Submit stories.
We welcome your ideas for stories in upcoming issues of American Craft! American Craft celebrates the diversity and ingenuity of craft in America and its makers. From handcrafted pieces we use in our homes and wear every day, to the fine craft honored in museums and the way communities come together around it to make a difference, we cover work that inspires us to think differently, appreciate our surroundings, and connect with our fellow humans.
General guidelines.
We publish reported articles, essays, and opinion pieces.
- We ask that you look at past articles, review these guidelines, and consider our upcoming themes before sending us your ideas.
- Are you an artist who wants us to know about your work? Great! Please let us know if you think there’s an upcoming issue where your work would fit particularly well. We often discover artists we want to cover, then go out and find a great writer for the story.
- Stories are generally assigned at 400–2,000 words. Our pay is $.50–$1.00/word, depending on the assignment.
- We welcome a diversity of voices and feature a wide array of artists and makers. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, disability, family status, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, or for any other reason.
Our readers.
Our audience values community, sustainability, authenticity, ingenuity, and well-made things.
Our readers recognize the many design choices they have in everyday life—in their creative work, the artful objects in their homes and workplaces, the clothing they wear, and the media they engage with. We produce stories for people who value the handcrafted over the manufactured, artists, collectors, and independent thinkers with a keen interest in the creative process—including materials, techniques, and processes.
Crafting content for a creative audience.
We value writers who can craft content for a general creative audience with clarity and insight. We love good reporting, incisive quotes, lively storytelling, and meaningful essays. Writers should take special care, when touching on craft theory or history, to write clearly, for a non-academic audience.
Many American Craft writers have experience as arts journalists, are thorough in their reporting, and write with depth and nuance. We also love working with artists and other craft professionals who have particular insights or knowledge to impart to readers of American Craft.
The ideal writer can be counted on to:
- Keep us apprised of changes in story concept at the reporting stage
- Write to the agreed-upon length
- Meet all deadlines
- Collaborate on editing, responding quickly to questions and suggestions
- Help to gather images when necessary
Story topics.
What we (and our readers) are interested in.
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We’re interested in artists, whether emerging, mid-career, or seasoned—who use unusual materials; have discovered a new technique; have traveled unusual paths in their work; are going through a transition, reaching a pinnacle, or facing a challenge; are working in collaborative partnerships; and more.
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We’re curious about craft brings together a community for a good purpose.
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We want to hear about craft and its makers that reflect these values.
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Tell us about handmade goods that are impressive and accessible.
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We want to hear interesting stories about how things are made and what they’re made of.
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How is craft evolving to meet the moment?
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Tell us about organizations that specialize in craft and who are advancing craft in interesting ways.
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Share your stories about people who’ve collected craft and objects in unique ways.
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Share your insight on places that people can visit to see and experience craft.
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Share books, films, podcasts, exhibitions, and shows of interest to a broad craft-loving audience.
Upcoming themes.
Each issue explores a unique theme relevant to the craft community and our readers.
FALL 2026
Adorn
Pitches due: February 10, 2025
In this issue—on newsstands during the early gift-buying season—we explore handcrafted wearables, such as design-forward clothing, daring hats, fine jewelry, and handwoven scarves. We highlight the makers creating modern wares for our homes, including tableware for celebrations. We also feature artists whose work pushes the boundaries of surface adornment—and craft collectors who favor their highly patterned work.
Special coverage:
Jewelry, fashion, craft collections
WINTER 2026
Dream
Pitches due: May 12, 2025
In this issue, we reveal the dreams and visions of America’s makers, schools where those visions are nurtured, and the imaginations of designers and gallerists who help bring craft into our lives. We highlight the craft of the bedroom, from furniture to lamps to bedding. And—in this start to the 250th anniversary year of the formation of the United States—we investigate how craft has played a role in the evolution of the American dream.
Special coverage:
Education, furniture, quilts
Submit ideas.
We welcome queries that sum up in a paragraph or two the most interesting aspects of a proposed story. If possible, please also include reference links and images with your pitch. We aim for a well-written magazine, and one that is also visually impactful.
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