RIDE TEXAS® is an award-winning travel magazine for motorcyclists. We publish the work of a group of regular writers who contribute the bulk of our content, but will consider work from experienced writers. You should have in-depth knowledge and appreciation for Texas and Texana. We emphasize story telling photography and engaging narrative. Our focus is regional and includes Texas and the neighborhood, but we will consider travel topics outside of this area. We include all types of motorcycles on back roads, highways and dual-sport rides. We strongly recommend you see and issue of RTM for the type and style of articles we publish before submitting. It's also important that you review the Bibliography of Issues to see the articles we've published. We won't cover the same area more than once every 3 years. Submissions about totally new subjects are preferred.
We require first publication rights, so work that has been published elsewhere either in print or on-line cannot be considered for publication in RTM.
ROAD TRIPS: Broadly speaking, articles should cover the background of the area and insights into the people and places encountered. Your article proposal should provide specifics about your idea. Part of the travel article submission package is the TRIP PLANNER information, which includes an area overview, and a route, as well as reference information. ROADTRIP articles may cover Texas and the surrounding states. But step one is to submit your proposal, and if we're interested we'll start an editorial dialogue.
PHOTO ESSAYS: If your photographic work is outstanding, we're interested. Film preferred for photo essays.
DAY TRIPS: Day Trips are less extensive versions of the road trips described above. A Day Trip needs a route of 50 - 80 miles and a unique/quirky/special destination.
READER RIDES: These are probably the best entry for a writer new to RTM. What's most important is to convey the "being there" feeling of your ride. Please avoid point-to-point descriptions of the route within the article. Concise writing with a unique perspective is desired. Reader Rides should be 750 - 1000 words.
The article will answer: What's special about this place? Why should someone want to travel here? Think about the reader.
We require a strong selection of photographs with subjects that show insight into the topic. The idea is to transport the reader to the place with a compelling story and vivid imagery. We need bikes and roads, but as important are images of interesting places, strange/unusual things, and people. We are both film and digital. 350 dpi. More photos are always better. Please do not digitally manipulate the images prior to submission. RAW files preferred.
We occasionally publish non-travel articles; these are typically from our regular contributors.
We no longer publish a News section. But are always interested in event photographs to include in the Events Calendar in the print edition.
We DO NOT PUBLISH new product press releases. We provide opportunities for business to reach readers via a number of attractive advertising opportunities.
Submissions should include a short summary or outline of your article proposal—enough to explain your concept and provide an idea of your writing style. Your summary should illustrate your writing style and approach to the subject. You must include samples of photographs. If the photos aren't taken yet, then include samples of your other photographic work. If you have been published elsewhere, please include 1-3 samples of your published work. Please, no calls to the office about submissions.
Mail your proposal and samples to:
Editor, RIDE TEXAS®
PO Box 90374
Austin, TX 78709-0374
If you mail your submission, please do not send it signature required.
You may e-mail your proposal and samples. Please include the words "Article Proposal" in the subject line and email to:
It may take 1-12 months, but we will reply to all proposals that follow the submission procedure. For return of materials, please include a self-addressed, postage paid envelope.
All articles are submitted for future publication and we reserve the right to schedule as appropriate. We plan the editorial schedule a year in advance.
The editor will work with writer on edits but we reserve the right to edit as necessary (space limitations, etc.) without the writer's input.
We require a signed "Submission Agreement."
Amount is dependent upon the size and scope of the published article. Amounts are specified on the submission agreement. RTM pays rates competitive with national motorcycle magazines.
Payment will be issued upon acceptance. We require a completed, signed W-9.
Find out which back roads we're covering in the current newsstand issue...»
RIDE TEXAS® is widely available on newsstands....»
4 quarterly ride guides include road trips, destinations and detailed maps...»
We offer full subscriber services, including a guarantee....»
RTM back issues are a treasure-trove of trips and maps. 2004-2009 available for purchase...»
Issues from 2002 through the present are cataloged here...»
