United States Dressage Federation

• Print this page

Contributing Guidelines

Guidelines for Writers and Photographers

USDF Connection
Attn: Publications Coordinator
4051 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 971-2277
Fax (859) 971-7722

For Writers

USDF Connection publishes freelance-written features, health articles, personality profiles, how-to training articles, and first-person accounts of life in the dressage world. All articles must focus on USDF programs or members or on dressage. We are particularly interested in expanding our coverage of adult amateur riders and including the "amateur angle" in the stories we publish.

We prefer that you query us with your story ideas, but we will consider unsolicited manuscripts. When you contact us, please indicate whether appropriate accompanying photographs or illustrations are available. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs not accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes bearing proper postage will not be returned.

We accept submissions via e-mail and regular mail. Manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced. If you submit a manuscript for consideration, please be prepared to send us the file on disk or via e-mail if it is accepted for publication. Files must be PC-compatible (Microsoft Word or text-only).

All USDF Connection contributors receive bylines and a copy of the issue in which their work appears. Payment is made upon acceptance and ranges from $40 to $400, depending on the scope, complexity, and quality of the piece. We buy first North American English-language serial rights to original material and, occasionally, limited electronic rights as well. We occasionally accept previously published material; send a photocopy of the piece as published, along with the publication's name and date, to have material considered. Simultaneous submissions will not be accepted.

For Photographers

USDF Connection welcomes submissions of quality color dressage and sport-horse photographs. All mounted riders must be wearing appropriate headgear (a safety helmet, a derby, or a top hat). We also accept submissions of action and conformation shots of breeding stock and dressage sport-horse breeding classes. Interesting and creative photos that capture special moments between horses and riders also will be considered. Photos must be accompanied by complete captions, including the full names of all subjects.

We prefer to review prints (3" x 5" minimum size) rather than slides. Please contact us for details regarding scanning and file format before submitting photos electronically.

Photographers whose work is published will receive proper credit, a contributors' copy of the issue in which their work appears, and payment as follows:

$25 to $100, depending on as-published size
Cover: $150 to $300

USDF Connection is happy to review unsolicited submissions of photographs, but please include a SASE with proper postage with your submission if you would like your photographs returned.

USDF Connection Publication Policies

USDF reserves the right to edit all submissions, including letters to the editor, for style and clarity. We will handle all manuscripts and photographs with care, but we cannot guarantee their condition. USDF cannot guarantee publication; nor can we guarantee the date of publication of accepted manuscripts and photographs.