CHI1 delivers news, information and resource listings necessary for the success and survival of small and medium-sized businesses in the Chicago area. CHI1 is comprised primarily of articles that combine three main elements: business and technology related news and resources; Chicago metropolitan interests; and functional or instructional content. CHI1 editors listen to our readers and will continue their goal to provide insightful, practical and informative articles that help Chicagoland small businesses succeed. CHI1 is updated with new content several times each week.

CHI1 Audience
       CHI1 readers are mostly in the Chicagoland area, and include owners and executives of small and medium businesses, as well as entrepreneurs and service providers. Our readers have one main objective: to learn more about growing their business and becoming more successful.

What We're Looking For
       News articles provide the latest reports, trends and technologies that impact Chicagoland organizations. Feature stories examine the ins and outs of running and growing a business. Topics of interest include how to start a business; the advantages and disadvantages of new technologies; how to promote and market a business; legal, accounting and banking issues; training and educating employees; and how to increase community involvement.

Content and Style
       CHI1 articles should be about 1,000 - 1,500 words in length and written in a clear journalistic style. News articles should be written in an inverted pyramid style found in most newspapers. Feature stories can be in a more loosely written style. Articles written in a personal essay or opinion style are discouraged. CHI1 adheres to AP style.
       When writing for CHI1, writers are encouraged to include strong leads and headlines, and use crisp, clear prose. Contributions should be non-commercial in nature, and will be checked for accuracy to ensure material of the highest quality.
       We prefer to see a detailed story idea as a formal query rather than an unsolicited manuscript, though the latter will be given a thorough review. Queries should be sent to editors@chi1.com or mailed to Managing Editor, CHI1 Business & Technology, 3525 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 406, Chicago, IL 60659. No phone calls, please

When proposing a story idea, writers should submit:

• An outline and brief synopsis of their idea with a statement explaining the significance to the modern reader;
• Sources you expect to use;
• Proposed length;
• A writing sample, such as a page or two of the proposed article or a copy of a previously published article;
• The author's previous writing experience; and
• Suggestions of illustration or photographs expected to be used

       The editor cannot provide critiques of submitted material. Rejection of an idea or manuscript does not necessarily mean that it lacks merit; the magazine may have recently published or commissioned a similar article, may only be seeking articles that focus on a particular time period or subject, or may simply have a full inventory of articles awaiting publication.

Completed Manuscripts
       Once an article has been commissioned, or if sending on spec, manuscripts should be prepared to the following guidelines:

• Format. Manuscripts should be submitted via e-mail as a Microsoft Word or similar attachment in a traditional format.
• Author's bio. The manuscript should be accompanied by a brief author biography that will identify his or her expertise to readers and include e-mail and telephone contact information, and web site if appropriate
• Illustrations. Contributors are encourages to supply photographs, graphics or other artwork whenever possible. Electronic versions of artwork only.

After Submission
       The CHI1 editorial staff makes every effort to respond to every contributor. If an article is selected for publication, CHI1 will contact the author prior to publication to discuss revisions, rewriting, or to answer queries. However, due to the volume of material CHI1 receives, the editors cannot respond directly to every submission.
       Once a submitted article is accepted by CHI1, authors will be asked to sign and return an authors agreement (click here), granting the publisher an irrevocable, non-exclusive, worldwide license to publish, copy and distribute the in hard copy or electronic form, in any medium now existing or hereafter created. Please sign and fax the agreement to 773.313.0011 - note that this agreement must be signed before any article can be published.
       CHI1 editors prefer to use material that has not been previously printed or posted, and will not publish previously copyrighted material. Authors can, however, publish their own CHI1 material in other publications after it was appeared in CHI1.
       CHI1 does not currently pay for articles. The publication does, however, make every effort to ensure that readers understand the professional authority on which the author/contributor bases his or her work, and that readers can easily contact the author or the author's place of business via phone or e-mail.