Airstream Life Writer Guidelines
Airstream Life is a quarterly print magazine showcasing the romance of travel through the lens of the iconic Airstream trailer. Our inspirational stories have rich, factual content, stunning photos, and a beautiful layout.
We look for unique perspectives, great ideas, interesting opinions, entertaining historical accounts, and in particular, actionable information for travelers. Articles reflect a familiarity with RVs and the Airstream culture, and topics should have a long shelf life. No jargon or insider language, please.
The 10,000 Foot View
- We do not accept unsolicited articles. Please send a query letter first!
- Please send clips or links to your work, if you are new to Airstream Life. We like to get a sense of your style and voice.
- Payment is upon publication and rates vary.
- We buy exclusive print rights and all electronic rights to published pieces for 12 months, non-exclusive rights thereafter. No additional payment will be made for reuse.
- Stories must include photography—your own, or provide a source for available photos.
- We are a quarterly. It can take three to six months for your article to appear.
No-Nos
We don’t publish breaking news, poetry, fiction, product reviews, rally or caravan reports, club news, press releases, and campground or dealership reviews. AI-generated or AI-based content of any type isn’t acceptable without clearly identifying it as such. Please limit the use of first-person narrative.
Query Tips
Include full name, mailing address, email, phone.
- Describe your article in a paragraph or two.
- How does it fit in our magazine?
- Describe possibilities for photography or illustration. Good photography gets your article priority. See our photo guideline sheet for details.
- List your experience and credentials, and include clips if available.
- Email to: editor@airstreamlife.com
We respond to queries within 30 days.
Department Close-Ups
Destinations
Our readers crave their next journey; we’re looking for writers to help them find their way! Discover and share the natural environment, historical importance, and cultural richness of new destinations. Recent topics have been about Northern New Mexico, Grand Tetons, Lake Superior region, Tallgrass Pairie, Mimbres Valley, Vermont, Everglades, beach camping destinations, Great Sand Dunes, etc. Balance tips with the wider experience of a unique destination to avoid the deadly itinerary-itis of “… and then we went here … and then we went there” in a 1,500 – 2,000-word article, with 10-20 photos and captions.
Features
We’re interested in articles that have specific relevance to Airstream travelers, so don’t be afraid to suggest an idea that doesn’t quite fit into any other department. Recent features have been about full-timing, the major Airstream rallies, American castles, flamingos, the Airstream-space program connection, Airstreams as imagined by AI, and balloon fiestas.
Collecting Experiences
An Airstream can function as an experience collector, facilitating travel goals and allowing a person to explore their interests. Past features include an environmental artist who follows bird migration paths and an avid skier with 100 resorts to visit! Create a lifestyle piece with strong photos and insights on how an experience is collected in 1,400 – 2,000 words and 10-15 photos and captions.
Rivet Bit
Quick, quirky dives into an Airstream-related topic. Past Bits include Airstream art and artists; an exonerated prisoner who created Airstream miniatures while in prison, then restored an Airstream after his release; traveling in the UK; renovating Argosy models; and a head-turning Airstream in New York City. Rivet Bits are 500 – 1,000 words, with 6 – 9 photos and captions.
Tech Tips, eBay Watch, Interiors, and Old Aluminum
A high degree of Airstream knowledge is required for these departments; please query with relevant experience.
Rates
Rates depend on a writer’s experience and quality. If you have a rate expectation, please state it in your initial query. Bylines and photo credits are given. You will need to fill out a W9 form in order to be paid.
| Issue | Copy & Photos Due | Publication / Payment |
| Spring | November 1 | February |
| Summer | February 1 | May |
| Fall | May 1 | August |
| Winter | August 1 | November |
Remember
Our readers are curious optimists who travel in style. As Airstream’s founder, Wally Byam, said, “Keep your eyes on the stars, and the stars in your eyes … see if you can find out what’s over the next hill, and the next one after that.”
We look forward to your queries.