We hear lots of things about “The People’s Friend”, some true, but some false.
We’re here to put the record straight!
Here are the most common “Friend” myths . . .
“I didn’t think you were still going.”
Well, here we are! Still going strong and we’re into our 151st year!
We’re still unique, and even after all this time we still put the reader at the heart of everything we do.
“You only accept stories set in Scotland.”
We still get asked this and it’s simply not true.
Our stories can be set ANYWHERE.
“Only women can write for you.”
Again, no! Absolutely anyone from anywhere can write for us.
If your story is good enough for the “Friend”, that’s all that matters.
“You’re not allowed to have stories featuring divorce etc.”
This isn’t true either.
We gently move with the times, and we often feature slightly “edgier” stories in our Specials.
We like to make sure they’re not filled with doom and gloom though.
We’re here as an oasis and we’re always mindful about what our readers want.
“I’ve read that story before.”
No, you haven’t!
Unless it’s in one of our special collector’s editions, every single story and serial is new.
“It’s only women that work on the ‘Friend’.”
Absolutely not. At the moment we have Digital Ed Iain, Fiction’s Alan, Production’s Eddy and Features Ed Alex, as well as huge back-up crew across the company.
“To work on the ‘Friend’ you’ve got to be able to knit and bake.”
We have lots of amazing cooks and crafters on the “Friend” . . and many who are hopeless!
“The Fiction team read stories all day.”
In an ideal world that would be the case, but just like the rest of the teams, there are many jobs that need done to make sure your weekly, Specials, pocket novels, annuals, “The Fireside Book”, “The Friendship Book”, digital content and social media all get out there.
“It’s just for grans.”
It’s for everyone! If you love fantastic fiction, it’s the magazine for you.
“It’s all romantic stories in the magazine.”
Again, this is myth.
If you’ve read the magazine you’ll know we have many, many genres.
We even have spooky stories and cosy crime!
For more information about writing for “The People’s Friend”, click here.
Tracey Steel Having worked on a number of magazines over the years, I have found my perfect place on the “Friend” as I’m obsessed with reading and never go anywhere without a book! I read all of our stories with a mug of tea close by and usually a bit of strong cheese too!
