User:Mike Christie/Sandbox7

Editorial requirements from Writer's Digest & Author & Journalist

Matthew White

WD 1922-01 p. 56. ARGOSY -ALL-STORY WEEKLY, 280 Broadway, New York City, reports: “Novelettes of between 15,000 and 20,000 words, preferably on out-of-door subjects, can be used. Short stories should be no longer than 5,000 words. The editor is Matthew White, Jr. Photographs are not used. Manuscripts are usually reported on within a week.
WD 1925-11 p. 51. Argosy-All Story Weekly, 280 Broadway, New York City. Editor, Matthew White, Jr. Weekly; l0c a copy; $4.00 a year. “Our stories must catch the reader’s attention with the opening paragraph and hold it steadily to the end, which must not be anticipated. We use poems of a topical nature. We report within two weeks, and pay on acceptance.”
WD 1926-04 pp. 50-51. Argosy-All Story Weckly, 280 Broadway, New York City. Editor, Matthew White, Jr. Weekly; 10c a copy; $4.00 a year. “We use stories of adventure, business, humor or romance; also poetry of a topical nature. We usually report within three weeks, and pay on acceptance.”
WD 1927-11 p. 8. "The one-cent class embraces more magazines than any other, including Droll Stories, The Black Mask, Flynn's, Complete Stories, Love Romances, Munsey’s Magazine, NorthWest Stories, Top-Notch Magazine, Action Stories, Clues, Argosy All-Story Magazine, etc. All pay on acceptance. The four last named pay up to two cents, while some of the others pay between that figure and a cent a word for the stories they favor."

Albert Gibney

WD 1929-11 p. 5. Article on the Munsey Group by Gibney in which he names himself as the editor of Argosy.

A. H. Bittner

WD 1928-07 pp. 39, 42. "Argosy All-Story Weekly, 280 Broadway, New York. A. H. Bittner, Editor. “First-rate fiction sums up the requirements of Argosy All-Story. We want short stories, preferably from 3000 to 000 words; novelettes between 15,000 and 25,000; and serials up to 70,000 words. Stories of adventure, crime, mystery, pirate, the seven seas, city, rural, colonial, Western, Northern, sports, business, romance in which the love element is not unduly stressed—all these are ‘up our street.’ Any good, clean story with sound plot, rapid-fire action and strong masculine appeal will be considered. We do not want dull, uninspired, wishywashy ‘filler’ stories. If you have a story that grips the reader at the outset, and through stirring action leads him up to a satisfying climax, we have a quick decision and a prompt check for you.’
WD 1929-05 p. 62. Argosy All-Story Weekly, 280 Broadway, New York City. A. H. Bittner, Editor. Issued weekly; 10c a copy; $4.00 a year. “We want serials up to 80,000 words; novelettes up to 20,000 words, and short stories up to 8000 words, preferably between 1000 and 5000 words. Fiction must have strong plot, vivid action, varied fields, such as adventure, sports, mystery, war, flying, business, railroad, circus, phantastic, pseudo-scientific, humor, western, northern, sea, crime, detective, etc. Subordinate love interest is desirable, but we are not looking for love stories or those depending on sex, triangle or domestic situations. Our chief need is for short story material—especially short shorts. We report within ten days, and pay good rates on acceptance.
WD 1929-08 p 64. "Argosy Weekly, Frank A. Munsey Co., 280 Broadway, New York. A. H. Bittner, Editor."

Issued weekly; 10c a copy; $4.00 a year. “We are in the market for action fiction of all varieties ; mystery, detective, humor, romance, adventure, business, western, northern, foreign, war, aviation, sports, sea, fantastic, etc. Variety is our keynote. Plot and action are essential. We do not want love stories, domestic problems, sketches, etc. Short stories of all lengths, novelettes, serials up to 80,000 words are needed. We report within two weeks and pay on acceptance."

WD 1929-11 p. 30 "Argosy All-Story Weekly, at 280 Broadway, and Munsey’s, at the same address, pursue different policies. Munsey is closer to Adventure, Popular and Frontier in its requirements and policies than to most of the others. Length requirements up to 50,000. Argosy, on the other hand, touches on all popular fields—adventure, western, detective, mystery, past or present periods, romance, humor—almost any good action story. Reports are prompt and good rates are paid on acceptance"
WD 1930-01 p. 4 "Argosy Gets Hubbard MISS MARCIA NARDI has been made associate editor of All-Story, 280 Broadway, New York City, a Munsey publication, edited by Madeline Heath. She succeeds Freeman H. Hubbard who has been transferred to Argosy. James Holden has been added to the Argosy staff. Other members of the editorial department of Argosy are A. H. Bittner and Don Moore."
WD 1930-03 p. 1. "ARGOSY. “First-rate action fiction” sums up the requirements of Argosy. Short stories, preferably from 3000 to 6000 words; novelettes, preferably between 15,000 and 20,000; serials up to 70,000. Any good clean story with sound plot, rapid-fire action and strong masculine appeal is our meat. Adventure, mystery, crime, pirate, the seven seas, city, rural colonial, western, northern sports, business, romance in which the love element is not unduly stressed—all these are “‘up our street.”
WD 1930-04 p. 25. Page and a half article about what Bittner is looking for.
WD 1930-07 p. 18. "Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York. “Adventure, mystery, crime, piracy, the seven seas, city, rural, Colonial, Western, Northern, sports, colorful stories of the past, fantastic, business —all these are up our street.”
WD 1930-10 back cover "Argosy re T rate action fiction. Adventure, mystery, crime, piracy, the seven seas, city, rural, Western, sports, colorful stories of the past, and all with rapid-fire action and masculine appeal"
WD 1930-12 p. 44 "Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York. A. H. Bittner, Editor. “First-rate action fiction sums up our requirements. Short stories, preferably from 1500 to 6000 words; novelettes, preferably between 10,000 and 15,000 words; serials up to 60,000 words. Any good, clean story with sound plot, rapid-fire action and masculine appeal is our meat. Adventure, mystery, crime, piracy, the seven seas, city, rural, Colonial, Western, Northern, sports, colorful, stories of the past, fantastic, business; all these are ‘up our street.’ We do not want dull, uninspired, wishy-washy, hack stories. If you have a yarn that grips the reader at the outset and, through stirring action, leads him up to a satisfying climax, we have a quick decision and a prompt check for you. We are especially keen for the type of story which opens promisingly, maintains suspense, and ends _ gloriously. No verse. Occasional brief filler articles between 100 and 350 words on odd, interesting facts of history or science not generally known, written from the non-technical viewpoint. Good rates are paid on acceptance.”
WD 1931-05 p.39 (article on sf) "Argesy, 280 Broadway, New York and Excitement, 79 7th Ave., New York, will take a science fiction yarn if it is well enough done, but these markets are more for the man who has arrived in this field than for the novice. Ray Cummings, R. F. Starzl and A. Merritt are all recent contributors to Argosy."
- and p. 69 "Argosy and the other magazines which take an occasional pseudo-science story pay for it at the same rate as they pay for other acceptable material."

