Akron Life & Leisure is a magazine focused on the people, places, entertainment, arts and other important stories that matter to residents and visitors of Greater Akron. Generally, we consider Greater Akron to be Summit, Medina, Portage, Northern Stark and Northeastern Wayne counties with downtown Akron as its base. Everything written for Akron Life & Leisure must have some connection to the cities in these counties unless otherwise accepted by the editorial staff.

Because we strive for originality to our stories, we dont want ideas that have recently been published by The Akron Beacon Journal, Northern Ohio Live, or any other local publications unless you can provide a fresh perspective. We also have little need for breaking news because of our two-month lead time.

Unsolicited queries should include a resume or history of writing experience and at least two writing samples. If you want writing samples returned, please convey this in the cover letter and include a SASE. Please send your samples to: Editor, Akron Life & Leisure, 39 E. Market St., Ste. 203, Akron, OH 44308.

Topics for our publication vary, but tend to fall in one of the following categories: personality profile, history (especially with modern twist), business profile, the arts, education, sports and outdoor activity, charity activities, home improvement, fashion, gardens, health care, recreation and food. Unsolicited poetry and fiction (when not submitted under the guidelines of our contest) must have a local theme. Freelancers may pitch ideas in cover letters, send the beginning to a possible story or send the entire story. Individual features or departments should be between 300 and 4000 words. Payment is on publication and is determined on an individual basis.

If agreed to by the editor and writer at the time of assignment, Akron Life & Leisure will reimburse writers for expenses if completion of the piece requires fees beyond those typically associated with research and writing. In these situations, copies of phone bills and receipts for expenses must be given to the editor before reimbursement is possible.

Deadlines are at least two months before publication (i.e. January deadline for March issue) and are specifically determined for each piece. Seasonal pieces should be pitched three to four months ahead of the according season or month.

Finished, assigned manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced and have 1-2 inch margins. Writers should arrange with the editor to attach a file of the story (preferably as .doc or .txt files) through email or on disk. If possible, writers should also include a hard copy, title and subhead possibilities, pull-quotes and captions for photos.