Submit a Story to Parents’ Press
Parents’ Press was the second local parenting magazine in the country when it started in 1980. As a media company, we publish Parents’ Press monthly magazine, special annual guides, our website, e-newsletters, and more. Whether it’s tips from newborns to teens, staying healthy, picking a new school or, of course, things to do with kids around town, Parents Press covers it with our popular print and digital content. We meet parents right where they are. Our website, newsletters, social media and monthly magazine curate the region’s top events, hidden gems and powerful stories.
Article Submission Guidelines
We are always looking for articles with strong local perspective filled with names, references and issues of particular interest and relevance to parents and families in the Bay Area.
We like writing that is friendly, accessible and backed by well-researched information that is fresh and empowering to busy parents and families. Articles must have unique and original content and be non-duplicative. All articles should be connected to the Bay Area in some way.
Seasonal articles – holidays, winter sports, Mother’s Day etc. – please query 3-4 months ahead of the appropriate publishing month.
Personal Essays are a great way to get published. These parent essays, written on speculation, are told in first-person in 400 to 500 words. Include a bio and photo. In these articles, writers often discuss the fun or quirky side of parenting.
Practical articles address a compelling issue in parenting. These articles are usually 400 to 600 words in which an author presents an issue or problem in parenting and then a solution or where to turn to for help. Practical articles can also be activity-based; writers for these types of articles keep the information short and to the point.
Our larger feature articles cover a wide range of important issues including childcare, education, adolescence, motherhood, family travel, kids’ products and navigating the joys and challenges of parenting. These articles often include quotes from experts in the field and 1-2 sidebars of relevant information, while also bringing in the voices of local families.
Short articles are 300-700 words in length. The average feature story is 800 to 1,200 words in length. The editors have unrestricted editing rights.
Articles need to be submitted at least 60 days prior to publication date. Each article should have a catchy title, writer byline, article intro, body and conclusion and an author bio of up to 20 words. 1-2 Photos are always appreciated.
It is our goal to respond to all queries; however, due to the volume that we receive, this may not be possible. Please, no phone calls. All ideas are given the consideration they deserve when they are received. The editors have unrestricted editing rights.
To query in general, submit a concise paragraph or two about your proposed article and a little about your credentials as the author.