Midwest Living uses freelancers in somewhat unconventional ways. They can land a byline in the book, but also get paid to ‘scout’ locations for the mag (travel expenses covered, of course). Though the mag uses a “core group” of freelancers, “We are definitely in the market to build upon that with new talent,” said EIC Greg Philby. Web opportunities abound, as well. “Websites devour content so we never have enough here, and we do rely on freelancers to provide the majority of it,” he said.

The magazine’s M.O. is to provide readers with “the richest reflection of what matters most to them,” said Philby. Coverage includes home and garden, family, travel, food and other lifestyle areas. “We present it all with a distinctly Midwestern focus and flavor. As you can imagine, there is an intensity of pride about where one lives, and our readers are no different. We inspire them about the cool things in our region, and we compel them to take action to get out and experience them.”

For more information on what to pitch, read How To Pitch: Midwest Living. [subscription required]