50010.
Or e-mail it to editors@OurIowaMagazine.com
We hope to see your name in a future issue of Our Iowa!
