LASESSIONS.COM is always on the lookout for talented new writers conversant in the prose of music ie: Alternative or Indie Rock.

Thanks for your interest in contributing to GoTunz.com. We publish articles from freelance writers with hands-on experience in the music industry and reviews from talented music enthusiasts. Our online magazine publishes substantial freelance material and is committed to helping freelance music writers succeed.

GoTunz is specifically designed to help musicians. We never engage in “trashing” any artist’s music Yet, we offer our criticism from a genuinely constructive angle. Also note that we only review artists with music on our site.
Our audience consists of professional and amateur musicians, music industry pros like publicists and promoters, managers, agents, small record labels. “Indie” means independent – and we cover independent/unsigned/local musicians and bands of all genres. We run how-to articles, music reviews, artist profiles, interviews, commentary, and promotional ideas.

Quick Facts about publication:
• Online only
• 70% freelance written
• Prefers exclusive material
• Byline Given: Yes
• Rights Purchased: First North American Serial Rights, First Rights, One-Time Rights, Second Serial (Reprint) Rights, Makes some Work-for-Hire Assignments
Types of submissions accepted:

Articles:
• Essays – music, music industry, arts, creativity
• How-to – play instruments, have a successful independent music career, tour, etc.
• Opinion – latest music industry topics, arts careers, music careers
• Personal Experience – of musicians, music industry career
• Technical – recording, live sound, computer music, promotion of music, etc.

Reviews:
• Interview/Profile/Review – independent musicians, producers, promoters, etc.

Types of submissions NOT accepted:
• News or reviews of famous superstar musicians
• Reviews or interviews of independent artists who are not on our site
• Self-promoting articles or reviews (rare exceptions)
• Articles where the music industry is not a major focus
• Simultaneous submissions to other publications are not eligible for payment

Article Submission Details
• Word Length: 800-3000 words
• Writer should send complete manuscript or query with developed article idea to writers@GoTunz.com
• Include a one paragraph author biography detailing your music business experience
• Pays: $10-$300 for assigned articles, $0-$200 for unsolicited articles
• We will publish short bio and picture at the end of the article, including a link to your website
• Accepts previously published submissions – but these submissions are not eligible for pay
• Accepts simultaneous submissions – but these submissions are not eligible for pay
• Publishes Manuscripts: Average 1-4 months after submission
• Reports in 2 weeks-2 months if interested
• Editorial Lead Time: 3-4 months
• Submit Seasonal Material: 3-4 months in advance
• We occasionally offer writers free web hosting or promotion on our site in exchange for writing.
• We occasionally pay expenses of writers on assignment.

“Chops” How-To Articles
We accept articles about playing technique, gear, or other “Chops” related topics. This is a great opportunity for musicians who have always wanted to pass along their skill, but never had a forum. We cover Bass, Drums, Vocals, Guitars, Keyboard, Recording, and Live Sound. We are also open to other topic ideas. Chops articles may appear on GoTunz’s home page for the entire month in which they are featured. Afterward, the article will remain archived.
Music Business/Technical How-To Articles

We are interested in articles that help musicians, such as “How to Write a Bio” or “Booking Your Band in the Midwest” or “The Best Guitar Stomp Boxes”. We do not accept articles that are blatant promotions for your business, although it is fine to include a mention and a link to your website. Articles may appear on GoTunz’s home page for the entire month in which they are featured. Afterward, the article will remain archived.

Opinion/Interviews/Essays/Current Events/Personal Experience Articles
Anyone can submit an opinion article. We do not accept articles that are blatant promotions for your business, although it is fine to include a mention and a link to your website. Articles may appear on GoTunz.com’s home page for the entire month they are featured. Afterward, articles will remain archived. You can submit an article on any topic you like, as long as it is related to musicians or the music business.

Reviews Submission Details
• Writer should create an account and then comment on 2 or more artists on this site as sample reviews; Then email writers@GoTunz.com with the URLs of your work.
• Length: 2-6 paragraphs, approx. – circumstances vary.
• Pays: $2-$15 per online review (depends on how many songs)
• Music Reviews are purchased as Works-For-Hire
• Publishes Reviews: Average 1-2 months after submission
• Responds in 2 weeks-2 months if interested
• Regular writers earn increasing exposure and recognition on the website.

Independent Music Reviews
Our Take: We serve the musicians as opposed to the consumer. Our review philosophy is to be supportive of artists. Each writer has the option of not reviewing a particular artist if they find it extremely bad or distasteful. We like to avoid such depressing generalizations as “This band sucks so badly they should go back to the garage!”. If you hate it, don’t bother reviewing it. A hateful, sarcastic review does not help the musicians. However, constructive criticism is encouraged, along with praise for a band’s music. We believe genuine criticism is useful for artistic growth, and is one of the greatest services GoTunz can provide. Your reviews will remain archived on GoTunz.com, and cannot be re-printed elsewhere except as promotional quotes for the artist or label. Quotes from your reviews may be reprinted if attributed to
GoTunz.com.

Procedure: All reviews are done online from among assigned artists with music on GoTunz.com.

Product Reviews
Our Take: Musical instruments and equipment, music and audio software, online music services, books about music.
Procedure: Query writers@GoTunz.com before submitting product reviews. You should obtain your own products for review, although we occasionally make assignments.

Photos
• We do not buy freelance photos, but writers should send photos with articles, if applicable.
• Acceptable formats: .jpg, .gif, .tif
• Offers no extra payment for photos (rare exceptions)
• Required: Identification of subjects in all photos.

Contact & Submission Information
• Articles, Reviews, Queries, and Submissions to: writers@GoTunz.com

Acceptable Submission Formats
• Plain text via email to writers@GoTunz.com
• HTML Document – Clean code only!
• MS Word Adobe Acrobat PDF – must be copy-paste enabled.