Hyphen | Asian America Unabridged

What is Hyphen?

Hyphen is a news and culture magazine that illuminates Asian America through hard-hitting investigative features on the cultural and political trends shaping the fastest growing ethnic population in America. We offer in-depth profiles of change-makers in our community and a glimpse into the world of artists and writers who are re-envisioning and rewriting what it means to be Asian American. Through balanced and incisive reporting and sometimes irreverent commentary, we hold a mirror to the enormous richness, contradiction, and vitality that define the Asian American experience to stimulate debate, raise awareness, and build bridges within and beyond our community.

Hyphen | Asian America Unabridged


Submission Guidelines

We're looking for writers who can depart from the predictable daily-news structure and tell a story well, with keen observations and strict accuracy. We welcome investigative reporting as well as literary journalism, thoughtful pieces as well as tongue-in-cheek ones.

We've got a bit of a split personality, so we want both fun and serious writing. As long as it's well written and solidly reported, we're very open. Bonus points if the story takes place in the South or Midwest. Asian America doesn't exist only on the coasts, you know.

We are interested in issues that affect Asian Americans, but, please, no Asian American Studies 101. We are also interested in tangentially Asian American stories, in quirky stories, and in stories about emerging artists rather than established ones. Do not send ideas about people and events in Asia. We cover Asian America, not Asia.

Absolutely no reprints, though substantially revised or expanded stories will be considered. And please, don't send us anything that uses the phrase "East meets West."

WRITERS

Send your query letter, three clips and a resume to editorial(at)hyphenmagazine.com. Or snail mail to:

Hyphen
Editorial
P. O. Box 192002
San Francisco, CA 94119-2002

We read each and every query, but we may not be able to respond right away. Please be patient with us.

Payment: Unfortunately, we will not be able to pay contributors at this time. This nonprofit magazine is a labor of love for all of us. Please accept copies of Hyphen and our gratitude.

HYPHEN DEPARTMENTS

Features: We want substantive, solidly-reported stories. These can be investigative pieces, or cultural explorations on Asian American issues, or issues that may not be specific to Asian Americans, but affect Asian Americans significantly. We'll also consider in-depth profiles and think-pieces. Politics. Business. Culture. Ethnography. No first-person. 1,500 to 3,000 words.

Redux: See something in the media that pissed you off? An ad, magazine cover or TV show that made use of stereotypes? Sound off here on all those "American Beats Kwan" moments. Or, were you surprised by a positive portrayal? We're looking for careful analysis, not rants. 300 to 650 words.

Policy Watch: Keeping an eye on the politics and policies that shape our everyday lives. 400 to 650 words.

Matter: News items about social justice issues, politics, arts, and pop culture. Can be quirky or serious. Also, pieces that explore trends. No first-person. 200 to 750 words.

Atypical: Brief profiles. Yes, there are Asian Americans who don't care about science and math! Interviews with artists, musicians, athletes, writers, actors, filmmakers, politicians and other people who don't have "Dr." in their names. 400 to 550 words.

Take Out: Cool stuff you want to take home. Zines, gadgets, boy bands, art projects and other stuff that rocks your world. 150 words.

Gifted: Art features and reviews. We're more interested in identifying trends and themes in books, zines, music, films, and performing arts rather than just giving a thumbs up or thumbs down. 400 to 750 words.

Sports: Searching for the next Yao Ming. Or at least the next story about our athletes, icons, personalities, trends and issues in the game. Please pitch sports that will be in season when we hit the stands. Bios, Q&As, charts, stories, news. 250 or 450-650 words.

Inner View: A personal essay. 1000 words.

Recipe: A step-by-step how-to on skills every Asian American should know. With photos or illustrations. Funny or tongue-in-cheek.

Dialects: The best in fiction, poetry and other creative writing. Contact claire(at)hyphenmagazine.com for guidelines.



PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Hyphen seeks talented photographers, illustrators and digital artists to fill our pages with daring, eye-popping artwork to accompany our articles. Ideas for photo essays are welcome. Send us links to online portfolios and websites so we can view your work. Contact: design(at)hyphenmagazine.com

Or snail mail at:

Hyphen
Art
P. O. Box 192002
San Francisco, CA 94119-2002

Please note that we are an all-volunteer organization and cannot pay contributers at this time. Please accept copies of Hyphen and our gratitude.