ArchitectureBoston (AB) has announced the 2009 editorial calendar and architects, designers, and all other ChapterLetter readers are invited to propose story ideas for the coming year's issues of this ideas magazine.

Spring (Feb/Mar/Apr)
"Neighborhood"
It takes more than geographic proximity to make up a neighborhood. It takes politics, money, business, and some big ideas.
Story proposals due August 15

Summer (May/June/July)
“Gateway Cities”
A recent initiative by MassINC focuses on the problems of Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities, eleven former mill cities: Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester.  How can these communities become part of a new economic vision for the Commonwealth?
Story proposals due: December 1, 2008

Fall (Aug./Sep./Oct.)
“Creative Economy”
Design professionals, builders, graphic designers, branding organizations, artists, dancers, writers, and boat makers all contribute to our creative economy-with ideas becoming a revenue stream. How can this region take advantage of our creative resources to grow and prosper?
Story proposals due: February 15, 2009

Winter (Nov./Dec./Jan.)
“Infrastructure”
Utilities, energy, transportation, roads, water, sewers, and sewage treatment - it’s all infrastructure. This issue examines the systems and structures that support our economy and our society.
Story proposals due: May 15, 2009

Send story proposals to epadjen@architects.org.

Unlike many other architecture publications, we do not typically feature individual projects; we are an “ideas” magazine rather than a “picture book.” We welcome stories that connect architecture to social, cultural, political, economic, or business trends; strong writing and provocative thinking are always a plus. We avoid stories that are primarily self-promotional or “advertorials.” The goal is to produce a magazine that people actually read and that earns a reputation for being the source for innovative thought in our field.

Each issue of the magazine focuses on a theme. Please refer to our editorial calendar for upcoming themes and deadlines; note that stories are usually assigned six months before publication.

Proposals for articles, opinion pieces, and reviews (books and other media) are always welcome. Our contributors are not necessarily architects, and in the past have included politicians, social workers, ministers, engineers, lawyers, photographers, students, and academics. Our “Boston focus” is actually quite flexible. Some stories are specifically about Boston or the New England region, but many stories are of general interest. Story pitches from contributors in other regions are welcome.

As in pitching stories to any publication, read and analyze a few issues to understand our style, audience, and format. The best approach is to query the editor with a story idea, which allows us to help shape the story and saves you from wasting time on a speculative article that may not meet our editorial needs. If you haven't written for us, please include non-returnable writing samples and a short resume. Letters with e-mail addresses will receive more timely responses.  Query letters may be sent to: Elizabeth Padjen FAIA, Editor, ArchitectureBoston, 52 Broad Street, Boston, MA  02109. E-mailed submissions are encouraged: epadjen@architects.org.