Writers
Creative Writers
Photographers And Illustrators
Hyphen has limited resources, but we pay $500 for in-depth, feature stories that carry the theme for each issue. We're looking for writers who can depart from the predictable daily-news structure and tell a story well, with keen observations and strict accuracy. We welcome investigative reporting as well as literary journalism, thoughtful pieces as well as tongue-in-cheek ones.
We've got a bit of a split personality, so we want both fun and serious writing. As long as it's well written and solidly reported, we're very open. Bonus points if the story takes place in the South or Midwest. Asian America doesn't exist only on the coasts, you know.
We are interested in issues that affect Asian Americans, but, please, no Asian American Studies 101. We are also interested in tangentially Asian American stories, in quirky stories, and in stories about emerging artists rather than established ones. We don't have many rules, but here are a few. If you break these, your submission will be rejected:
1) Do not send ideas about people and events in Asia. We cover Asian America, not Asia.
2) Absolutely no reprints, though substantially revised or expanded stories will be considered. This means don't send us something that has already been published elsewhere.
3) Do not pitch us a story about a conference. There is nothing more boring than a story about a conference.
4) Don't send us anything that uses the phrase “East meets West.” Just don't.
Make proposals for articles that would interest our readers, provoke dialogue and enrich our readers' learning experiences. Articles must be jargon-free and attributable to unassailable sources. We frown upon clichés and embrace original thinking. We prefer articles rich in color and driven by narrative scenes.
Keep in mind that Hyphen readers range in age from early 20s to mid-30s, but they share an intellectual curiosity that was fused and fueled by their experiences as Asian Americans. This restless curiosity fundamentally shapes our consideration of articles for Hyphen.
As a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization, Hyphen has limited resources, but we can pay $500 for in-depth, feature-length stories that can carry the theme for each issue. Unfortunately we cannot offer compensation for articles in other departments.
To submit an article query, send us a two-page proposal by email (preferred) or standard mail. The proposal should include the following:
1) An overview of the central message of the article you propose. Preferably three or four paragraphs — preferably anecdotal — that introduce us to your point of view.
2) Declare what is new, innovative, useful, counterintuitive, or controversial about the topic.
3) What are the implications both in the near and long term for Asian Americans and others?
4) Why are you proposing the article? How did you happen upon the topic?
5) How did you go about researching the topic? What further research must you do? Describe your sources or other connections.
6) How long do you propose the article will be?
7) What makes you uniquely qualified to write this article?
Send your query letter, three clips and a resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Or snail mail to:
Hyphen
Editorial
17 Walter U. Lum Place
San Francisco, CA 94108
If you don't follow steps 1 through 7 and include a resume and clips with your query, we may just throw it away without looking at it. We read each correctly submitted query, but we may not be able to respond right away. In fact, it's rare that we respond quickly. All our staff are volunteers who work day jobs elsewhere, so please be patient with us.
DEPARTMENTS
Features: We want substantive, solidly-reported stories. These can be investigative pieces, or cultural explorations on Asian American issues, or issues that may not be specific to Asian Americans, but affect Asian Americans significantly. We'll also consider in-depth profiles and think-pieces. Politics. Business. Culture. Ethnography. No first-person. (Well, never say never, but trust us, it's a rare occurrence.) 1,000 to 2,000 words.
Film: We want to highlight new trends, indie filmmakers, Hollywood and how the nuances Asian American life are being portrayed in cinema. 800 to 1,000 words.
Lazy Susan: In the front of our book, we report on topics that make light of the absurd and the not so absurd in a series of tightly written stories. We need stories that are smartly written, entertaining and enlightening. 200 to 500 words.
Music: We give ink to up and coming artists and their music through profiles, features and CD reviews.
Profiles: Yes, there are Asian Americans who don't care about science and math! Interviews with artists, musicians, athletes, writers, actors, filmmakers, politicians and other people who don't have "Dr." in their names. 500 to 800 words.
Redux: See something in the media that pisses you off? An ad, magazine cover or TV show that made use of stereotypes? Sound off here on all those "American Beats Kwan" moments. Or, were you surprised by a positive portrayal? We're looking for careful analysis and fun, handy charts, not rants. 500 to 800 words.
Recipe: A step-by-step how-to on skills every Asian American should know. With photos or illustrations. Funny or tongue-in-cheek.
Hyphen is devoted to providing a venue for emerging and established Asian American creative writers who dare to defy and reinvent traditional genres and subject matter. We're seeking fresh voices and courageous perspectives, stories and personal essays that explore new pyschic landscapes, driven by language, humor, character and extraordinary details.
Fiction: We prefer short stories or novel excerpts that are no longer than 4,500 words. Please send submissions by email as a ".doc" attachment; the subject line should read "[Full name] – - Fiction Submission." All submissions should include a cover letter with contact and other relevant information. We will not read any submissions that do not meet these criteria.
First Person (personal essay): Here's where you can talk about yourself. Blogs may be watering down the idea of personal essay, but we still want stories that convey the Asian American experience, be they funny, quirky, serious or all three combined. 500 to 800 words. Please send submissions by email as a ".doc" attachment; the subject line should read "[Full name] – First Person Submission." All submissions should include a cover letter with contact and other relevant information. We will not read any submissions that do not meet these criteria.
Send Fiction and First Person submissions to the literature editor: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
Hyphen seeks talented photographers, illustrators and digital artists to fill our pages with daring, eye-popping artwork to accompany our articles. Ideas for photo essays are welcome. Send us links to online portfolios and websites so we can view your work. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Photo inquiries should go to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Or snail mail at:
Hyphen
Art
17 Walter U. Lum Place
San Francisco, CA 94108
Please note that we cannot pay art contributors at this time. We strive to be supportive of all our contributors, but cannot do so in a monetary way at this time. Please accept copies of Hyphen and our gratitude.
