Editorial Guidelines for Writers

In addition to a sophisticated appreciation of the crime and mystery genre, Mystery Scene has a particular interest in the literary life and the media industry. Writers have always had a strong presence in Mystery Scene, but fans love our "insider" information and, in fact, make up the majority of our devoted readership.

We publish a broad range of experienced writers—many of them mystery authors. We also receive contributions from editors, publishers, agents, TV & film folks, and booksellers. We are, however, very open to and appreciative of new writers and new viewpoints. Please be familiar with Mystery Scene before you contact us—we do not publish fiction, for example.

Types of Material

Please click here to read about the type of material we accept and how to write it.

How to Query and Submit Material

First, read this page in detail. Then, read a copy of Mystery Scene. Then contact the appropriate editor with your article ideas. Please be patient, this is a very busy office and a response may take a while.

Once an article is commissioned, e-mail submissions are preferred. Include a one-sentence bio of yourself at the end of the article along with a postal mailing address and contact details. Artwork and photographs are very much welcome, please let us know if these are available.

When to Submit

Mystery Scene Magazine is published five times a year and is approximately 70-80 pages long. We like to work ahead, so please contact us as far in advance as feasible for time-sensitive articles. These dates are subject to the editor's discretion:

Issue # 123, Winter          Deadline December 15, 2011,  Publication February 15, 2012 
Issue # 124, Spring   Deadline March 1, 2012,  Publication April 15, 2012 
Issue # 125, Summer     Deadline May 1, 2012,  Publication June 15, 2012
Issue # 126, Fall     Deadline August 1, 2012,  Publication September 15, 2012 
Issue # 127, Holiday  Deadline October 1, 2012,  Publication November 15, 2012