Don Moore

WD 1931-07 p. 5 Don Moore "Dear Editor Argosy uses a wide variety of strong masculine action stories. We use adventure yarns from all corners of the world— far east, African, South Seas, Central and South America, far north, and anywhere in the seven seas. We use western and air stories and occasionally a war story but they must have an unusual and convincing plot; hackneyed plots stand no chance. Other types we use are crime, mystery, fantastic, humorous, inter-planetary, business, circus and carnival, historical and industrial. Stories where the interest centers on a woman, or where the story is told from a woman’s viewpoint, or where the main plot is a love story, do not interest us."
WD 1931-08 p. 43. "Argosy,* 280 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Don Moore, Managing Editor. Issued weekly; price 10c per copy; $4.00 per year. All-fiction magazine. “At present we are chiefly in need of shorts —1000 to 7000 words, in all action fields. Do not use. romance or domestic problems. We like offthe-trail stories, business and industrial plots, etc. We also use factual fillers, 100 to 400 words. We do not use photographs or poetry. We report in about a week, and pay 1%c a word and up, on acceptance.”"
AJ 1932-02 p. 16 Don Moore "Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York, should be listed as accepting novelettes up to 20,000 words, writes Don Moore, managing editor. In a recent letter Mr. Moore stated that he was particularly anxious to secure novelettes of 10,000 to 12,000 words, and his letter was misinterpreted as indicating that this was the outside length limit."
WD 1932-02 p. 13. "Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York City, has recently adopted the policy of running two novelets, of from 10,000 to 12,000 words each, every week. This magazine is open for action stories of any setting and very nearly every type except those in which the main plot and interest is a love story, or which have a feminine lead."
WD 1932-03 p. 48. Don Moore "Argosy,* published by The Frank A. Munsey Company, 280 Broadway, New York City. Don Moore, Managing Editor. Issued weekly; 10c a week. “We are in the market for strong novelets of from 10,000 to 12,000 words in length. We can use good short stories of 5,000 words and less. Short short stories, 1,000 to 2,000 words, are very welcome, provided they are _ stories and not merely incidents or anecdotes. We cannot use stories of serial length unless they are outstandingly good. Our primary requisite is a strong, unusual plot packed with plenty of action. Of course, we want plenty of interesting character work, and also well done and convincing local color. We are not interested in love or domestic tales, sex stories, stories with a predominant woman interest or told from a woman’s viewpoint. Action fiction of any sort is welcome.”
WD 1932-07 p. 54. "Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York City. Don W. Moore, Editor. Issued weekly; 10c a copy; $4 a year. “We are in the market for strong novelets of from 10,000 to 12,000 words in length. We can use good short stories of 5000 words and less. Short short stories, 1000 to 2000 words, are very welcome, provided they are stories and not merely incidents or anecdotes. We cannot use stories of serial length unless they are outstandingly good. Our primary requisite is a strong, unusual plot packed with plenty of action. Of course, we want plenty of interesting character work, and also well done and convincing local color. We are not interested in love or domestic tales, sex stories, stories with a predominant woman interest or told from a woman’s viewpoint. Action fiction of any sort is welcome. We do want to emphasize the need of short shorts of 2000 to 4000 words in length. We use neither photographs nor poetry. We report within ten days, and pay “%c a word and up on acceptance.”
WD 1932-09 p. 55. "Argosy 280 Broadway New York City. Don Moore, Editor. Issued weekly; 10c a copy. “At the present time we are buying very few manuscripts of serial length. We are in the market for strong novelets of 10,000 to 12,000 words and can use lengths up to 20,000 words. We are wide open to good short stories, particularly those of 5000 words and less. Short short stories, 1000 to 2000 words are very welcome, provided they are stories and not merely incidents or anecdotes. Action fiction of any sort is welcome. Our scope covers all the action fiction fields—sport, Western, Northern, sea, war, air, construction jobs, crime, mystery, humor, romance, foreign, adventure, railway, business conflict, fantastic and pseudo-scientific. Our primary requisite is a strong, unusual plot packed with plenty of action. Of course, we want plenty of interesting character work and also well done and convincing local color. But we are not interested in love, domestic tales, sex stories, stories with a predominant woman interest or told from a woman’s viewpoint.”"
WD 1933-02 p. 47. Don Moore "Dear Editor: The point of this little homily is the case of Frank Morgan Mercer, plagiarist. Mercer sold Argosy two stories out of half a dozen submissions. He gave excellent business references, including a sale to West a year before, which appears to have been a bona fide work. It so happened that both stories sold us were in print before it was discovered that they were plagiarisms of tales published around 1915 in Blue Book and the American Weekly. They were first spotted by H. Bedford-Jones, the author of the one, and A. Merritt, the editor who had bought the other story written by James Francis Dwyer. When caught, Mercer confessed, made restitution, and admitted having stories at some twenty English and American publications! When these magazines were notified by us, two or three editors said they were on the point of buying the stories submitted. Even since the expose, Mercer has to our knowledge answered fan mail in the guise of “author” of the stolen stories. Every writer, professional or aspiring newcomer, is directly and personally injured by each plagiarism. An editor has to fight the inclination to buy only from writers whom he personally knows to be fully reliable; he is tempted to be suspicious of an unusually good story from a writer whom he had not mentally catalogued as that skillful. Fortunately most of us who sit in editorial chairs are tolerant and hopeful, eager to find new talent. But the readers and the magazines must be protected. Consequently, the Frank A. Munsey Company has put into effect a plan for new writers, by which they should be protected from the unfair competition of plagiarists. Writers who have not been selling other national magazines regularly, and who have never sold us, will be requested to send through the U. S. mails a signed statement guaranteeing their personal authorship of the story which we have accepted; they will state that it is original with them and not a secret collaboration or purchase of the plot from another (a dodge which plagiarists have often attempted, by the way of passing the onus of crookedness to a mythical stranger who surprisingly has disappeared!). Payment will not be made until a few weeks after publication—for it is in this period that Nemesis overtakes the plagiarist who has gotten by the editorial staff. The minute he brazenly flaunts his wares before the public, they always catch a literary pirate red-handed. In this way, the plagiarist cannot get his hands on any money; he will have violated the Federal statutes against using the mails to defraud, without having gained anything except to cause the magazine annoyance and himself shame and a prison sentence. The beginning author will regrettably have to wait a little longer for his first check from the Munsey market, instead. of getting it the week of acceptance. But he will be assured of a more eager welcome, and of the freedom from competition by criminals who steal other men’s brains because their own fall short. This plan is not a reflection on the honesty of new writers; it is, instead, the only way in which we can protect honest writers from the rivalry of crooks. Don Moore, Managing Editor, Argosy."
WD 1933-04 p. 52 (as part of an overview of sf markets, written by Mort Weisinger) "Argosy, (280 Broadway, N. Y.) still adheres to its old policy of publishing science fiction by such eminent writers as A. Merritt, O. A. Kline, E. R. Burroughs, and R. M. Farley. Rates are good and fantasy stories must not only be well ploted but very well written. Otherwise you’re wasting stamps."
WD 1933-06 p. 17. (re Western stories) "
AJ 1934-03 p. 15 "Argosy. (Munsev) 280 Broadway. New York. (W-10) Action fiction, all types except love or feminine lead, short-ctories 1090 to 7000, novelettes 10.000 to 20.000, serials up te 60.900 (installments of 10,09). prose fillers 100 to 400. Don W. Moore. Good rates, Acc. (New writers, Pub.)"Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York City. “Serials” from 20,000 to 60,000 words, but best bet apparently shorts (1,000 to 7,000) and novelettes (10,000 to 20,000). Rate, 1, 14%c and up."
WD 1934-04 pp. 58,60 Argosy is pretty much of a family magazine, not so specialized as most adventure magazines are. It uses action stories of every variety ; occasionally a humorous or a domestic story. These must have a masculine lead always. Detective and mystery stories are included in the contents, but only one story of each type is used each week. The editor, Don W. Moore, tells me that he is buying all the time; that plot is the most important element in his buying, and that good characterization is next in importance. He does not want the conventional Western or the formula story. And he does not use a straight love story, although there may be a stronger secondary love interest in the longer stories. The best lengths are about 5,000 words for shorts and 9,000 to 12,000 words for novelettes. He will take stories up to 20,000 or down to 1,000 words. But short-shorts must have plot, not be merely an incident. Rates are one cent and up, on acceptance to all but those writers who have never sold before. Address : 280 Broadway.

Frederick Clayton

AJ 1934-08 p. 16. "Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York, of the Munsey group, is now edited by Frederick Clayton, formerly associate editor. Don Moore, who has been editor for several years, has resigned to become an associate editor of Cosmopolitan."
WD 1934-09 p. 14. "The new editor of Argosy, 280 Broadway, is Frederick Clayton. No relation so far as I know to the publisher William Clayton. Don Moore, the former editor, you know, moved up town to be associate editor of Cosmopolitan."
WD 1935-02 p. 25. Frederick Clayton, editor of Argosy, gets more Westerns than he can possibly use— even good Westerns. He doesn’t want fantastic or pseudo-scientific stories quite so much as previously, either. And he is changing the serial requirements: hereafter, he will use one six-part serial along with another two to four-part serial ;also, two novelettes and the usual shorts. He is not very optimistic about new writers trying serials, but does encourage them for the shorts, and has plenty of good suggestions. Remember that Argosy wants plenty of adventure with adult reader appeal. Emphasize character and human interest. Plot is essential, but not the one and only interest. I’d like to get more variety and originality in good sport stories. Too many writers stick to the stereotyped baseball and football situations. I want a great deal of variety, color, and glamor in adventure settings. If you use a crime idea, it must have a definite adventure setting—that is, be set in some glamorous or colorful part of the world such as Africa, the Orient, Alaska, etc. The city, in itself, does not connote glamor. In particular, I’d like to see more good humorous stories, more sea stories, and air stories off the beaten path of war-air. Address Argosy at 280 Broadway. Rates are the same as on other Munsey magazines —114 cents minimum, on acceptance to all but new writers.
WD 1935-05 p. 60. Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York City. Frederick Clayton, Editor. Issued weekly; 10c a copy; $4 a year. “We use adventure serials 30,000 to 60,000 words; complete novelettes between 10,000 and 30,000 words; short stories from 1,000 to 7,000 words; and short filler articles from 100 to 400 words. No photographs; no poetry. We report on manuscripts within two weeks, and pay 1%c a word, on acceptance; new writers, after publication.
WD 1935-10 p. 35, in a list of plots to avoid: Frederick Clayton, hard working Argosy editor, adds these cold potatoes to the store: 20. Cabin fever leads to treachery and violent death with overtones of poetic justice. 21. Legionaire dies gloriously for Dear Old France (bless her cold heart!) after having made a brave attempt to escape the toils of his outfit. 22. Diving plot for treasure in which hero does all his fighting underwater against villain, octopus, and giant clam. 23. Guiana prison plot in which convict succeeds in escaping after conquering obstacles. 24. Scientist and daughter (a fiction scientist never has a son; only pretty daughters) imperil their lives in jungle with natives or with crooks, through scientist’s greed. Subsequently rescued by hero. 25. Sea captain finds banana revolution threatens his activities so with aid of his stubborn Scotch engineer settles the hash for both sides and sails away with loot.

Jack Byrne

WD 1936-05 p. 22. "Frederick Clayton has resigned as editor of Argosy in order to join the editorial staff of Liberty. His place on the Munsey weekly is being taken by Jack Byrne, for many years editor of the Fiction House group."
WD 1936-06 p. 28. "Jack Byrne left Fiction House to take over the editorship of Argosy. (This was left open when Frederick Clayton went to Liberty Magazine, filling the place of William Lengel, now an editor on Columbia Pictures.) Mr. Byrne reports that Argosy is wide-open for every kind of story with an action basis, that new blood is particularly sought, and that the same general policy as to lengths and types of stories will continue to hold food. He needs serials of two, three, four, and even seven parts. Installments have been increased in length from 10,000 to 12,000 words -——the only change. Novelettes should be 10,000 to 12,000 words; shorts not over 6,000. He needs good Westerns in particular. Better get busy, if the Argosy type is down your alley. Address the manuscripts to 280 Broadway."
WD 1936-09 p. 58. Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York City. John F. Bynne, Editor. Issued weekly; 10c a copy. “We are interested in all types of material, particularly in the serial lengths. No photographs, no verse. We report on manuscripts within ten days and pay good rates on acceptance.”
WD 1937-03 p. 60. "Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York City. John F. Byrne, Editor. Issued weekly; 10c a copy; $4 a year in the United States, $5 in Canada. “We use serials from three to six parts, around 12,000 words each. Occasionally we use a twoparter. Novelettes, 10,000 to 15,000 words; short stories. We demand action and character, with more emphasis on character than action, sports, western, fantastic, adventure subjects. No photographs; no verse. We report within two weeks and pay on acceptance (new writers on publication) .”
- Same: p. 22. "Jack Byrne says Argosy is wide ~nen for _ all sorts of stories—adventure, sports, mystery, etc.—and that he needs 12,000 word novelettes in particular. He has changed assistant editors, Mr. Sale having dropped out of the job. The new man is George Post, formerly with Standard Magazines. The address for Argosy-bound manuscripts is 280 Broadway."
WD 1937-05 p. 20. "Jack Byrne says much the same thing in different words about the Argosy requite ments: ‘Good stories honestly arrived at.” He has a special need for novels and longer stories, particularly serials of three to sx parts in 12,000 word breaks. That is a total length of 36,000 to 72,000 words. He buys so many more of this length than other editors that he is much interested in getting writers already established by sales of shorts, to turn to the longer stories. Any kind of fiction, almost, will go—adventure, fantasti, mystery, even just human interest stone. There is a novelette of 12,000 to 15,00 words in each issue ; also several shorts. And payment averages a cent and a half or better ; on acceptance. The Munsey address is 280 Broadway."

