How To Pitch: Women's Running - Kate Parham

How To Pitch: Women's
Running
Stay ahead of the freelance pack with
profile and feature pitches to this pub
By Kate Parham – July 8, 2011
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The information in this article is current and accurate
Circulation: 105,000
Frequency Bimonthly
Special issues: None
Background: Women's Running burst out of the starting gates in
January 2009 after a rebranding of the five-year-old Her Sports+
Fitness magazine. Editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor says the switch aimed
to tailor Her Sports + Fitness, which covered a wide range of individual
sports, to suit the majority of its readers, 90 percent of whom
described themselves as runners.
Women's Running prides itself in being the only running magazine
designed specifically for women, and it strives to "be the go-to
resource of information and inspiration for women who run," Sebor
says. The magazine helps women of all ages maintain a healthy, active
lifestyle by providing advice on exercise, nutrition and health.
Coverage topics include women's health, nutrition, women-specific
gear and training, both running and cross-training.
Unlike Runner's World and Running Times, Women's Running doesn't
cover race results and doesn't devote a lot of space to the

performance of elite athletes. Coverage of elites is limited to profiles of
those with inspirational stories. Instead, the mag is community
focused, highlighting real women so that readers can gain inspiration
from their peers, Sebor says. One way the magazine does this is
through their half marathon series, which is currently in three states
(Tennessee, Arizona and Florida) and expanding rapidly. "It's a race
series tailored specifically for women, so that we can have fun and feel
confident, celebrated and comfortable," says Sebor.
What to pitch: Women's Running relies on freelancers for 60 to 75
percent of its content with roughly a quarter of that work stemming
from queries. Sebor says editors are especially interested in pitches on
the following topics: new women-specific running gear, relevant news
about women's health or running, studies related to runners and
nutrition, ideas for profile subjects, and new books and websites that
cover women's health or running.
Most nutrition stories are written by registered dieticians and other
experts with nutrition degrees, while most training features are
generally written by running coaches. Don't worry if you don't fit the
bill -- there's plenty of space for other freelance features. Women's
Running wants inspirational or motivational profiles of professional or
amateur runners who have accomplished interesting things in the
sport and who serve as role models in everyday life; these profiles run
roughly 1,500 words.
"Fuel Your Run" stories average 1,200 words and focus on nutritional
information to support fitness activities. Health stories, which run in
the "Live Healthy" section, are 1,000-words pieces citing numerous
experts on topics relevant to active women.
Fitness stories run 800 to 1,000 words, and provide workouts that
include eight to 10 exercises designed to help runners build strength
or cross-train. Previous topics have included yoga for runners, building
core strength and circuit training. These stories are typically written by
freelancers with a personal training background and relevant
certifications.
"Beauty in Motion" stories average 800 to 1,000 words and can range
from skin care to beauty tips for active women. "The articles are
always written for the athletic woman and have a health angle, like
caring for runners' feet," Sebor says. (Pitches about cosmetics should
be steered toward other publications.)
"Active Getaways" are 1,200-word pieces detailing a multi-sport
destination or destinations appropriate for active travel. These stories
can be written in the first person.
"Try This" features 1,000-word articles introducing runners to a new
sport. It includes sidebars on gear, tips for beginners, and places to try
the sport. Previous topics have included mountain biking, triathlons

and snowshoeing.
What not to pitch: Freelancers contribute to all sections of the
magazine, except for the "Women Who Move" department. Avoid firstperson
essays (with the exception of "Active Getaways" pitches),
especially the dreaded "my first marathon" story. In addition, most of
the one-pagers and columns are written by in-house staff or
contributing editors.
Online opportunities: None
Percentage freelance-written content: 60-75 percent
Percentage of freelance submissions accepted: About 10 percent
Recent freelance stories pitched and published: Travel articles
and "Active Getaways" are almost always written by freelancers. For
examples, check out the Sonoma County running story in the
May/June 2011 issue and the story on a Himalayan Run and Trek in
Mar/Apr 2011. The upcoming profile on breast cancer survivors for
Sep/Oct also started as a freelance pitch.
Etiquette: Sebor prefers to receive letters of introduction with clips
and a resume. "That's more important than queries, although those
are definitely appreciated also if you have a great one that might get
our attention," she explains.
Lead time: Four months
Pay rate: Pay varies by department and assignment, but averages
roughly 50 cents per word.
Payment schedule: Payment is issued on the first day of the issue's
publication date. For example, if a feature runs in the May/June issue,
a freelance writer will be paid on the first day of May.
Kill fee: 50 percent
Rights purchased: All, "but we are open to negotiations," says
Sebor.
Contact info:
Women's Running
1499 Beach Drive SE, Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 565-1768
Fax: (727) 824-0859
www.womensrunningmag.com
Direct all pitches to:
Editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor: JESSICA at WOMENSRUNNING dot COM
NEXT >> How to Pitch: Fitness
Kate Parham is a Dallas-based freelance writer
at www.KateParham.com.