Fresh Voices Wanted: Guidelines and Application Here

You don’t have to be a professional writer to have a story worth telling—you just need a connection to the soil, the seasons, and the supper tables of the Appalachian Highlands. Whether you’re celebrating a hard-won harvest, preserving a generations-old recipe, sharing the results of a new cover crop experiment, or telling a story, your experiences are the lifeblood of this region.

We believe the best knowledge doesn’t just stay in the field; it’s shared over the fence and across the community. If you’ve been carrying a lesson, a local history, or a boots-on-the-ground observation, we invite you to put it into words. Take a look at our guidelines below, trust in the value of your unique perspective, and send us your pitch today. Let’s grow our region’s legacy together.

AUTHOR & CONTRIBUTOR GUIDELINES

The Appalachian Highlands is a region built on shared wisdom, passed down from the seed swap to the supper table. We are actively looking for writers, farmers, researchers, and storytellers to help us document the changing landscape of our local food system. Whether you have deep technical knowledge of regenerative agriculture, a passion for regional foodways, or a boots-on-the-ground perspective on the challenges facing modern producers, we want to hear from you. Your voice helps our community grow—pitch us your story today.

Who We Publish

Appalachian Highlands Farmer Magazine publishes original reporting and storytelling focused on agriculture, food systems, culture, and rural life in the Appalachian Highlands region (Western NC, Northeast TN, Southwest VA, and Southeastern WV).

We welcome:

  • Farmers and growers
  • Market operators and vendors
  • Scientists, extension agents, and researchers
  • Food historians and cooks
  • Writers, photographers, and community historians

Editorial Standards

  • Accuracy first: Facts must be verifiable
  • Regional relevance required: Stories must connect clearly to the Appalachian Highlands
  • Plainspoken, respectful tone: Accessible to farmers and general readers
  • No press releases without original reporting or added context
  • No political advocacy, but policy reporting is encouraged

Article Length

  • Short features: 600–800 words
  • Standard features: 1,000–1,500 words
  • In-depth reporting: 1,800–2,500 words

Submission Requirements

  • Word document or Google Doc
  • Original photos encouraged (JPEG, minimum 2000px wide)
  • Include sources and interviewees
  • Disclose conflicts of interest

Rights

By submitting, contributors grant Appalachian Highlands Farmer Magazine first publication rights and non-exclusive digital rights.

CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

Farm Profiles

We are seeking stories that spotlight farms practicing:

  • Organic or regenerative agriculture
  • Aquaponics or hydroponics
  • Rare or heritage livestock
  • Science-based or experimental farming

Science & Research

We welcome:

  • Field trial summaries
  • Yield and soil studies
  • Pest management research
  • Climate resilience data

Stories should be translated for practical use, not academic jargon.

Food & Culture

We are actively seeking:

  • Traditional Appalachian recipes
  • Food preservation knowledge
  • Regional food history
  • Food-as-medicine traditions

Business & Markets

Looking for:

  • Farmers market profiles
  • Local food entrepreneurs
  • Cooperative and community models
Contributor Submission Form

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