Chandler Whipple

WD 1937-07 p. 56 Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York City. Chandler H. Whipple, Editor. Issued weekly, 10c a copy; $4 a year. “We are in the market for all lengths and types of stories. Good characterization and plotting and colorful, authentic background more important than fast action. No taboos. No photographs. Very little poetry. We report on manuscripts within two weeks and pay 1'4c a word, and up, on acceptance ; new authors on publication.”
WD 1937-10 p. 26 Argosy needs stories of any length, from 1,000 words as high as serials of 90,000 words —and practically any length in between. A good length for novelettes right now is 10,000 to 15,000 words. Occasionally shortshorts are welcome. There is a slow change in the editorial policy of this weekly, back to the general type of story. The editor will continue to buy the action and detective types, but he wants more variety. And in working out a plot, remember that he likes a lot of vivid characterization. Chandler H. Whipple is editor. Rates are very good, beginning at a minimum of a cent and a quarter, on acceptance. Address: 280 Broadway.
AJ 1938-03 p. 15. "Argosy, (Munsey) 280 Broadway, New York. (W-10) Good fiction, every variety, sound characters, romantic elements, colorful background. Short-stories 1000-7000; novelettes 10,00025,000; serials up to 90,000 (installments 10,000-12,000). Chandler Whipple. Good rates, Acc."
WD 1938-07 p. 28 Chandler Whipple, editor of Argosy, points out that he is in the market for all kinds of stories. Altinough his readers are mostly men, there are women followers too. So occasionally, real love stories slip into the contents. Mostly, of course, the range is through the men’s fiction fields. He can use all lengths, too, from short shorts right on up to book-length serials. But certain lengths find the readiest market because they fit into the magazine makeup most conveniently. These are shorts of 4,000 to 6,000 words; novelettes of 10,000 to 15,000 (but he uses them shorter, and sometimes 20,000). This is one of the big markets for serials, as three are usually running simultaneously. Any length from 25,000 words on up to about 90,000 tops goes. And the unknown writer is welcome, no matter what length he submits. Rates are excellent for the pulp field. But study the magazine. The writing that goes into this one is above the average, too. Address: 280 Broadway.
WD 1939-01 pp. 32-33. Argosy is another huge weekly market, paying at that same rate, and in constant need of material. The special cry from the editor, Chandler Whipple, is for serials— serials of all lengths. He uses between thirty and forty a year. And the worst of it is that just as fast as he gets good men trained in, they leave for the golden coasts of Hollywood or the Saturday Evening Post and Collier’s. Makes it nice, though, for writers. Even absolutely unknown people have sold serials here in the past year, according to editorial reports. Serials are best at three parts or longer—rarely use two parts. And 25,000 words is a very difficult length, as it is too long for a complete novel. There is a special need for unusual shorts in any length from 1,000 to 9,000 words. Every type of story is used in Argosy, even an occasional one with considerable love interest. These suggestions from Mr. Whipple might help you: “In planning serials, it is important to build one or two characters into interesting enough figures so they can carry the plot along. We like good characterization; though sometimes a story goes in which is of straight ‘action’ type. Fast action is by no means vitally important. And we have no tabus. We could use more short-shorts, if we could get good ones, and pay a little more than the usual cent and a quarter. Something out of the ordinary is more important than a mere twist of plot.” Address: 280 Broadway.
WD 1939-06 p. 35. Argosy, oldest of the Munsey pulps, uses a wide variety of story types and lengths. Anything, except the pure pulp love tale, has a place in these pages. Any length from 1,000 to 80,000 can be used. However, the problems of makeup indicate several lengths which are more in demand than others: the short-short of 1,000-2,000 words; shorts of 4,000-6,000 ; novelties of 10,000-12,000 ; serials of 30,000-45,000 words (three to four parts). If you are an established writer, you can afford to use whatever wordage suits your plot and characters best. But if you are just breaking into this market, your chances are much better when you stick to one of those indicated lengths. But known or new, you have a fine market here for well written stuff. And the editor is proud to count the number of new writers he has bought from, eacl This is one market where serials are always in demand, and new people have some chance of selling the longer Payment is from a cent and a quarter (Except for first sales, stories. up, on acceptance. when it is on publication.) Editor—Chandler H. Whipple. Address—280 Broadway.

George Post

WD 1939-07 p. 2 "Sir: I am leaving the Munsey Company early in June and G. Worthington Post, who has been my right-hand man for the past two years, will take over as Editor of Argosy. No change in policy is contemplated, and Argosy will still be a wide-open market for stories of all lengths and types. CHANDLER WHIPPLE."
- Also p. 17 "Chandler Whipple has decided to go freelancing. His position as editor of Argosy has been taken over by George Post, long an important member of the Munsey staff. Mr. Post assures writers that the change is not going to affect the policy of the magazine, which presents one of the biggest and best fiction markets. All that was reported last month in this column still holds good. Any type of story, except a pure love-pulp tale, can be used. Any length goes, although there are certain ones more easily scheduled than others: 1,000-2,000; 4,000-6,000; 10,00012,000; three or four part serials. New writers are very much in demand. And payment is on acceptance (except first sales) at a cent and a quarter minimum. Address: 280 Broadway."
AJ 1939-09 p. 11 "Argosy, (Munsey) 280 Broadway, New York. (W-10) Good fiction, every variety, sound characters, romantic elements, col orful background. Short-stories 1000-7000; novelettes 10,0005,000; serials up to 75,000 (installments 10,000-12,000). George W. Post. Good rates, Acc."
WD 1939-10 p. 28. Argosy is buying every sort of story, and is open for any length from 1,000 to 80,00 words. In studying this magazine, you Wi see that it is not strictly an adventure mage zine, but rather a general fiction weekly. A special need is for emotional stories of American life. The few used last year were specially popular, and the editor plans to use one an issue if he can get good ones. These have quite a strain of sentiment through them, but are never sloppy. George Post is editor. Address—280 Broadway. (Munsey’s).
AJ 1939-11 p. 11. "From George W. Post, editor of Argosy, of the Frank A. Munsey Co. group “Argosy has developed no policy toward the present war conditions. Until public opinion and reader reaction seem to be more definitely formulated, I am not laying down any fast and hard rules whatsoever. The standard of an Argosy story will continue to be, as always, the same: We will print any story that is a good story, regardless of its subject matter.”
AJ 1940-03 p. 15. " Argosy, (Munsey) 280 Broadway, New York. (W-10) Good fiction, every variety, sound characters, romantic elements, colorful background. Short-stories 1000-7000; novelettes 10,00025,000; serials up to 75,000 (installments 10,000-12,000). George W. Post. Good rates, Acc.
WD 1940-08 p. 48. Argosy, also, is stocked on serials until about October first. But there is a wide-open market for stories of 10,000 words and als for shorts of 6,000 words and less. War stories are not tabu, for this magazine has never had a tabu, except maybe on bad writing. But the editors believe that people get too much war reading in the papers and would really enjoy most stories which com. bine comedy with action or melodrama. The movies and radio run to this combination a lot lately, and Argosy readers have about the same type of interests in amusement. George Post edits Red Star Mysteries and Red Star Adventures, as well as Argosy—all markets for plenty of new stories. The Red Star pulps pay a half cent and up, in the usual Munsey manner, while Argosy has a minimum of a cent and a quarter. Address: 280 Broadway
WD 1941-01 p. 56. "Argosy, 280 Broadway, New York City. George W. Post, Editor. Issued weekly; 10c a copy, $4.00 a year. “We use serials from 25,000 to 75,000 words; novelets from 10,000 to 18,000 words; shorts from 1000 to 7500 words. We report in two weeks and pay good rates on acceptance."
- Also p. 30 George W. Post reports that Argosy is pretty well stocked on serials, but that his narket is open the same as always for shorts up to 8,000 words and for novelettes of 10,000 to 15,000 words. These should have strong emotional values, whether of advenlaughter. Readers are taking their from the headlines these days, and a magazine story has to make a strong play on the emotions in order to make its appeal. Address—280 Broadway.
WD 1941-09 pp. 32-33. "Argosy is using serials with shorter installments now: 8,000 to 10,000 words. Also, the editor is experimenting with an occasional fact article of the Liberty type. These must be true things, fitting in with the story policy. For example, one used is about an escape from France via the underground method. This market is open, but it is better to query first and work out the idea with the editors. George Post is editor. Address, 280 Broadway."
WD 1941-12 p. 29. "Argosy, which has used a few fact articles, wants more of them—anything which vivid, eye-catching, and arresting in topic and presentation. Never pedantic! If a war story is considered, remember it must be five times as good as any other subject, because it must compete with the headlines in interest, Fact articles run 3,000 to 4,000 words. Best to query first on these. For a while, better avoid stories with their main themes the R. A. F., convoys, sabotage, spying, etc.; so many have been done along these lines. That’s why the costume story might hit now. Otherwise, the same open market persists on Argosy. George W. Post edits. At 280 Broadway."

Harry Gray

WD 1942-03 p. 29. "Gray Edits Argosy George W. Post has resigned as editor of Argosy, to free-lance. Harry Gray is now acting as editor of this bi-weekly publication. The use of fact-adventure stories has brought very good response, according to Mr. Gray. The trend is now toward more modern adventure stories, such as people today can understand and identify with themselves. War is the greatest adventure, to most readers, offering more drama. No time has offered more thrilling events, more adventurous exploits, escapes, accomplishments, than today. There is conflict in every breath drawn by men, for instance, who are operating the “mosquito” boats, who are flying, etc. The public likes these stories, when interestingly presented. They supplement the news, going behind the scene into the color of the action. About two-thirds will be modernized adventure fiction, though there is still a need for period stories too. Articles are used also, Not the static type, but moving ones with action. For instance, one giving a trip on a mosquito boat, not one about such a boat. The art work is being modernized, too. The preferred fiction length is 6,000 or 7,000 words. A very good story might run longer. Serials are about 40,000 words; no hard and fast rules. Payment is on acceptance at a cent and a quarter, up. Address—280 Broadway."

Burroughs Mitchell

WD 1942-09 p. 15. "At Munsey’s 280 Broadway, Burroughs Mitchell is now editor of Argosy. He replaces Harry Gray, who is no longer with the company."

