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Circulation: Nearly 1 million
Frequency: Monthly
Special issues: Beauty issue in October, "Luxe List" shopping issue for December (holiday guide). Editors say there may be several theme issues in 2007, but they haven't yet determined for which months.

Background: Since 1994, when Marie Claire published its first U.S. edition, it's won a loyal readership by offering women the latest information and advice on everything from health to fashion, relationships to shopping, in a fun, eye-catching layout. It publishes lively articles that inform, often through the first-person participation of its writers, rather than printing long lists of "how-to" pieces. Deputy editor Julia Savacool confirms that, as a former editor put it, "While we want to engage our readers in a lively way, our articles often are less servicey than some of our competitors."

The biggest shift at Marie Claire occurred this spring, when Joanna Coles, who was most recently executive editor at Meredith's More magazine, replaced Lesley Jane Seymour, who'd been in the top slot at Marie Claire since 2001. The magazine will continue to appeal to women of the world who want beauty and fashion coverage as well as hard news and investigative features, says Savacool, but there will be a "move away from lighter stories and sex." Note: The first issue under Coles' leadership will be September 2006, so pay special attention to fall issues when formulating your pitches.

Marie Claire's features skew toward younger working women between the ages of 20 and 40 who have a smart, sophisticated worldview. Regular features that will continue include profiles on women around the world, examinations of political and legal issues facing women, relationship discussions, and extensive fashion and beauty coverage.

What to pitch: Marie Claire's greatest need is for features, though freelancers are advised to build up toward pitching long-form pieces. Editors urge potential writers read at least three issues of the magazine before attempting to pitch. Since seasoned writers are usually the only ones sought to contribute extended hard news pieces, a background in this type of writing—with the clips to prove it—will be the best way to land such an assignment.

Roughly 90 percent of the feature well is written by freelancers, Savacool estimates. She recommends certain sections—particularly those with first-person angles—as good places to target for new writers. She's seeking ideas for the "First Person" and "Real Lives" sections. "First Person" publishes pieces about ordinary women doing extraordinary things. "But these profiles need to focus on truly exceptional, world-altering women," Nanus has cautioned. "They should center on women who are fighting against horrible situations with great bravery. They can also be about women who are, or were, caught in the crossfire of a tough situation." And don't be put off by the "First Person" name: the story does not have to be your own. Freelancers for this section often publish with an "as told to" credit. So as long as you have access to the subject, "First Person" is open to your pitch. May's story, "Confessions of a Sex Spy," is the story of a Private Investigator who specializes in catching cheating spouses, as told to a freelancer.

"Real Lives" is a feature-length, newsy piece. May's "This woman was forced into slavery... in the U.S.," told the stories of several women who immigrated to the U.S. and were sold into slavery.

Remember: Marie Claire asks that its freelancers already have access to all the sources for features being pitched—and, this doesn't just mean their quotes. Editors emphasize that all subjects of Marie Claire articles must be willing to be photographed for their stories—a requirement that makes the magazine's features unique, while sometimes challenging to execute.

What not to pitch: Celebrity interviews, or fashion and beauty stories, as they're all done in-house. Additionally, skip suggestions for "stunt" or "challenge" features, which often used the writers as participants in undercover endeavors, as Savacool says such stories will be phased out under Coles.

Recent freelance stories pitched and published: "I Survived the Hollywood Stripper School" was a March story pitched by a freelancer. In September, "I Was Forced To Rob a Bank," another freelance piece, will run.

Etiquette: Email is the requested medium for pitches at Marie Claire. If you prefer to send pitches by regular mail, direct them to the attention of Laurie Campbell, features department editorial assistant. Queries are typically answered in six to eight weeks, and a follow-up phone call is acceptable at that point if you haven't heard back from the magazine.

Lead time: Three to six months. Editors are currently finalizing September pages and working on October copy.
Pay rate: Writers report $1/word and up.
Payment schedule: Approximately six weeks after article's acceptance.
Kill fee: 25 percent
Rights purchased: Varies

Contact info:
Marie Claire
300 West 57th St., 34th Floor
New York, New York 10019
(212) 649-5000
www.marieclaire.com
firstname.lastname@hearst.com

Deputy Editor (covering News): Julia Savacool
Senior Editors: Carrie Sloan and Colleen Oakley
Health editor: Marty Munson
Fashion features editor: Maureen Dempsey

Melissa Walker is the former features editor of ElleGirl... sigh. She's hard at work on her first teen novel.

[Editor's Note: This article was originally written by Jennifer Doerr and published on November 20, 2003. It was revised June 21, 2004, then updated by Melissa Walker on July 17, 2006.]