Submission guidelines

Pitches & proposals for Caribbean Beat

Caribbean Beat welcomes material for review; events for coverage (though please note limitations below); and contributor proposals from writers, illustrators and photographers. Please read the following information for more detailed information, and what to do next if you think your work would be a good fit.

Please note: we are unlikely to consider or respond to submissions which do not meet these guidelines, or which reflect a lack of familiarity with Caribbean Beat and its audience. We also do not publish press releases or promotional material that qualifies as advertorial.

Story & feature pitches

Most published material is commissioned, often on the basis of a strong, clear pitch or proposal from a writer, illustrator, photographer, or publicist.

Guidelines & requirements

• Pitches & proposals must include a strong story/feature pitch (250–500 words), with:
  • both a compelling subject of Caribbean interest, but an engaging angle or way of framing the story that takes the reader on a journey. This also applies to publicists and organisations requesting coverage in the magazine
  • a clear sense of why this subject, why this story, why now, and why the person pitching is best positioned to tell this story
  • writing/photography samples similar to the style of the magazine, and a little about the writer/photographer/illustrator
• Timing & production schedule: The magazine has a 3–4 month lead time, so that pieces with a seasonal or timely hook should be proposed with that in mind.
  • If pitches are time-sensitive, that should be indicated in the pitch; as should any significant events/dates that the piece can/should coincide with
  • Please use the following dates when pitching for particular issues (the copy deadlines, if a piece is commissioned, would be 4-6 weeks later):
    • January/February: by 15 September
    • March/April: by 15 November
    • May/June: by 15 January
    • July/August: by 15 March
    • September/October: by 15 May
    • November/December: 15 July
• Subjects recently covered: We generally do not consider proposals for subjects which we have covered in recent issues
• Event coverage: Please note that coverage of events is limited to our website if/when resources permit
• On-spec material: On spec submissions (ie stories which are already written) are discouraged. However, we occasionally consider material on speculation, without commitment — particularly if it is a package of good writing plus good illustrations and/or photography and is timely. Please see the “What we’re looking for” section below to ensure what you’ve written is compatible with what we publish
• Caribbean connection: It’s important for us to work with authors and creators based in the Caribbean and its diaspora, or those who have a demonstrated interest, expertise, and/or investment in the region
• Advertorial vs editorial: Please note that we cannot accept pieces written by subjects about themselves, or by their publicists, employees or contractors, as this constitutes a conflict of interest. For individuals or organisations preferring to control their promotional messaging, the magazine publishes Advertorials. You can find more information here.

What we’re looking for

Writing

1. Style & audience:
   1. It is essential for features to be strongly written, well researched and insightful, with as light and readable a style as possible — laced with vivid description, humour, anecdote or human interest
   2. The magazine’s readership consists partly of Caribbean travellers of all ages and backgrounds who already know the region well (or at least their part of it); and partly of holiday and business travellers coming into or researching about the Caribbean, many of whom are unfamiliar with the region except for the stereotypes. Consequently, contributors should be able to address a broad audience, with lively, entertaining writing combined with a serious and informative approach to subject matter
2. Length: We typically consider feature articles of up to 1,000–1,200 words on any subject of general Caribbean interest, as well as shorter pieces about current events, etc
3. Subjects: Stories about exciting emerging talent making significant strides in their respective fields/sectors, or fresh angles on well-covered subjects, are preferred. The point of view should be that of a well-informed insider writing about the things the Caribbean does best. Coverage of these subjects should also be editorially independent; any potential conflicts of interest should be declared to the editor.

Photography & illustrations

The magazine depends heavily on good pictures and illustrations, buying stock material and commissioning photography as necessary (budget permitting). All photos should be 300dpi, and clearly captioned.

Caribbean diaspora event coverage

Caribbean Beat generally runs curtain-raisers for major events and festivals in the region in each bimonthly print issue, and includes many in our festival calendar.

If you would like to have your event considered for inclusion, please send us the details (date, location, cost, and description of the event) at least 3 months in advance.

Please note that because of our 3–4 month lead time, post-event coverage is limited to our website.

Reviews

Books, music, film, TV, video, etc of Caribbean interest

What we review

1. Caribbean Beat reviews new, recent, and forthcoming books, music, films, and other select material for and about the Caribbean, and/or of Caribbean interest
2. The material typically should be as yet unreleased, and/or not more than 6–12 months old. Some exceptions may be made in compelling circumstances
3. Scholarly works typically are only reviewed when they might be relevant to non-specialist readers.

Review process

1. If you are a publisher or copyright holder of qualifying books, music, or films — or other material that you would like to propose, please send us an email query at the first instance clearly listing the title, author’s/artist’s name, publisher’s/producer’s name and full contact information, release date, as well as a biography of the artist and any other relevant details
2. We will consider the title without commitment. Should it be appropriate for potential review, we will then ask you to send a digital or hard copy of the work to us.

Please note

1. Hard copies of any unsolicited materials will not be accepted unless hand delivered locally to our office in Trinidad
2. As is customary, we do not return review copies. If you would like the material returned, please indicate that clearly in your initial contact with us, and how you will arrange for this.

Additional info

Editing & publication

All material is subject to editing, and the need for any major changes or rewrites will normally be discussed with the author. Editing and publication are at the discretion of the editor and publisher. Additionally, it should be noted that the airline also retains the right to deny publication of any material.

Payments

Payments for photographs, illustrations, and editorial are made upon publication — unless a commission has been cancelled — and are subject to the terms laid out in our Contributors Agreement.

Further questions

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.