Rogers Terrill

WD 1942-11 p. 21. Rogers Terrill, the old reliable of Popular, takes on the editorship of Argosy. Burroughs Mitchell from Munsey’s continues, as associate editor. Argosy will return to its old pulp format and appearance, as a monthly selling at fifteen cents. It will cover all fields of adventure: modern, historical, war, sea, sports, mystery, occasionally fantasy or Western. There will be a minimum of eight stories to an issue. The idea is to make the magazine as much like the old Argosy as possible, with such changes as are due to changing fiction trends and to monthly instead of weekly publication. The most pressing needs right now are for modern war stories, so placed that they won’t be outdated in a few months. Also, for adventure stories with war background; drama that is brought about by the war but in which you do not see the actual fighting action. The editor would like an occasional story of modern construction or engineering. This means human interest combined with plenty of the actual work; not just men against a background. The work itself must be an integral part of the action and conflict. The same applies to sports stories, where the drama must be on the actual playing field. Historical stuff can be of any period, preferably back far enough to give it the glamour of a never-never time. Real research is necessary in historical tales, however; details of customs, costumes, language, ways of living, which give verisimilitude and color. As to lengths, Argosy will use practically anything from a short-short up to 40,000 words. At the moment the best sellers are shorts to 5,000; novelettes of 9,000 and 15,000; serials of three parts—about 30,000 to 35,000 words. Two-part stories will be useful; 25,000 words split in half. Occasionally a four-part story. Lengths between 5,000 and 8,000 words are very difficult to fit in. Sports, detectives, and Westerns should be worked out in the short lengths, since these three types are so well covered in the specialized pulps. All stories must have impact, drama, movement, urgency. Locales must be absolutely bona fide. Fantasy must be definitely the adventure type. Inter-planetary stories are not wanted. It’s idea stories—ones that carry a strong adventure flavor and have a fresh, different slant. Payment is on acceptance, and rates will be above the average. Editor Terrill is looking for really good writers. Address—205 East 42nd Street.
WD 1942-12 p. 6. Letter: Argosy Sir: What with the Argosy inventory we inherited and the rush of new stuff that’s been coming in, I’ve been somewhat snowed under these past few weeks, which accounts for the delay in answering yours of the twelfth. We are eliminating the fact articles and plan to make Argosy a general fiction magazine. We’ll cover modern war, historic adventure, fantasy, modern adventure, sports and mystery. We'll use stories with or without woman interest, and about the only “must” that would in any way differentiate Argosy from the average all-fiction magazine is the fact that we’re going to demand a certain amount of adventure flavor in all stories. We'll use slick rejects if they meet our requirements, but too many of these lack the sense of urgency and importance which I think is so vital in a magazine such as Argosy. We’re particularly interested, at the present time, in soundly plotted, aptly written, authoritative stories of out-of-the-way adventure spots, either dealing directly with the war or using the war as an influencing background, and can use a few good historic adventure yarns particularly in the short and short novelette lengths. Rocers TERRILL, Associate Publisher, Popular Publications, 205 East 42nd Street, New York. e@ For those who came in late, Argosy magazine, a high-class pulp monthly, published for 60 years by Frank A. Munsey, and recently degraded by wretched editing, was bought by Harry Steeger, who, with Rogers Terrill, is again making Argosy the fine old book it was.—Ed.
WD 1943-01 p. 33. Rogers Terrill is good historical adventure fiction for Argosy. He says he doesn’t plan to lay an overemphasis on this particular field. But there is a definite shortage, especially of 5,000 and 9,000 word lengths. And if anyone has a good sound idea for a historical-adventure serial of 30,000 to 35,000 words, he would be very glad to read a synopsis. These may include any historical background, except early American Westerns. Also, for this market, he would like to see some non-war adventures in modern stories. These can be laid in the arctic, the jungle, the far-southern Pacific, for examples. The best lengths for these modern adventure stories are 5,000, 9,000, and 12,000 words. Several authors can be depended on to submit good war adventures, but these two fields are extra-wide open. Payment is on acceptance, with average. There’s no change in policy on any of the magazines edited for Popular Publications by Rogers Terrill, and all of them are open for copy.
WD 1943-04 p. 37. Argosy is the market with which Editor Terrill is most concerned at the moment. Since buying this title along with the rest of the Munsey string, Popular has made a strenuous effort to by-pass the lurid variations this magazine went through, and carry it back to its original fine reputation for tops in adventure fiction. Mr. Terrill suggests that there are a lot of good slickpaper rejects floating around town looking for a landing place, which might very well fit in to Argosy. The important points for acceptance are that stories have a sense of urgency, a feeling of importance, that make them good reading. These are the 4,000 to 5,000 word length. They might be historical adventure or war - adventure, sports, engineering, anything that makes a good man’s adventure story. Rates of payment are very good, and on acceptance. Serials of 30,000 to 40,000 words are also wanted for Argosy. Any good adventure type would be considered, or even a good mystery with an unusual background; but not a straight detective story. Address—205 East 42nd Street.
WD 1943-07 p. 20. Argosy is going slickpaper with the September issue, out on the stands July 28th. It will be in the flat format size, and use some color on inside pages in duotone effects. The contents, too, is shifting to a wider coverage of story types, and is said to be nearer the slick tempo. Adventure is the predominant note. Rogers Terrill, editor, says that what he wants is “adult stories with guts—with impact—-stories that mean something and leave something with the reader!” He finds readers getting a bit fed up with straight war stories, though he will go on using some of this type. Humorous stories, if good, are very acceptable. An off-trail love story with a background of adventure would hit. Rates now being paid are first-class, and promptly on acceptance. Lengths for shorts are from 800 to 5,000 words; novelets 9,000 to 15,000; short novels and serials 25,000 to 40,000. Argosy is one of the Popular Publications monthlies, 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.
WD 1943-09 p. 7. Good Luck to Argosy Argosy, oldest of America’s fiction periodicals, comes forth in a new dress beginning with the September issue. Started in 1882 by the late Frank A. Munsey, Argosy lived to become the foundation of the vast fortune left by that clear-sighted publisher. Over its long period of existence the magazine merged with various other titles owned by Mr. Munsey and drew much life-blood in the form of writers and readers from its companion magazine All-Story Weekly. Among the now famous writers who found a welcome in the years before this merger were: Carolyn Wells Merle Crowell Octavus Roy Cohen E. Phillips Oppenheim Edison Marshall Courtney Ryley Cooper Arthur Somers Roche Mary Roberts Rinehart Edgar Rice Burroughs Elmer Rice Zane Grey Frank Condon P. G. Wodehouse Elmer Davis George Worts John Buchan Max Brand Isabel Ostrander The new size Argosy, at 25c, is considerably larger than the 15c issue that its readers have known, and smooth paper replaces the old pulp pages. Also drawings in color illustrate the stories. Argosy was purchased by Popular Publications, Inc., from William T. Dewart, owner of the Munsey Co. and publisher of the New York Sun. Harry Steeger and Harold S. Goldsmith, the new owners, announce that the September issue is only the first step toward a bigger and better vehicle for high-grade fiction. Rogers Terrill is Editor. Following are a few paragraphs from the opening story on page one of the very first issue of Argosy, December 9, 1882:
WD 1943-12 p. 20. POPULAR Publications had gone along way in a few short months toward making Argosy into a better magazine of fiction for men. Now the company has decided on further steps which will give it wider appeal as a more general magazine. The January cover is a different type. There’s humor in it, and story suggestion, instead of straight adventure. The February issue will carry more fact articles and features material. At present, the editor is very much interested in good mystery stories in both the novelet and complete novel lengths. These should be very well done, Carry a certain tone of sophistication, and have a definite note of romance. Argos) magazine is stressing the romantic element, and prefers romantic adventure for both novelets and serials. There is only one tabu: that is on love stories written from the girl’s point of view. The best lengths for short stories are between 4,000 and 4.500 words, although anything between 1,000 and 8,000 is used, and serials may run as high as 60,000 words. The booklength is 25,000 words, and novelets between 9,000 and 12,000. Argosy is in the market for unusual features. Also, for ideas for good monthly or occasional features. It also desires articles with photographs of about 1500 to 3,500 words. The number of pictures depends on the subject, usually running to about half photographs when in print. Rogers Terrill edits Argosy. 205 East 42nd Street, N. Y. 17.
WD 1944-01 p. 3. Argosy a Slick Again Sir: You will, no doubt, want to change your listing of Argosy as a pulp. With its March issue it becomes a slick. While it will still have a rather masculine appeal, it will be edited for literate people, regardless of sex. Its rates will compare favorably with the other better type magazines, and it will articles, and short features as well as stories. At the moment it is especially in need of shortshort articles, factual pieces preferred, humor, short verse, and other fillers. Articles that have a wide basic appeal help, personality stories (no interviews) needed, too. Send short features to Lillian Genn, articles to Nannine Joseph, and stories to Rogers Terrill. NANNINE JOSEPH, Non-Fiction Editor, Argosy, 205 East 42nd Street, New York City.
WD 1944-02 p. 16. ROGERS TERRILL, managing editor of Argosy, tells me that Harry Steeger* is acting as editor; that Nannine Joseph (the literary agent) has joined the staff as editor of non-fiction, and that fiction is being considered by a staff comprised of Willard Crosby, Margaret Mochrie, Irene Wisner, and Michael Tilden. Lillian Genn is feature editor. And Dr. M. F. Agha, for. merly of Vogue, is consultant art director. Agha’s thesis in layout is something to remember. He says: “First a layout must be logical; second it should be beautiful. Logic may never be sacrificed. The difference between a superior layout man and a good one is that the former gets beauty into his logic.” While with Vogue, Agha did his job so well that the top photograph. ers in the country were willing to give him art for free just to get their work published in Vogue. Agha once made a bet with Condé Nast that he could produce 6 issues of Vogue on a $0.00 editorial budget. Nast didn’t take him up, but appearance in Vogue is such a cachet to writers in this specialty field that Agha could have won his bet. If brains like Agha comes to Argosy to stay, Steeger is after a half million newsstand seller and we’re soon going to have another nickel word base market. Give this book your best; it will pay us all. The appeal is now equally to men and women readers. All types of stories are wanted, including love, except the raisingJunior theme. (Sounds as if the editors are all fed up with their own personal raising Junior problems!) Straight good if well written and has enough emotional impact to give general appeal. Human interest stories and problem stories are good, too. Any length from 1,000 to 8,000 words; with 4,000 a good average. Argosy is also in the market for features around 1500 words (tops 2500), articles, cartoons, puzzles, quizzes, brain - teasers — anything really good. Rates are very good. $200 and up on short stories; $100 minimum on short shorts. Checks on acceptance. Address—205 East 42nd Street, N. Y. 17. [Footnote: *Steeger is one of the few publishers in the business who can fill any slot in his office as well or better than the occupant.—Ed.]

