Writer Guidelines for Good Grit Magazine
At Good Grit Magazine, we serve a community of adventure-driven millennials who crave meaningful travel experiences. Our readers aren’t just observers—they’re influencers shaping the decisions of their families and friends. With a strong focus on Southern travel, we cater to a key demographic that’s redefining how the South is explored, experienced, and celebrated.
We’re here to inspire discovery, from hiking trails in small towns to culinary hotspots across the South. Our content will dive deep into the landscapes, cultures, and adventures that make this region so unique. Each season, we aim to awaken curiosity, spark adventure, and showcase the Southern stories that resonate with our readers.
What We’re Looking For
We publish four seasonal issues a year, each filled with travel inspiration tailored to the time of year:
- Spring: Awakening the South
Fresh starts and new discoveries. We’re spotlighting emerging towns, outdoor adventures, and farm-to-table dining experiences. - Summer: The Season of Adventure
Dive into summer road trips, water sports, beach getaways, and more. We’ll also feature summer recipes from rising Southern chefs. - Fall: Harvest & Heritage
Fall is all about culture and reflection. We’re highlighting cities making waves in food, art, and business, while showcasing harvest festivals and family trip ideas. - Winter: Cozy Escapes
Think boutique hotels, winter festivals, and comforting recipes. We’ll also spotlight sustainable tourism efforts and cozy Southern towns filled with holiday charm.
Pitching to Good Grit
We love hearing fresh ideas, and we encourage you to pitch us stories that align with our mission and focus on Southern travel, culture, and adventure. However, due to the volume of pitches we receive, we aren’t able to respond to every submission.
If you don’t hear back from us after following up a couple of times, you’re welcome to send your pitches to other outlets. We respect your time and talent, and we want you to feel free to explore every opportunity for your work.
Word Count & Pay
- Assignments are typically 700-800 words.
- Our longest pieces are 1000-1200 words.
- We generally pay $0.25 to $0.30 per word, and rates can be negotiated based on story complexity and budget.
Tone & Style
We look for uplifting, real stories. Our aim is to inspire and connect readers to genuine Southern experiences without resorting to fluff. We love stories that highlight perseverance, community, and the rich legacy of Southern culture—honest, beautifully told tales of people chasing dreams, exploring the unknown, and finding joy along the way.
Content Elements
Creative elements like sidebars can add depth and make your story more engaging. Sidebars could feature additional tips, fun facts, or even related activities. For example, if you’re writing about a restaurant owner, a sidebar might highlight their favorite local spots or favorite dishes on the menu.
Submission Guidelines
- Deadlines: Our deadlines are clearly listed in your Writers Agreement. If you foresee any issues meeting them, please let us know ASAP.
- Formatting: Use single spaces after punctuation and a single return after each paragraph. No tabs or extra spaces.
- Grammar: We use the Oxford comma, and em dashes should have no spaces between them.
- Titles: Suggested titles are appreciated but not guaranteed.
- Byline: Start each piece with “Words by [Your Name].” Please submit your name as you’d like it to appear in the byline and Contributors section.
- Social Media: Share your Instagram handle so we can tag you when posting about your stories.
- Fact-Checking: Double-check the spelling of names and places, and ensure all facts are accurate before submitting your piece.
- Tear Sheets: We’ll send you a tear sheet of your story once the issue is out.
Comp List
When submitting your final piece, include your mailing address as well as the addresses of anyone you interviewed so we can add them to our comp list.
Contact Information
Submissions and invoices can be sent to ashley@goodgritagency.com. We’ll reach out if any edits or revisions are needed.
Core Values
We don’t just tell stories—we live by values that shape how we connect with our audience, our partners, and our contributors. As a writer for Good Grit, we ask that you embody these values in the work you do for us, helping to represent the magazine with integrity, passion, and purpose.
- Meaningful and Relational
We believe in creating stories that go beyond the surface. Your work should spark genuine connections, foster relationships, and resonate deeply with our readers. We aim to tell stories that leave a lasting impact, and your contribution is essential to making that happen. - Proactive Communication
Clear, timely communication is key to a smooth writing and editorial process. We value writers who are not only responsive but also anticipate needs and deadlines. Keeping communication open ensures we’re always moving forward together toward a shared goal. - On Purpose and With Purpose
Every story you write for us should have intention behind it. We’re here to inspire, inform, and connect, and we rely on you to approach each assignment with the same sense of purpose. Whether it’s a small piece or a major feature, we expect your writing to align with our mission and offer meaningful value to our readers. - Setting Realistic Expectations
Transparency is crucial in all aspects of our work. We value writers who set clear expectations regarding deadlines, story angles, and revisions, and we aim to do the same in return. By being upfront about what’s possible, we create a foundation of trust and collaboration. - Adding More Value Than We Receive in Compensation
We believe that the work we do is about giving more than we take. We ask that you approach your writing with the mindset of creating value—not just for our readers, but also for the communities and subjects your stories highlight. Together, we aim to exceed expectations, both in the quality of our work and the relationships we cultivate.
