Writer's Guidelines
Tell us your story!
The Toastmaster magazine has existed since 1935. Topics relating to communication and leadership are endless, and it’s the magazine’s mission to explore those topics to the benefit of readers worldwide. But the magazine wouldn’t exist without contributions from our members and readers. Here’s how to submit material to us:
Article Submission Guidelines
The Toastmaster magazine is published monthly for approximately 250,000 members living in 106 countries. Therefore, it’s important that all articles are geared toward an international audience. We welcome submissions from members and freelancers living outside North America. All submissions must be in English, however.
Keep in mind that readers of the Toastmaster are experienced public speakers. We accept only authentic, well-researched and well-crafted stories. Show, don’t tell! Use sources, quotes from experts and other research to back up your views. The best articles have style, depth, emotional impact and take-away value to the reader. A potential feature article needs an unusual hook, compelling story or unique angle. Profiles of colorful, controversial, historically significant, amusing, unusual or unique people are welcome, but remember that our readers live in different countries, so stay away from profiles of American presidents or sports figures.
Compensation for accepted articles depends on whether our submission guidelines are followed, the amount of research involved and the article's general value to us. Unsolicited articles are paid on publication, not acceptance.
Please review our Writer’s Guidelines below, before you submit your article. When you are ready to send it, please e-mail it to submissions@toastmasters.org with a sentence or two summarizing the topic of your article in the body of the e-mail.
- The first page of your manuscript must include the following: a headline, your name and e-mail address, as well as a summary of the main point of the article in one to two sentences.
- Answer this question: Why this article, to this audience, at this time?
- Article length should be from 700 to 2,000 words, double-spaced with minimal formatting. Do not use headers, footers, page numbers or page breaks.
- Use Microsoft Word or similar program, or paste your article into the body of an e-mail.
- Include a brief author biography and a word count.
- We need articles related to the fields of communication and leadership, on topics members can use in their self-improvement efforts. Appropriate topics include speaking techniques, leadership development, language use, club management principles, and profiles of famous speakers.
- Use anecdotes and examples to present your ideas, and use verifiable sources and quotes from experts.
- Write with a “how to” approach, giving readers practical tips for improving their communication and leadership skills.
- Avoid sending articles with obvious political and religious slants, poems and speeches. They will not be published.
The Toastmaster only accepts articles submitted by e-mail. All should be sent to:
submissions@toastmasters.org