Harry Steeger (1)

WD 1944-03 p. 36. Argosy is making strides toward the slickpaper sort of contents its editors desire. Follow current issues, especially April and May. Miss Nanine Joseph has decided to continue only as Advisory Editor on nonfiction, in order to keep her own literary agency going. Miss Lillian Genn is Nonfiction Editor. Miss Genn is in the market for various kinds of short material from the average writer. Factual articles along the lines of science or medical subjects are good, told tersely in 300 to 350 words; personality stories, humorous material, ideas for picture features, verse both serious and humorous. The readers of Argosy are mostly men on the home front, so keep them in mind in all your writing. Try for a simple, lively style. But it must be good writing! General articles on national and international problems are mostly written by authorities. But the short things are very open. Realism is important, but this does not mean sordidness or frustration. Don’t play up human woes. Give the reader some information, benefit, or inspiration. Humor should be robust, not too cynical and not too sophisticated. Payment is at very good rates, depending on material and name. Harry Steeger is editor of Argosy; Rogers Terrill managing editor. 205 E. 42nd St., N. Y. 17. (Popular Pubns.)
WD 1944-06 p. 27. Argosy seems to have got through its transition period and settled down. Rogers Terrill, managing editor, explains its requirements and _ needs follows. The magazine wants material of general interest to the American family. Not literary, not fancy. Just straight-forward writing which gives honest values; which is not frothy, but has meaning and importance. In articles, subjects should be of importance to the reader personally, to his family, or to his country. There are two general types: 1. Subjects of national importance. 2. Subjects which are obviously and intimately of concern to the individual reader. In all articles, there must be the underlying purpose of giving inspiration, help, or service. Fields covered may include _international affairs, personalities, medicine and science, self-help, inspiration (especially toward personal success), faith (for wartime has emphasized the need for something beyond the. individual and the physical life), entertainment (which might include sports, theatre, books) and informative articles. Lengths of non-fiction run from 1200 to 3000 words. Much preferred are those between 2200 and 2500 words. Fiction for Argosy may be of all types with the one exception of the purely dostory belonging in the women’s as mestic magazines. Fiction should carry a sense of importance; should be based on problems which readers in general will find understandable and sympathetic. The editors like stories with strong emotional impact and real dramatic value. Omit anything men would label sentimental sluch! The light love story finds a market here, too. It may be from the man’s point of view, though not always so. A woman’s story would go, too, if the problem is basic enough to mean something to the average male _ reader. Sports and business situations make good bets. Also, the humorous story. And for this market, humor should be robust, and not deal in innuendo or surreptitious simile. Romance is very important to all fiction for Argosy. Except in the very serious problem story or occasional straight adventure story, there should be an element of romance. Argosy buys a minimum of ten stories per issue. These vary from the brief storyette of 500 to 600 words, through the most desired length of shorts: 3000 to 4000 words. Novelets of 9000 to 10,000 words must be very strong to justify the length. One complete short novel of 20,000 to 25,000 words is included in each issue. This is also an active cartoon market. Payment is on acceptance at medium slick rates. Harry Steeger edits. Lillian G. Genn is article editor. Address: 205 East 42nd Street, N. Y. 17.
WD 1944-08 p. 41. features and fiction used in Argosy should be aimed primarily at men, but treated in such a way as to be good reading for both men and women. For example, a love story appeals to both sexes, but aim it at the men by telling it from the man’s point of view. The preferred length now is 3,000 to 4,000 words. But Argosy does use almost any length from 500 to 6,500 words in shorts and 20,000 to 25,000 in novels. Also, articles of 1,200 to 2,500 words. A present need is for informative fillers — odd facts, anecdotal material. Very good rates, on acceptance. Rogers Terrill is managing editor. Address: 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.
WD 1944-11 p. 28. Argosy pays slick-paper rates for material now, and is attracting a lot of big-time writers. More emphasis is being put on fiction than at first. The biggest need in this field now is for stories of some depth and significance; on stories with character value, emotional impact, and serious attitude. But almost every type of fiction goes, except 1) the very light frothy story with no hunor, and 2) the story of purely feminine appeal. Argosy is a good market for cartoons, too. $25 is the usual rate of payment. This is an excellent time to submit articles and filler-material to Argosy, according to Lillian Genn, editor of non-fiction. But everything must have timely significance. Don’t go to the trunk. Study the magazine, and submit material which might really fit. Your writing should be in warm, lively, human style; anecdotal and factual. Nothing dull or heavy, and not sophisticated. On longer features it is best to submit an outline of your idea first. Each issue will now use about five longer features, 2000 to 3000 words on subjects of significance. These are frequently worked out by the editors and authors in collaboration, though completed manuscripts may also be submitted. A special need here is the personality article. These should be on warm, vivid, lively characters. Never the movie fan pap. For example, the November issue carries a piece on Wallace Beery. Short articles for Argosy run 750 words to a double column; boiled down, very factual articles on subjects which have world or social significance. Fillers run a single column of about 350 words, and include the lighter subjects, oddities, poetry. The latter must be man-stuff, never sentimental love verse. Have you ideas for picture series in color? This is a new feature, using a series of story-telling pictures with 300 to 400 words of copy. Keep firmly in mind that all material for Argosy must be up-to-date and timely. And address manuscripts to Popular Publications, 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17. Harry Steeger is editor; Rogers Terrill, managing editor.
WD 1945-05 p. 35 Vera Anderton has been named fiction editor of Argosy. She will handle a lot of the contact work for the magazine. Rates for fiction are coming closer to being on a competitive basis with the big slicks. Lengths include a complete novel of 18,000 to 25,000 words, with the shorter preferred; long short stories (or novelettes) of 8,000 to 14,000 words. A good market for the latter! Also, for the hard to find 500 word vignette, At present, the editors are very anxious to get two-parters of 16,000 to 18,000 words of any type which has sufficient solid dramatic value and enough urgency to carry over the break. There are no real length «bars, Anything from 500 words up to a three-part serial of 35,000 words might go, though the latter has not been used as yet. Non-fiction for Argosy may concern any important subject, which holds timely interest for the average American, Some good colorful success stories could be used, too; also true war stuff, science, medicine, sports subjects. The market is open for topical verse of masculine appeal, cartoons, filler material. Henry Steeger is editor, Rogers Terrill managing editor, Lillian Gens feature editor. Address: 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.
WD 1945-09 p. 22. Argosy is making. a major change in format, probably with January issue. This is NOT a change in editorial policy, I am told. Vera Anderton, formerly fiction editor, has left. But otherwise the staff remains much as it has been, with Rogers Terrill as managing editor and Lillian Genn, article editor. The change has been planned in order to make better use of the paper available. This is to be heavier than that now used, much like book stock. Pages will measure 9 x 61 inches; 144 pages, saddlestitched. This allows for a lot of contents, though less art work. The top rates now for short stories will be $250: for novelets of 8,000 to 12,000—$500; and for the short novel of 16,000 to 20,000—$1,000. Payment is on acceptance, as it is on all material bought for magazines in the Popular Publications line. For a while, no advertising will be carried. Address: 205 East 42nd Street, New York, 17.
WD 1945-10 p. 3 Argosy, Non-Fiction Needs Sir: Your readers may be interested to know that at the present time we are stressing articles on the outdoors, adventure, travel and science. We are especially interested in sports articles of every type, slanted to men, of course. These should be written in a lively , anecdotal style and should average in length 1200-1800 words. Also wanted are true life stories and war experiences that are dramatic; success stories ; “Now It Can Be Told” shorties and material for our column on mystic experiences. Any contributions to Argosy must have strong masculine appeal—we can’t emphasize this enough since so many would-be contributors are sending us material more suitable for a woman’s magazine. This applies to humor, verse, fillers and short items as well. Argosy pays good rates, on acceptance, and welcomes new writers. It is best to query us first. Lituian G. GENN, Non-fiction Editor Argosy, 205 E. 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y.
WD 1946-04 p. 3. Argosy Non-Fiction Sir: We want to call the attention of your readers to the fact that Argosy is in the market for lively articles and features that are entertaining and and colorful, and slanted to men. At the present time we are not using any articles on foreign affairs, European personalities, discussions of a controversial nature, or economical problems. We are confining ourselves primarily to the outdoors, adventure, American personalities, the latest developments in science and medicine, true life experiences and sports. We occasionally use an entertaining quiz, short, humorous verse, short-shorts on oddities and factual, informative fillers. It is best to study the magazine for style and editorial content before submitting manuscripts. Lituian G. Genn, Non-fiction Editor Argosy, 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y
- Also p. 28. Argosy has had a hectic time finding renewed press-time and has been out in the cold for several months—though meantime going ahead with buying for future issues. Now things are all sunny-side up once more, and the next issue, dated May, should be on the stands by the last week in March. Just to refresh your memories after this forced vacation, here’s the average line-up for an issue: two book-length novels of 20,000 to 25,000 words, three novelets of 10,000 to 12,000 words, eight shorts, one serial, three articles, 22 short features, and a dozen or more cartoons. That’s a lot of wordage. And it should attract plenty of writers, as rates of payment are good and very prompt, even though not in a class with the top slicks. Almost any type of fiction with adult slant and masculine appeal might fit in. Right now, the big needs are for good mystery novelets of 10,000 to 12,000 words. Also, stimulating modern adventure stories which forget the war. And don’t yip about that last phrase, please. No fictional treatment of the war will be able to vie with the interest which the fact material is going to continue to hold for the next few years. Variety, in the masculine fiction field, is the keynote of Argosy today. Rogers Terrill is managing editor. Lillian Genn is in charge of non-fiction. Address: 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.
WD 1946-10 p. 49. Argosy is particularly in need of one and two-page features, pictorial as well as factual. The factual articles should have some picture possibilities. Argosy also needs factual articles of 1,500 to 3,000 words which lend themselves to dramatic picturization. These may include almost any subjects of interest to men readers: sports, true adventure, success stories, outdoor activities— occasional science or medicine subject, if of personal importance to “the average reader, and has a fresh and unusual approach. The editors welcome pictures and pay extra for those used. If the writer does not have pictures, he should supply sources of such art. As to fiction for Argosy, lengths most needed are shorts up to 4,000 words. Novelets at 8,000 also go well. The editors like to use sports stories in season, so these should be submitted at least three months ahead. Business and industrial stories are a good bet here. And of course the usual adventure, mystery, and other types which men enjoy. Reports are prompter now. Payment is good and on acceptance. Better be sure to enclose a stamped addressed envelope with your manuscript. It slows things up if the staff has to find time to address envelopes. Lillian G. Genn is nonfiction editor; Rogers Terrill, managing editor. Address: Popular Publications, 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.
WD 1947-04 p. 60. Argosy, 205 E. 42nd Street, New York City 17. Henry Steeger, Editor; Rogers Terrill, Managing Editor. Issued monthly; 25c a copy; $2.50 a year. “We use general fiction calculated to appeal to adult male, in almost any length from 1,000 to 15,000 words. Use sports, mystery, stories of industrial background, and occasionally a historical piece, broad comedy, character—and almost any type with the exception of the typical woman’s magazine story. Also articles, 1,500 to 3,000 words, preferably with photographs: sports, science, personality, success, true adventure, true detective, and any colorfully off-trail oddity. Use page features of 500 to 800 words, featuring unusual or adventurous occupations, oddities, sports, personalities, etc., and short filler material from 100 to 300 words, featuring almost any informative or startling oddity; some quizzes ; some poetry. Photographs bought, Report in one to two weeks, Payment is good, on acceptance.”
WD 1947-09 p. 32. Argosy is a slick magazine nowadays, standing out sturdily among the other titles of this house. Its managing editor, Rogers Terrill, says that his particular need in fiction at present is short Westerns which are off the beaten story trail. These run to 5,000 words. (He also uses novelets 8,000 to 10,000 and longer stories to a top of 16,000.) In articles, his particular need is for unusual and spectacular success stories; about people who have made good in unusual and dramatic ways. Lengths on these are 2,000 to 2,500 words. The field is broad in this market. Picture features and single-page picture stories, though usually from agencies, are welcome from free-lancers. Query first. Stories of the dramatic in new scientific developments are very acceptable—if the subject has not been covered too well elsewhere. Colorful personalities, especially in sports, are good. So are modern adventure fact pieces. Modern adventure fiction is good too—if restrained and adult. Colorful characters with series possibilities, possibly with humorous treatment, might get a fast acceptance. Payment is on acceptance. Rates are good. Address: Street, N.Y. 17.
WD 1947-12 p. 47. Circulation article comparing multiple magazines. Argosy at 253,000, increase of 28.1% though it's not clear what the base is.
WD 1948-01 pp. 39. THE fiction market is wide open now on Argosy Magazine, at Popular Publications. The article coverage is more general now, too, with addition of new departments including hobbies, businesses which can be started with small capital—these on special assignments. In sports, articles should be controversial rather than personality pieces. “Stink” pieces are sought too—the exposé in a mild form, otherwise known as a gripe. Outlines first are a good idea. Address Lilian Genn, non-fiction editor, 205 East 42nd Street, N. Y. 17.
WD 1948-09 p. 41. Argosy, the slick-paper star of Popular Publications, has made an important addition to its staff and has broadened its requirements. Jim O’Connell, formerly of Collier’s, is now fiction editor of Argosy.
- Also p. 42 Argosy is still in the market for novelets of 8500 to 15,000 words. But writers will find that 8000 to 10,000 is surer of a sale. Payment is very good, with length, author, etc., taken into consideration. Article needs on Argosy have also been expanded, There is now more emphasis on reader-service. The magazine covers travel, new business opportunities, hobbies, in addition to its usual run of subject matter. Most articles should be submitted in outline form first, in order that the editors may have an opportunity to guide the writer on how to handle the material. Although this does not mean a definite assignment it eliminates a great deal of unnecessary work. Here are the editor’s suggestions as to fields which are open to the article writer: Personality articles, preferably concerned with unusual successes in any field, or with outstanding men. Sports controversies, but not on how to play the game—which is handled by name sportsmen. Occasionally, a true adventure in article form—but must be fairly unusual. Suggestions for new features which would appeal to men, (Fashion and shopping service are all staff.) Picture features, if done by good photographers. Business opportunities which are open; should show how one man did it, and illustrate with anecdotes. Hunting and fishing articles, if they combine good practical how-to with dramatic action. Lengths are usually considered along with the outline and suggested to the writer; preferably 2000 to 2500 words, although they are sometimes as short as 1500 or as long as 3500. Some fillers are used, but the editors find it hard to get good material. Unusual anecdotes or oddities might go, more particularly in the fields of hunting, fishing, and sports. Occasionally a quiz. Payment on articles varies a lot, such things as the amount of research needed being taken into consideration. Lillian Genn is non-fiction editor. Rogers Terrill is managing editor of Argosy. Address: 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.
WD 1948-10 p. 42. Argosy has added James Peck to its staff as aviation editor. He was formerly associate editor of Air News. Rogers Terrill is now executive editor. . . . And as for its circulation, what vitality! Only last December it was boasting of 400,000 copies per issue, and now it has announced that with the February, 1949 issue, the circulation guarantee will be hoisted to 750,000. Address: 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.

