Writing Magazine presents a selection of crafting publishers currently accepting contributions. We strongly recommend that you read back issues, familiarise yourself with their guidelines before submitting and check websites, where given, for submission details.

WRITERS’ NEWS

World of Animals, edited by Zara Gaspar, is for readers of any age interested in learning about all aspects of wildlife. The magazine covers every kind of wildlife, from large mammals to tiny insects, allowing readers to explore individual species in depth. Topics include individual species, mixed species, places to see incredible animals and issues that affect animals. The tone is entertaining and educational, with an environmental focus. Zara is happy to hear from freelances who can offer good, accurate writing and who understand the magazine and its style. Contact her by email. Payment varies.

Details: email: Zara.gaspar@imaginepublishing.co.uk; website: www.animalanswers.co.uk

Bird Watching, edited by Matt Merritt, is the UK’s bestselling magazine for bird watchers. Its focus is largely on British birds, and it’s aimed largely at beginner birdwatchers, and Matt encourages a community feel to the magazine. Expert advice is blended with inspirational nature writing, covering what to look out for month by month, sightings, species profiles, travel, walks, technical information and conservation. Familiar birds are featured as well as more exotic species. Matt is keen on good nature writing that is inspirational as well as technically accurate, and is happy to hear from suitable writers who can also supply pictures. Payment varies.

Details: email: matthew.merritt@bauermedia.co.uk; website: www.birdwatching.co.uk

BBC Wildlife Magazine, edited by Sheena Harvey, is the UK’s bestselling wildlife magazine, covering wildlife and environmental issues. In line with the BBC’s ethos, all content in the magazine aims to be interesting, informative, accurate, entertaining, authoritative and readable. There are contributor guidelines online and interested writers are asked to send brief pitches including a synopsis of the proposed piece and its angle. Don’t send pieces that are already written, as commissioned writers will receive a detailed brief. Read an interview with Sheena about BBC Wildlife in next month’s WM.

Details: email: wildlifemagazine@immediate.co.uk; website: www.discoverwildlife.com

British Wildlife, edited by Guy Freeman, appeals to professional and amateur naturalists alike. Since its launch in 1989, the magazine has explored the natural history of the British Isles in a combination of long-form articles, regular columns and reports, book reviews and letters. The content bridges the gap between popular writing and scientific literature, and all contributors either work in the field or have a keen interest in the natural world. This subscription-only magazine is published six times a year. British Wildlife is happy to consider ideas for articles – suitable themes range from classic natural history to conservation and environmental policy. Submissions should be sent by email. Payment varies.

Details: email: gfreeman@britishwildlife. com; website: www.britishwildlife.com

Birds and Blooms is America’s number one magazine for birdwatching enthusiasts, concentrating on species of plants and birds that can be seen in domestic gardens. There are a variety of slots in the magazine for readers’ contributions, and proposals for feature articles are accepted from professional bird, nature and garden writers who can send words and pictures packages. Birds and Blooms prefers stories that combine personal experience with professional expertise, and invite pitches for bird and birding pieces, travel stories and DIY articles. Submit via the online form.

Website: www.birdandblooms.com

The Countryman, edited by Mark Whitley, is a monthly magazine established in 1927, covering wildlife, country people, traditions, crafts and rural issues. The main features in the magazines are non-political and the topic of bloodsports is not covered. Articles should be between 600 and 1,000 words, not technical or academic. Each month Mark aims to provide a mix of human interest, historical, nostalgic and contemporary features covering the whole of the UK, with a positive view of the countryside and rural issues, wildlife, and success stories of people doing interesting things. A particular focus is the theme of ‘Conservation and the Countryside’. including wildlife and habitats. Send pitches by email bearing in mind long lead times (6-9 months in advance). Writers are asked to provide images. Payment varies.

Details: email: editorial@thecountryman.co.uk; website: www.thecountryman.co.uk

For pit’s sake

The Manning’s Pit Poetry Competition is a new competition in aid of a piece of countryside in Barnstaple, rich in wildlife including otters, bats, kingfishers and salmon, which is now under threat of development.

The inaugural competition is for poems up to forty lines on Manning’s Pit, or any piece of countryside near a town or village that is loved and treasured by locals and visitors. There are prizes of £100, £30 and £20. The judge is poet Julia Bird.

Send original poems, clearly typed, with each poem on a new sheet. Include full contact details on the back of each poem. All entries must be made by post. The entry fee is £3 per poem, payable by cheques made out to Friends of Manning’s Pit.

The closing date is 30 November.

Details: Ms B Snowden, Fig Tree Cottage, Bellaire, Barnstaple EX31 1QZ; website: http://manningspit.com/

FLASHES

Terry Tuxford edits The Budgerigar, the bimonthly members’ publication of The Budgerigar Society. He welcomes articles, letters and photos.

Details: The Budgerigar Society, 6 Toutie Street, Alyth, Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH11 8BP; website: www.budgerigarsociety.com

The Week is a comprehensive guide to the most important news, current events opinons and sport in the UK and internationally. Website: www.theweek.co.uk