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Writer's Guidelines

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What we're looking for
Our readers seek practical information on how to help their clients, improve their techniques and/or make their businesses more successful, as well as feature articles that place massage therapy in a positive or inspiring light. Since most of our readers are professional therapists, we do not publish articles on topics like "how massage can help you relax." Before preparing a query or manuscript for us, read at least one issue of the magazine, as this is the best way to get a feel for the topics we cover and the tone they're presented in.

About our readers
Most of our readers are professional therapists who have been in practice for several years. About 80 percent are self-employed; 95 percent live in the United States. The vast majority of our readers have completed formal training in massage therapy. The techniques they practice include Swedish, sports and geriatric massage, energy work and myotherapy, among many others. Our readers work in settings ranging from home-based studios to spas to integrated clinics.

About MASSAGE Magazine
MASSAGE Magazine is an internationally circulated trade publication for massage therapists and allied health professionals. We have been in publication since 1985, have a readership of about 80,000, and publish six times per year. We strive for comprehensive coverage of the art and science of massage therapy and related healing arts, with the goal of supporting our readers as they work to promote the benefits of healing touch.

Types of articles
FEATURES: We publish six to 12 full-length feature articles per year. Topic examples: the use of massage in a particular setting (such as corporate or hospital); projects that provide massage therapy to disadvantaged populations; accounts of how massage helped a person overcome or deal with a physical condition; descriptions of types of massage used in non-Western cultures; and trends of national significance, such as the incorporation of complementary techniques into the mainstream medical system, among others. Submissions should be 1,500 to 3,000 words.

BUSINESS: We publish at least six articles per year that describe, in detail, techniques to grow or improve a massage therapy practice. Topic examples: increasing or retaining clientele; setting goals; marketing techniques; new business ventures; and money management, among others. General business-related articles written for small-business owners will be considered. Submissions should be 500 to 3,000 words, depending on the complexity of the topic.

NEWS BRIEFS: We publish up to 15 news articles per issue. These articles must display concise, fact-checked reporting and direct or paraphrased quotes, and must focus on current events or trends. News briefs can be on anything newsworthy, particularly those situations that impact therapists on a national or North American level. Submissions should be 200 to 800 words.

TOUCHING TALES: We publish up to six articles per year that detail how massage/bodywork "touched" either therapist or client on an emotional, spiritual and/or physical level. Submissions should be 1,000 to 2,500 words.

IMPRINTS: We publish one article per issue that details an experience which has left an imprint on the client and/or therapist: a new realization, a reason for entering the health care field, a poignant or humorous remembrance, etc. Submissions should be 500 to 1,000 words.

PROFILES: We publish two to six profiles per year. Profiles must highlight why a particular therapist's story is compelling; describe a particular clientele; or serve as an example of how the therapist solved an ongoing business- or clientele-related situation. Submissions should be 1,000 to 2,500 words.

MIND/BODY/SPIRIT: We publish two to six articles per year on the topic of the relationship(s) between mind, body and spirit, with a specific focus on how massage therapy impacts clients' emotions or spirituality, and how therapists can address or respond to this during sessions. Submissions should be 1,000 to 3,000 words.

SELF-CARE: We publish three to six articles per year which describe techniques that help the therapist care for her/himself. Topics range from exercises to relieve repetitive stress injuries, to ways to relax. How-to articles must be accompanied by photos or illustrations. Submissions should be 1,000 to 3,000 words.

GUEST EDITORIALS: We publish one guest editorial per issue. These may be written by either a practicing therapist or student of massage/bodywork who is passionate about a particular issue facing the field, who has a challenge to present to massage and bodywork practitioners, or who has a unique perspective on the role of massage/bodywork in the greater society. Guest editorials must be accompanied by a professional-quality head shot of the author. Submissions should be 750 to 1,500 words.

TECHNIQUE, GENERAL DESCRIPTION: We publish three to six articles per year that describe a particular, well-established system of bodywork. These articles must be written to a specific guideline, available by contacting our editorial department.

TECHNIQUE, HOW-TO: We publish three to six articles per year that tell readers, through both text and photos/illustrations, how to perform a massage technique or stroke. These articles must be written by a professional therapist with several years' proven experience in the application of the technique, and must be written to a specific guideline, available by contacting our editorial department.

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