WD 1949-07 p. 39. Lillian Genn resigned as non-fiction editor of Argosy. Her place has been filled by Howard Lewis, formerly editor of the New York edition of This Week. The magazine is expected to go along with no basic change in policy. It continues to hold a very healthy circulation and an optimistic outlook. Standards in the Argosy market are up. The editors continue to polish up the contents all the time, to keep pace with the climbing circulation. The market is wide open for both fiction and fact material. At present the best fiction lengths hit around 4,000 words. A flat $400 is paid for these short stories. Short-shorts are also much in demand. Payment on these is never less than $200. Payment for articles is arranged for each one, since so many unpredictable factors enter into the checking of material and the writing. The editors will approve outlines of articles as being typical of what they might like, but final decision rests on the completed article. The average length for articles now runs between 900 and 1,200 words. As for subject matter for articles, the editors suggest that they would be interested in seeing good controversial sports pieces with fresh angles, controversial articles of general interest, pieces on science or medicine if absolutely fresh material. They like inspirational pieces, such as depict a person overcoming difficulties, or show how a person may without too much difficulty remodel himself or his way of life. In these, the psychology must be sound and accurate. There should be plenty of authoritative quotes if written by a laymen, or it should be signed by a Name in the field. Argosy offices are at 205 East 42nd Street. Rogers Terrill is Executive editor.

