The Borderbeat accepts queries or completed manuscripts relating to the U.S.-Mexican border. As the definition of "the border" is so broad, possible topics can range from politics to humanitarian needs, health care and culture, and even food and entertainment. We are interested in copy that is captivating, professional and not covered by the mainstream media ad nauseam.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with our publication and read some of our stories before sending your manuscript. Because our audience is made up primarily of university students, we look for stories that will appeal to an intelligent engaged audience. The Borderbeat is a publication that is edgy and exciting but not gratuitous. Please refrain from foul language and ad hominem attacks in your writing.

Some types of stories we are interested in:

Features: Our features include many types of stories. These may be, but are not limited to: personality profiles, businessprofiles, interviews, hot-to stories, personal experience essays, travel stories, biographies, short histories, opinion writing and policy analysis.

Stand alone photos: If you've got a photo that is a story in itself, send it to us. We'll take a look at it and see if we can use it.

Photo Essays: If you have a series of photos compiled into an essay/slideshow, send it to us. We would prefer the individual photos sent via email as .jpeg attachments or a cd turned into us, along with captions for each photo. We will construct the slideshow to our specs.

Short Stories / Fiction: Stories should be of a professional quality. They should be of a length of 1800 words or less. If the story is longer, it should not be too much longer, but we are willing to provide a little bit of a cushion. All stories will be reviewed by the same team that reviews submitted news features.

Format: Please send all submissions via email either as a word document attached or in the body of the email. If you place the text in the body, please check formatting - we prefer to see work of a professional caliber. Please provide your name, email, phone number, and the contact info of sources used in the story.

Please send any inquiries and/or submissions to: borderbeat@gmail.com.