Hearts of the Country is a national publication celebrating Canadian farm and rural people. Our promise is to provide rural Canadians a publication in which they can share their skills, experience and knowledge with a national audience in order to gain strength, grow communities and survive as a nation.
   Our tag line is Balancing Home, Work and Community and any article that fits those categories will be considered. Content is built around the following four philosophies to Educate, Empower, Encourage and Entertain.
   Submissions are requested for the following topics; rural entrepreneurial spirit, innovations on the farm or in agriculture, community success, relationships, food, health and wellness, fitness, family activities, landscape and gardening, home decoration and crafts, Canadian rural history, vacation and travel ideas, and humour.
    Sections include recipes and food preparation, human interest stories and deal with shared rural issues that will encourage feedback from readers. We  also have a heroes page where tribute can be paid to people or mentors who have inspired others.
   Other articles of consideration are helpful hints, fund raising ideas, money savings tips, marketing strategies, safety, trends, innovative business and management tips, how-to... humour and cartoons (600 to 800 words)
  
   We encourages accurate, lively and creative writing that demonstrates a wealth of knowledge about life outside the city and/or on the farm. Unlike other magazines, this magazine provides a networking tool where readers are invited to share stories, photos and ideas that embrace country life. Most importantly, stories must provide more than good information - they must also be a good read. We require inspirational stories with the message that with knowledge comes confidence and ability.
   The magazine will include two to three feature articles (1200 to 1800 words) on rural Canadians.
   Feature and educational articles are expected to support concepts with interviews and thorough research that will support their stories and add sidebars if possible. Regional and national organizations are also  featured (600 to 800 words) to educate readers on the benefits these organizations provide to the rural landscape.  Please query first.
   Photos and illustrations: Keep graphics in mind as you write your article. Pass along brochures, pictures or other materials you think might be useful as reference for illustrations. We will accept good quality photos and digital images must be taken at the highest mega pixel setting of your camera and submitted at 300 dpi in jpeg format.  

  We are not a religious publication, a technical farming magazine, or specific to types of agriculture.

We have no room for poetry and fiction at this time.

   Number of words in length:
            – Feature articles 1200 to 1800 words.
            - Other articles 600 to 800 words.

    We prefer electronic manuscripts a word or text attachment. We are not a word press friendly environment. Please identify each submitted piece/page with your name, address and phone number.
    Hard copy manuscripts and pictures are acceptable. If material is to be returned, please enclose a SASE with correct postage.

Send to;
                Hearts of the Country
                Box 552,
                Fisher Branch, MB R0C 0Z0.
                editor@heartsmag.ca
                204-372-6121

   Please submit a brief (25 - 50 word) biographical sketch along with his/her manuscript.  
   Hearts of the Country assumes First North American rights on original work and Second North American rights on reprinted material.
   The current freelance rate is 15 - 25 cents a word (Canadian), paid within 30 days of publication. Two contributor copies accompany payment. Recipes and Crafts $25.  Photos $25. Cover shot $150.  
   We welcome all suitable story ideas. The query should include a brief outline explaining your idea, why it is appropriate for the magazine. Enclose a sample of published material and some background information about yourself. Include your telephone number and e-mail address on all correspondence. You will be contacted within a suitable time frame.
   For in depth articles requiring research, a reference list should accompany the first draft of your story. List all sources interviewed and their telephone numbers. If you have drawn material from a book, provide the title, author’s name and page references. If information is taken from a website, please include the web address. Please let us know if any sources may be unavailable for some reason.
 
Editorial closing dates are as follows:

Issue:            Deadline:        

Oct/Nov            Sept 9
Dec/Jan             Nov 11
Feb/Mar            Jan 12, 2012
April/May          Mar 12
June/July           May 13
Aug/Sept           July 15