Writer's Guidelines for SCOUT LIFE Magazine

  • Publication Overview

    • Magazine Name: SCOUT LIFE
    • Publisher: Boy Scouts of America
    • Circulation: 1 million copies per issue
    • Frequency: 10 issues yearly
    • Established: 1911

  • Content Types

    • Nonfiction Articles:

    • Length: 500 to 1,200 words

    • Payment: $500 to $1,200

    • Subject Matter: Broad topics including sports, history, and practical skills.

    • Research: Check recent issues for topic ideas in libraries or digital editions.

    • Query Contact: Managing Editor Paula Murphey

    • Departments:

    • Length: up to 600 words

    • Payment: $100 to $600

    • Department Topics: Science, nature, health, sports, space, cars, computers, entertainment, pets, history, music, etc.

    • Average Departments per Issue: 5

    • Query Contact: Associate Editor Sheniece Chappell

    • Fiction:

    • Short Stories: Assignment-only, no queries or unsolicited manuscripts accepted.

  • Writing Style

    • Target Audience: Boys and girls ages 5 to 17
    • For Writers: Write for a 12-year-old reader.
    • Style Requirements:
    • Crisp and punchy writing
    • Short, straightforward sentences
    • High standards of journalism, following The Associated Press Stylebook
    • Submission Process:
    • All articles are commissioned, unsolicited nonfiction rarely accepted.
    • Query Method: By mail with self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), no email or phone queries.