Thanks for your interest in writing for the Merry Network. Here are the answers to the most common questions we receive from new writers looking to begin work with us quickly:

What exactly are you looking for in a writer?

Ok, not many actually ask this question but I've got to get it out there. We are very hesitant to use the garden-variety web writer. In fact, many of our writers have never been published before. WHY? Because our topic requires a genuine conversational style. What we write has to convey confident warmth...not cold recitation. Female writers do well with us and I fear nothing in admitting that (especially being the sexist pig male that I am). Our audience is overwhelmingly female. We have to respect that. It also helps to be a rabid Christmas fanatic. Folks can tell when you care about the subject matter.

How do I get started?

Please begin by reviewing our needs at the Merry Network website. We also strongly encourage you to register at our Merry Forums and then send me your username. I will then add you to the MMC writers group on the forums. This group traditionally sees our editorial postings first. Recognize that these forums are generally for the use of our site users. I mix staff and users in this format because I believe it is essential that as writers we know our audience. The forums are an excellent source of ideas and feedback.

How do I get the job?

If you see a working title for a feature, go ahead and write it if you are so inclined. Some writers won't do that because they don't want to waste their time if they don't get paid for writing something I will not publish. I understand that. I'm only going to pay for what I use, so I don't blame you for being hesitant. Quite honestly, I've got to get to know you and your style. There are those writers whose work I use all the time, without exception -- and still others that I merely contact and assign a project. That would be any new writer's goal -- to get the assignments without me having to post for them.

How do I submit an article?

Nothing fancy -- just cut and paste your text in the body of an email to me at editor@mymerrychristmas.com. If you have images, please attach them in a separate email and then give me a heads up. Generally our anti-virus scanning will kick out any attachments but if you tell me I can fish your attachments out of the deleted files.

When do I get paid?

We prefer to pay via PayPal. We pay every Friday for ACCEPTED articles. We can pay you via check, but this process usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks to accomplish. We do not use any other online payment provider, sorry.

I've got ideas for projects other than what you have listed that will fit well in your publications. Will you buy them?

Maybe. I'm willing to discuss any ideas. We are looking to continue a tradition of providing a most comprehensive resource to our site users. We've been online continuously since 1999 and publishing offline since 1991. We're always looking.

Thanks for your interest!

Jeff Westover
Managing Editor