Chicago Reader 6

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About

The Chicago Reader is Chicago's largest free weekly newspaper, nationally recognized as a leader in the alternative press. Since 1971, the Reader has served as Chicago's political conscience, cultural guide, and music authority. With a highly targeted-circulation of 90,000 and a consistent return rate of less than 2%, the Chicago Reader is the city's most essential alternative media resource. Known for its in-depth coverage of Chicago politics and culture, the Reader explores and exposes news, events and issues that affect city living. The paper has won numerous journalistic awards and honors, both local and national, and is well-known as a showcase for Chicago's most talented writers, critics, photographers, and illustrators. With a readership of 450,000 and some of the industry's lowest advertising rates, the Chicago Reader is one of the largest and most successful alternative weeklies in the country.

Important: Pitch first.

Country of Publication & Year Established

United States

Established in 1971

Publication Media & Frequency

Electronic Publication	Electronic Publication	Published 52 x per year.
Print Publication	Print Publication	Published 52 x per year.

Nonfiction Open

We are primarily a staff-written publication, but we also run narrative features, insightful criticism, timely blog posts, or expertly composed videos that come from freelance contributors.

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience, including: People in a specific region.

Lengths:

Review Review	No specific word count limits known.
Article Article	No specific word count limits known.
Narrative Nonfiction Narrative Nonfiction	No specific word count limits known.

Styles:

Open to all/most Styles, including: Mainstream.

Topics:

Music (Popular music, See guidelines), Place/Regions (Specific region), Politics/Political Science, Society/Culture (General, See guidelines).

Payment:

Unknown payment Unknown payment.
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
Media: Text.

Visual Art Open

Photo essay pitches can cover a wide range of topics across all our sections, but first and foremost should have a basis in communities, life, culture, politics, and issues specific to or originating in Chicago. The best pitches are specific and have some research behind them.

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience, including: People in a specific region.

Lengths:

Graphic Narrative Graphic Narrative	No page limits known.
Photo Essay Photo Essay	No image limits known.

Art Media:

Cartoon/Comic strip, Photography.

Art Styles:

Open to all/most Art Styles.

Topics:

Music (Popular music, See guidelines), Place/Regions (Specific region), Politics/Political Science, Society/Culture (General, See guidelines).

Payment:

Unknown payment Unknown payment.
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
Media: Image.

Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.

Chicago Reader Submission Statistics — Free Preview!

The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics.

Accuracy	We have not received any complete reports within the past 12 months.

Accuracy

We have not received any complete reports within the past 12 months.

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Dates

Last Updated: 02 May 2024
Last Audited: 19 Feb 2024. (We audit each active listing twice a year. Learn more at link.)
Date Added: 02 Nov 2007

Before Submitting

We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.

Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.
Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.
Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.
Be professional, patient, and persistent.