Reporters
Creative Writers
Photographers And Illustrators
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.
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
PO Box 192002
San Francisco, CA 94119-2002
We read each and every 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.
Payment: Unfortunately, we will not be able to pay contributors at this time. This nonprofit magazine is a labor of love for all of us. Please accept copies of Hyphen and our gratitude.
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.) 2,000 to 4,000 words
News: In the front of our book, we report on news, social justice issues, trends and the politics and policies that shape our everyday lives. Please consider the timeliness of your proposed topic, as Hyphen only publishes every few months. 200 to 450 words.
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. 400 to 600 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. 400 to 650 words.
Take Out: Cool stuff you want to take home. Zines, gadgets, boy bands, art projects, jewelry, handbags and other stuff that rocks your world. These items must be made by an Asian American. 150 words.
Gifted & Talented: Art features and reviews. We're more interested in identifying trends and themes in books, music, film and performing arts rather than just giving a thumbs up or thumbs down. 400 to 750 words.
Sports: Searching for the next Yao Ming. Or at least the next story about our athletes, icons, personalities, trends and issues in the game. Please pitch sports that will be in season when we hit the stands. Bios, Q&As, charts, stories, news. 250 or 450-650 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 authors who dare to defy and reinvent traditional genres and subject matter. Please do not send us your stories about identity or race. We're seeking fresh voices and courageous perspectives, stories that explore new pyschic landscapes, driven by language, humor, character and extraordinary details.
We are currently accepting unsolicited submissions in fiction only. We have no word limits, but generally prefer stories that are no longer than 4,000 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 which do not meet these criteria. Response time is roughly 3 to 4 months. Contact 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
PO Box 192002
San Francisco, CA 94119-2002
Please note that we are an all-volunteer organization and cannot pay contributors at this time. Please accept copies of Hyphen and our gratitude.
