Our refreshed guidelines are ready.
Let’s take a quick look!
Where Can You Find The New Guidelines?
Our refreshed guidelines for authors and poets are ready and available on our website now.
You’ll find them on the red banner at the foot of our main website page, under Useful Links > Our New Fiction Guidelines.
Before You Submit – Two Tips
As well as reading the guidelines carefully, the best way to submit successfully is to read the magazine, and write for the readers.
Reading the magazine is the best way to gauge the tone and content we’re looking for.
Regularly reading the letters page, features and even looking at the ads will help you build up a picture of our readers.
Writing for the readers means writing your story specifically with them in mind; ‘tailoring’ your story to that market.
It’s All About The Reader
When it comes to writing fiction for “The People’s Friend”, it’s all about the reader. We’re looking for stories that will appeal to our audience.
Our readers enjoy a good read. They like memorable characters and strong storylines.
They’re looking for family-friendly, enjoyable reading with no swearing, intimacy, or violence.
Appropriate language and tone is essential.
Contemporary Or Historical?
Contemporary stories should reflect modern life.
Historical stories should be well-researched, and you should state the year or era your story takes place in on the cover sheet.
Genres we consider are general, family, mystery, young romance, mature romance, cosy crime, spooky.
Entering Our Writing Competition?
Our Writing Bursary Competition is open until February 5.
Please do read our guidelines carefully before submitting a story for consideration.
And make sure your story is suitable for publication in “The People’s Friend”.
Any Questions?
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have around submitting for the magazine.
Email anytime at lcrichton@dcthomson.co.uk
Best of luck!
Lucy Crichton Better known as “Fiction Editor Lucy”, I am always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, I enjoy working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of “Friend” fiction!
