Airstream Life Writer Guidelines
Airstream Life is a quarterly print magazine showcasing the romance of the road through the lens of the iconic Airstream trailer. Our inspirational stories have rich, factual content, stunning photos, and a beautiful layout.
Articles must welcome a reader into an experience, inspiring them to see themselves in that place.
We look for unique perspectives, interesting opinions, entertaining historical accounts, and useful knowledge about the traveling lifestyle. 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!
- If we have not published your work before, please send clips. 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 magazine. It can take three to six months for your article to appear.
No-Nos
No breaking news, poetry, fiction, product reviews, rally or caravan reports, club news, press releases, and campground or dealership reviews.
In general, do not embed live links in your copy, e.g. “For more information, see https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm.” URLs should be simplified to only the basic domain name, e.g. NPS.gov, in black font without an underline.
Query Tips
- Include your full name, mailing address, email, phone.
- Describe your article in a paragraph or two.
- How does it fit in our magazine? Why will it appeal to Airstream owners?
- 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
Available Departments
Destinations/Features
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. Balance trip-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”. We prefer third-person articles. No need to include recommended campgrounds unless the campground is truly intrinsic to the experience. Word count: 1,500–1,800 Photo requirements: 10-15 with captions and photo credits
Rivet Bit
Shorter than a feature, Rivet Bits are quirkier dives into Airstream-related topics. They’re usually written in the third person. Recent Rivet Bits have included the history of aluminum, the Route 66 Centennial, the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Airstream, airstreaming above the Arctic Circle, and drive-through Christmas festivals. Word Count: 500–1,000 words Photo requirements: 6–9 with captions and photo credits
Advise for New Owners, Tech Tips
A high degree of Airstream knowledge is required for these departments; please include relevant experience and writing samples if you send queries for either of these departments. Word Count: 1,300–1,600 Photo requirements: 5-8 with captions and photo credits
Old Aluminum
These articles are similar to a Rivet Bit but focus on stories related to vintage Airstreams. We are NOT looking for stories on how to renovate an Airstream or repurposing Airstreams for commercial uses unless it’s something truly unique and Airstream lifestyle-related. Recent Old Aluminum stories have included “The Argosy Experiment” (the historical relationship between Argosy- and Airstream-branded travel trailers), “Is a Vintage Project for You?,” and a look-back at Wally Bynam’s Airstream that he used during his international caravans. Word Count: 500-1,000 words Photo requirements: At least one (preferably more), with captions and photo credits
Rates
We pay a variable rate based on a writer’s experience, quality of work, and track record with Airstream Life. We pay per published word (after editing). 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.