Jerry Mason

WD 1949-09 p. 46. Argosy, which publishes a well balanced diet of reading for men, has been stepping up the caliber of its staff. Henry Steeger is now listed as president of the company, and has appointed Jerry Mason as editorial director, Howard Lewis (from This Week) as non-fiction editor. James B. O’Connell is fiction editor. Rogers Terrill continues as executive editor, and it is nice to note that although the Rajah took over Argosy while it was still a pulp and he was a Grade A pulp editor, the big upward surge in circulation which Argosy experienced after its change to a slick, came before all the new talent appeared. Argosy is the important magazine on the twentieth floor at 205 East 42nd Street, N.Y. 17.
WD 1949-10 p. 54. Willard Crosby has resigned as managing editor of Argosy, to join the staff of Collier’s as associate editor. Carlton Brown, formerly editor of Eye, takes over as managing editor of Argosy.
WD 1950-05 pp. 50-51. Argosy has passed its first million, a nice record of achievement for the first general magazine aimed at men readers, handling every possible subject from business to medicine, from science to events of international importance, but always analyzed for the male-interest angles. The editors are particularly eager for exciting first-person stuff (or “as told to” if necessary) ; male adventures and activities anywhere. The preferred length for feature articles is 2,000 to 3,000; can run as high as 7,000 on very important pieces. Payment for fulllength features starts at $250 now. But the average top price for the lead feature is $750. Actually, there is no ceiling price on what this magazine will pay for something it really wants. Rates for fiction are also up now: for shorts of 4000 to 7,500 words, pay may run as high as $1,000; for novelettes, to $1500. The most acceptable lengths are 3,000 to 4,500 for shorts; 10,000 to 15,000 for novelettes. And the author should have a good adult story to tell. It must have urgency and impact, and be written from the man’s point of view. Jerry Mason is the dynamic editor of Argosy. Address: 205 East 42nd Street, N. Y. 17.
WD 1950-09 p. 58. Argosy Magazine, 205 E. 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y. Jerry Mason, Editor. Issued monthly; 25c a copy; $3.00 a year. “We want fiction dealing with urgent masculine problems; settings that will interest men, such as business and outdoor activities. Fiction must be strongly and soundly plotted. Short shorts under 1500 words, short stories from 3000 to 6000 words, and novelettes from 8000 to 15,000 words. Buy fillers and photographs, but no poetry. Report within two weeks. Payment, on acceptance, is $100 to $1,000, depending upon length and position ; $15 to $100 for fillers.”
WD 1950-11 p. 75. “Argosy buys visual gags, picture gags, situation gags — cartoons involving action and humor in the picture. Strictly conversational gags (people in static positions accompanied by a long caption) have no place here. A wise-cracking caption that can stand on its own feet and doesn’t need the cartoon picture will not stand a chance at Argosy, either. Puns are not wanted. Captionless cartoons, cartoons with short captions are very much in demand. So are multiple-panel pantomime cartoons. Cliche situations are acceptable (even desert island and bed of nails gags) if the twist is really fresh. The subject matter should be of interest to men. Spectator sports, hunting and fishing, mild sex gags in good taste go well here. Cartoon compositions which fit odd shapes, single column, page high, and cartoons three columns wide and 1% high are also wanted. Argosy is very much interested in seeing simple six panel spreads with very little reading matter, mostly pictures. Rates for cartoons start at $50 with raises up to $85. Spreads bring about $150, on acceptance.”
WD 1951-01 p. 47-48. Argosy, “The Complete Man’s Magazine,’ is one of the fastest growing magazines in America. It guarantees its advertisers a circulation of a million copies a month, but has been doing well over that for some time. Its vigor results in part from the type of editors it has attracted. Marion Hargrove recently joined the staff as a contributing editor, along with Merle Miller and Ralph Stein. Robert Crichton (son of Collier’s valued Kyle Crichton) is now article editor. He works under Howard Lewis, non-fiction editor. Argosy is a lively and open market. Short fiction is always in demand. Short-shorts run about 1500 words, with checks on acceptance averaging $200. The usual short story of 4,000 words rates about $400, but this may run up to $750. Novelettes are usually between 12,000 and 15,000 words in length, and payment is $1000 to $1500. Payment for articles is excellent also; from $200 to $500 for most; up to $750 on important lead pieces. The great need is for important topical pieces in the article field and for first person adventure stories. Humor is very welcome here, as in most markets, if only writers can find an angle that has universal appeal—one which would interest a million men! Jerry Mason is editorial director. The address of Argosy: 205 East 42nd Street, N. Y. 17.
WD 1951-04 p. 62. Howard J. Lewis, non-fiction editor, goes up to 5000 words, with payment of $50 for 1000-word “My Most Exciting Adventure” and $750 for leads. (Upon occasion publishes articles up to 25,000 words with correspondingly higher payments.) Subjects include true male adventure (especially first person), sports, science, medicine, personalities, success stories, etc. Wants dramatic, exciting stories about men doing dramatic, exciting things. No stories about women, historical features, travel, local color, collectors, true crime, quizzes, or short fillers.
WD 1951-05 p. 1 Above And Beyond Sir: Right now Argosy is mainly interested in good reporting. We use very few round-ups culled from research, and very few historical pieces of any nature. What we’re looking for are dramatic stories about active men doing exciting things— with authenticity gained from on-the-spot observation, and understanding gained from some appreciation of and interest in the field of activity. This is above and beyond our constant need for first-person adventure stories. Howarp J. Lewis, Non-Fiction Editor, Argosy,
WD 1951-09 pp. 39-40. The circulation of Argosy continues its upward sweep, while the editors emphasize the dynamic quality of its contents. As Howard J. Lewis, non-fiction editor, explains, this magazine is intended for men whose work “requires them to be physically active. We are most interested in the ages between 25 and 45, but these are not age limits.” The editors believe that the average readers of Argosy lead very active lives. They are, therefore, interested in reading about active, masculine characters “with such traits as courage, assertiveness, stamina, perseverance, ingenuity, loyalty, humor.” “As far as action is concerned,” Lewis says, “the emphasis in Argosy is on drama rather than violence. A truck driver fighting to stay awake is as dramatic to us as a lion tamer in action. We like as much detail about the action as possible—what a jet pilot hears, what a rifleman smells, how a rusted ship feels to a deep-sea diver. “Men and action can be found in the fields of sport, science, exploration, work-aday jobs, hunting and fishing, politics, and throughout the general pattern of military service. But the editors do not care for articles which deal primarily with organizations or institutions, abstract concepts, women, children, the historical past. “As to writing style, we like to see the author express his understanding of his subject by a restrained use of his own observations. We do not want open-mouthed admiration of a profiled personality. We like to see various aspects of the story underlined with anecdotes. We like long, narrative anecdotes of 500 to 1,000 words or more which present a piece of exciting drama in detail. The Argosy style emphasizes the active and the concrete. First-person adventure stories are always in demand here, as are humor pieces with universal appeal. Payment is excellent. Address manuscripts to Argosy, at 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.
WD 1951-12 p. 40. There has been a shifting of editorial personnel on Argosy Magazine. Rogers Terrill, formerly executive editor, has been appointed associate publisher of Popular Publications in charge of special projects. Taking over as executive editor of Argosy is Carlton Brown, whose post as managing editor has gone to the popular Howard Lewis. Jerry Mason continues as editor and Jim O’Connell, as fiction editor. Requirements for Argosy remain the same as detailed here in September. There is one special need which should be emphasized: more variety in the material submitted for that last page in the book, “My Most Exciting Adventure.” The editors prefer stories in which the protagonist solves his own problem. The “as-told-to” by-line is not popular here, since this treatment seems to take some of the life and sense of reality out of the piece. If it is used, the writer should have permission from the man who had the adventure and should include a letter to that effect with his manuscript. These personal adventure stories must be kept within a 1000-word limit. Payment is $100, on acceptance. The Argosy address is 205 East 42nd Street, N.Y. 17.
WD 1952-01 p. 38. Bob Crichton has had a novel on his mind for some time and finally resigned from his job as article editor of Argosy to write it. That position has been eliminated and all non-fiction for this fast-growing monthly goes to Marion Hargrove, newly appointed non-fiction editor. He replaces Howard Lewis, recently upped to managing editor, and was formerly listed as a contributing editor. Argosy is located at 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.
WD 1952-05 pp. 37-38. Argosy Wide-Open Market Argosy has cleared up its excess inventory and is now a wide-open market for all types of material interesting to men readers who are active. Profiles of active men in any field of masculine endeavor go well. Historical pieces are more welcome now, especially if you have an exciting anecdote or story which has never been told. Exposés which are exciting adventures in themselves go well, but the editors do not want muckraking for its own sake. An exposé angle could turn a middle-of-the-book piece into a lead feature. The editors can use some military material if it’s in line with the magazine. In fact, they are interested in anything in the outdoor adventure field, not necessarily hunting and fishing, but jobs which keep men outdoors. If humor is your line, make a distinction between gag humor—which Argosy does not want—and situation humor —which it likes. Personal reminiscences can be humorous and very acceptable. Feature lengths vary from 2,000 to 5,000 words, with an occasional double-length article. Payment for articles runs from $250 to $750, with $1,000 or better for doublelength leads, on acceptance. First and second North American serial rights are bought, but second rights are returned to the author on request. There is a standard rate of $100 for the back-page feature, “My Most Exciting Adventure.” This is a first-person story of how an individual accidentally gets involved in a hazardous situation and works his way out of it, at least partly through his own initiative. These pieces run about 1,200 words. There is an open market for short pieces, especially historical American anecdotes. One-column stories, about 500 words, are most usable, but 800-word double columns sell, too. Payment runs from $35 to $75. No poetry is bought. Marion Hargrove handles non-fiction. James O’Connell is fiction editor. Stories must have a masculine viewpoint, strong, rugged characters, and should appeal to active, outdoor men of middle class, aged 25 to 45. There are no limits as to themes; no women except as very minor characters. Writing should be down to earth, very real and convincing. Too many plots the editors see are overly complicated. Plots should grow out of character traits, rather than be mechanically contrived. The average short story runs 3,000 to 6,000 words and brings payment of $400 to $750, depending on quality, not length. Novelettes run 9,000 to 15,000 words; $1,000 to $1,500. Rights bought: same as on non-fiction. Argosy is published by Popular Publications at 205 East 42nd Street, N. Y. 17, N. Y. Jerry Mason is top editor. Incidentally, the circulation continues to climb; it is more than 1,200,000 now.
WD 1952-07 p. 64. Argosy, 205 E. 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y. Jack Markow has resigned as cartoon editor to return to free lancing. Argosy is a wide-open market, since current plans call for more cartoons per issue than have been used previously. Editors are particularly interested in seeing roughs from those who have sold top markets, whether or not they have tried Argosy. Payment here ranges from $50 to $85 for single cartoons, $125 to $150 for panel spreads. Roughs should be left at Argosy on alternate Wednesdays to be looked over by staff. Rejects can be picked up following week. Accepted roughs will be mailed with payment invoice. Mailed roughs and accepted finishes go to Sari Buchner, Cartoon Dept. Male-slant subjects only. No general gags.
WD 1952-11 pp. 40-41. Argosy Is All-American Argosy is placing more emphasis on service and monthly features now, which leaves less room for general articles. The market is open for leads. Pieces with true adventure intrigues are successful as are historical narrations—if top-flight and fresh. Good material might be stories told by old men or dug out of original documents. Stress the heroic qualities of men, their stamina and courage. An American setting is usually best; characters must always be Americans. Stories of pioneer America and the opening of the West are possibilities, but these are used only every second or third issue. When you query, outline the action rather than the situation. Lengths run 2,500 to 7,500 words but about 5,000 is the most usable length. Argosy pays very good rates: $750 for a lead, $500 for the two or three secondary features, up to $1,000 for double-length leads of 8,000 to 12,000 words, on acceptance. There is a market for short historical anecdotes with freshness and a nice twist. These run about 300 words to fill a column; payment is about $35. “The Court of Last Resort” is an extremely popular feature of Argosy. .When Raymond Schindler, one of its leading lights along with Harry Steeger and Erle Stanley Gardner, spoke at a meeting of the Mystery Writers of America recently, he drew a double-strength audience. He described the work of the Court in considerable detail and attributed its success to the untiring efforts of all concerned to get at the truth in each case. Jerry Mason is editor of Argosy, a Popular Publications slick at 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17.
WD 1953-01 p. 37. After long deliberation, Popular Publications has changed Adventure to a slick, with a corresponding change in all requirements. The energetic Jerry Mason, having brought Argosy through a similar and highly-successful change, is now editor of Adventure as well.
WD 1953-02 pp. 13-21, 70. Long article about Mason, including exGI hiring.
WD 1953-04 p. 40. LIFE MUST BE a string of fire-crackers for a person like Jerry Mason. No sooner had Wrirer’s DicEst readers gotten acquainted with him through that portrait in the February issue than a new fire-cracker went off, catapulting him out of what seemed like a steady job as editor of Argosy and Adventure and into a publishing venture of his own. At present, there will be no market in the new project, but you might like to know what it is. Having left Popular Publications as of March 15, Mason is starting Maco Magazine Corporation, with an office at 480 Lexington Avenue. He plans to publish a series of one-shots; for each a special editor will be appointed. All kinds of subjects may be handled, but no suggestions, queries, or material from free-lancers will be considered. The first one-shot will be The Complete How-to-doit Book of Fishing; the second, Marilyn Monroe Pin-Ups. A minimum of six one-shots will be brought out before January 1, 1954, distributed by Independent News. Jerry Mason will act as president and publisher of Maco.
- Also. p. 68. Argosy, 205 East 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y. Jerry Mason has resigned from Argosy, and no new editor has yet been appointed. Cartoon buying will go on as usual, with Ralph Stein doing the picking. Summer vacation gags only from now on, and spreads are wanted. Single-panel cartoons bring from $50 to $85 and spreads, from $125 up, on acceptance.

