Does Indie Auto accept article submissions?

Indie Auto reader SL recently asked whether we accept article submissions. Others may have the same question, so I am responding in an “Editor’s Note” rather than with a personal email.

Everyone is invited to submit a comment (see below) or a letter to the editor (go here). A longer letter can function like an opinion piece in a newspaper’s op-ed section, so this is the best way to give your writing visibility at Indie Auto.

Why all of Indie Auto’s articles are written in house

All of our regular articles have been written by me. That could plausibly change, but let me explain why it hasn’t thus far.

One hurdle is that Indie Auto’s articles have an unusual format that includes a scholarly citation method. I have assumed (incorrectly?) that volunteer writers wouldn’t want to take the time to conform to our format requirements. Changing a draft article’s format at the editing stage is too time consuming.

Another factor is that I am trying to maintain a distinctive editorial voice. That includes an emphasis on historical analysis rather than a rote recitation of facts and myths. I appreciate a diversity of viewpoints but don’t want Indie Auto’s content to become too similar to everyone else’s.

Where else can one get published?

That brings me to the second question asked by SL: What other auto history publications might accept submissions? If I were trying to get published at a national level and could write for free, I would start with Curbside Classic.

If you have well-developed writing and research skills, Collectible Automobile might be worth approaching. However, if you go this route be sure to carefully study the magazine’s recent content and format before pitching a story idea.

I would steer clear of some automotive websites that include history pieces. A case in point is Hotcars.com, which appears to have lax journalistic standards (go here for an example).

We need more automotive historians

SL says that he is a member of a car club but not the Society of Automotive Historians. That’s okay, but I would nevertheless recommend joining this international association because its resources are valuable. Membership levels start at $20 per year for digital content delivered by email.

Automotive history needs more writers — particularly younger — so I would encourage those with an interest in this field to explore your publishing options.

At least in my experience, a key step is figuring out your niche. What are you most moved to write about — and where are the best prospects for getting that particular kind of writing published? Answering those questions may take both personal reflection and basic “market research.”

If, like me, what you want to do ends up being too offbeat for established publications, don’t despair — start you own blog! An easy way to do so is to set up a free website from a vendor such as WordPress or Substack. Feel free to ask how-to questions in the comment thread.