Howard Lewis

WD 1953-05 p. 1 New Argosy Ed Sir: Although there has been a change of editors at Argosy, our selection of articles and stories will probably continue much as it has been since I was chiefly responsible for the selection of articles and our fiction staff remains the same. I do hope, however, to widen the base of the magazine slightly without deviating from our main idea of presenting stories about vigorous men engaged in dramatic action in an outdoor situation. At the present time, we are an open market, looking especially for fiction of novelette length and controversial non-fiction leads. The length of our articles will be cut somewhat to permit a greater variety in the book. While our previous articles may have averaged 4500 words, our new goal will be about 3500. Leads, however, will remain about 5000 words. While we have no hard and fast boundaries for our prices, our usual non-fiction payments run between $100 and $750 and our fiction payments between $400 and $750 for short stories and $1000 and $1500 for novelettes. Howarp J. Lewis, Editor Argosy Magazine 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y
- Also p. 46. Howard J. Lewis is the new editor of Argosy. Lewis, who held the post of executive editor (a position which got lost in the shuffle), succeeds Jerry Mason. James O’Connell has been named editor of the new slick Adventure and managing editor of Argosy. Says O’Connell, “With the exception of Howard Lewis, everyone on Argosy is working in a parallel position on Adventure. The staff of Argosy will be reading for both books, and writers submitting material should know that their manuscripts will automatically be considered for both magazines.” John Bender is the new fiction editor of Argosy, and assisting him is Mike Tilden, who has moved over from the pulps. Jonathan Leff is non-fiction editor of Argosy. When asked what type of articles he would like to see for the magazine, Leff pointed to “How I Won the Mexican Road Race,” a good piece on stock car racing in the May issue. But the main need here is for novelettes of 12,000 to 15,000 words. Novelettes which pack plenty of action-filled drama bring payment from $1000 to $1500.
WD 1953-06 p. 44. Popular has had a couple of editorial switches. Mike Tilden is now assistant fiction editor on Argosy, while Ejler Jakobsson has taken over Love Novels. Rogers Terrill, associate publisher of Popular, has resigned. He will open his own literary agency in July.
WD 1953-07 p. 44. Jerry Mason, who resigned in March as editor of Argosy to form the new company Maco Magazine Corporation, 480 Lexington Ave., New York, will put out a series of titles in the sports and service fields, distributed by Independent News Co. The magazines will be annuals, priced at 50c (except Marilyn Monroe Pin-Ups, priced at 35c), each operated as a unit, with its own editor.
WD 1953-08 p. 46. A trend toward hobby columns is noticeable. The latest is “The Argosy Home Workshop,” a new column to be conducted by Bob Scharff in Argosy beginning in October. Scharff, formerly of the N. Y. Argosy, 205 E. 42nd St., N. Y. 17, is currently in the market for one-page stories about men who have surmounted in an active way some physical or mental obstacle, exhibiting such traits as courage, initiative and imagination. These pieces, which should run about 1000 words, will be used under the head, “The Argosy Man.” Address The Editors.
WD 1954-04 p. 1. Changes At Popular Sir: An expansion in the editorial fields covered by Argosy has been announced by Henry Steeger, publisher of Argosy and president of Popular Publications Inc. The magazine’s scope will include more articles and more home and outdoor service departmental features. Managing Editor James O’Connell, who was also serving as editor of Adventure, will hereafter devote himself exclusively to Argosy under Editor Howard Lewis. Alden H. Norton, who has been supervising editor of the Popular Fiction Group, becomes editor of Adventure. Peggy Graves, editor of the company’s women’s magazines, will assume editorial direction of the Popular Fiction Group. STANLEY A. LEVINE Argosy 205 East 42nd St. New York 17, N. Y. ¢ The word is that these changes at Popular won’t mean much change in the free-lance market at that house. Howard Lewis, Argosy editor, says: For all practical purposes, our needs will remain much the same: adventure stories, preferably in the first person, and promotable leads with a definite shock value, in other words, legitimate sensationalism. Most of our service pieces will be shop originated, but we will always be in the market for ideas from your readers which are tailored to fill the needs of the average man with an active constitution. These should concern the areas of health, family life, making a living, etc. And Peggy Graves indicates “no immediate changes regarding manuscript requirements for the Popular Fiction Group.” —Ed.
- Also p. 38. Editorial Switches at Popular At Popular Publications, 205 E. 42nd St., N. Y. 17, Peggy Graves will assume editorial direction of the Popular Fiction Group. In addition to her eight love magazines, Peggy now has charge of the Westerns and the detective books. As yet, there are no changes in titles or requirements here. Alden H. Norton, who was editorial director of Popular’s Fiction Group, will take over as editor of Adventure, while James O’Connell, who held that job, will devote himself exclusively to Argosy, as managing editor. Argosy plans to increase their home and outdoor service department immediately, using much more of this material than they have in the past. One or two major articles in each issue will be how-to’s—how to get along with your wife, how to get more money out of your business, how to make your vacation pay off, etc. While Argosy has always had columns on hunting, fishing, guns, home workshops, etc., they will expand this type of coverage. Writers should query Bob Crichton, non-fiction editor. In fiction Argosy is looking for novelettes on other than the conventional Western, crime and war topics—stories of adventure that cover a variety of backgrounds. They are also wide open for short stories of 3,000 to 4,000 words, a slightly shorter length than they have been running. John Bender is fiction editor; Howard Lewis, editor-inchief. Address: 205 E. 42nd St., N. Y. 17.
WD 1954-06 p. 13. HENRY STEEGER, president of Popular Publications, announces the appointment of Ken Purdy as the new editor of Argosy magazine. Mr. Purdy, who has been editor of True since 1949, replaces Howard Lewis, who resigned. Thomas Naughton and Michael Stern who also were with True shifted to Popular publications. Mr. Naughton will be executive editor and Mr. Stern European editor of Argosy. Ken Purdy says; “In this age of specialization, you can really get down to business with a man’s magazine. The men’s magazines are not as restricted by shibboleth and convention as are most others. We on Argosy, are concerned first with ideas— nothing else matters very much. No one submitting material to Argosy has to knock himself out trying to make something important of a story titled, “New Hope For The Two Headed?” or, “Will Your Child Be a Hashish Eater?” ” “Besides strong first person adventure stories and articles, we are interested in science subjects, medicine and unusual experience pieces. Rates are very good, $750 and up for lead articles, $500 for secondary features, and $1000 and up for double lengths of outstanding importance. Lengths vary from 2,500 to 7,500, but our best length is between 4,000 and 5,000. Short shorts of 1,000 to 2,000—and humor would be good in that length—are always needed. Payment for these is around $400. Novelettes of 12,000 to 15,000, one used each issue, bring $1,500 to $2,000, and occasionally, more.” The circulation of Argosy has grown from 47,000 to 1,250,000 in the last nine years.

Ken Purdy

WD 1954-12 p. 36. THE FIRST two issues of Argosy under Ken Purdy lean so heavily toward non-fiction the rumor got around that fiction might be discontinued. “Not so,” said Executive Editor Tom Naughton, “Argosy wants fiction and will continue to use it in every issue. There have been some changes it’s true, we have been using less fiction, but the reason is simple—nothing good enough to match our non-fiction has come in. We used to go by a set rule, two to four fiction pieces to about double non-fiction. But these days we are more flexible, and we don’t stick to any quota. We will publish only one or two fiction pieces if that’s all we can get. On the other hand, we will use four stories, if four good ones come in, but we will not put in a stinker just for balance. “We are always in need of good novelettes from 12,000 to 16,000 words, either fact or fiction. Our lead story in the December issue, for instance, called “Virginia Hill Today,” is a terrifically funny piece on this ex show girl, close friend of the late Bugsy Seigel, who completely baffled the legal brains of the Kefauver Committee. She is now living quietly in Switzerland with her new husband and continues to receive “presents” of large sums of money just as she did over here, from the same mysterious and impossible-to-track-down, source. A short story we liked, also in the December issue, “ A Present for Big Nick,” is an off-beat tale of an important gangster who insists on arranging a Christmas party for the kids of his gangster friends. The unusual twist is how these kids, who hate his guts, turn the tables on Big Nick... . We pay up to $1,500 for novelette lengths, and up to $1,000 for 4,000 to 5,000 shorts.” John Bender, Fiction Editor for Argosy, added information on short stories. “Third person stories are preferred to first person here though we buy both. We feel that the air of braggadocio is unavoidable in first person-action stories, so we’d rather have first person used with quotes to make a point. We like good crime stuff in any length and have an excellent one “Step Down to Terror,” in the current issue. It’s a nightmarish story of a gang of jivetalking, potential thrill killers, who hold and torture a young couple overnight. Another, “O’Rourke,” is an exciting chaseyarn of a manhunt in the Attu Islands, our Alaskan military installation, between a Sergeant and a deserter. We would use humor of 100 to 300 words if we could get it. For these, prices would probably be a flat rate on arrangement. Male slant emphasis on everything for Argosy.” Sari Buchner, Associate Editor, is looking for good picture stories, and picture story ideas which can be worked into features for Argosy. She says, ““We are open to all kinds of strong dramatic action picture sequences. We want very little text—let the pictures tell the story, and we use two to four page spreads, depending on the interest of the subject matter. We buy contact transparencies, but mostly black and white. We assign stories from queried outlines, or buy the completed job as is. We pay the A. S. M. P. rate as do other magazines. We’ll be glad to talk over ideas on picture stories, by appointment, and are very much in need of them now.” The address is 205 E. 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y.
WD 1955-02 p. 38. Argosy, 205 E. 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y. Publisher Henry Steeger announces quite a few changes here—Al Silverman, sports editor, Robert Chrichton, non-fiction ed, Ed Downs, shop news editor and John Bender, fiction editor, all have left. The new set up in replacements is, Bruce Cassidy, fiction edjtor, Hal Steeger, sports, Auxford Payton, Shop News editor and Sari . Buchner, non-fiction editor. More changes are rumored to take place within the next few weeks. Market requirements remain the same with non-fiction two to one at this magazine.
WD 1955-05 p. 38. THE BIG NEWS of the month is that Henry Steeger, president of Popular Publications, will take over as editor of Argosy magazine. When Mr. Steeger bought the floundering pulp nine years ago, circulation was under 100,000, and dwindling fast. Under his expert direction, Argosy reached the million mark in less than five years, The sudden resignation of Ken Purdy hastened Mr. Steeger’s decision to once again take over the editorial reins. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the job,” he said, “up to now much of my time has been taken up in traveling from one end of the country to the other to look after our line of magazines. “From now on I will be able to devote most of my time to editorial duties. I want writers to know that we are very much in the market for good, strong fiction at present. Fiction has always been important at Argosy and will continue to fill most of our pages. For dramatically written lead pieces, original in theme, up to 6,000 words, we will pay up to $750 per piece. But we will go considerably higher for a story that hits us hard. “We at Argosy still remember “Shane.” An obscure writer in a little southern town poured out his heart in that wonderful story. The story was so badly typed, single spaced all the way through, dog-eared looking and altogether amateurish in appearance, it should have been returned at once. But an editor started to read it, stuck with it and couldn’t put it down until the last word. We are always looking for more stories like “Shane” and we screen our slush mail with a sieve so that nothing good will be overlooked. We don’t care if the story is by a name writer, comes through an agent, or is a first attempt—we look at everything here. “We are also in the market for Ist person adventure pieces up to 6,000 words. Same rates for both non-fiction and _ fiction. Shorts of from 1000 to 2000 words are also in demand, novelettes starting at 16,000 bring up to $2,000. “Alden H. Norton has been appointed executive editor of Argosy and manuscripts may also be addressed to him. Bernard White is now art director, and those who have work to show him may make appointments by letter.” Address manuscripts to Popular Pub., 205 E. 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y.

Note for editorial succession

The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction gives the succession of editors in the 1930s and early 1940s only as a range of years, without months. Contemporary reports of the editorial transitions in Writer's Digest have been used to give more information about the editorial changes, and to make the transition dates more precise.