"Essence is the magazine for today's Black women. Edited for career-minded, sophisticated and independent achievers, Essence's editorial is dedicated to helping its readers attain their maximum potential in various lifestyles and roles."

Needs: Nonfiction: The editorial content includes career and educational opportunities; fashion and beauty; investing and money management; health and fitness; parenting; information on home decorating and food; travel; cultural reviews; fiction; and profiles of achievers and celebrities. Word length will be given upon assignment. Pays $500 minimum. Columns and Departments: Query department editors: Lifestyle (food, lifestyle, travel, consumer information): Jay Cain; Entertainment: Yvette Russell; Health & Fitness: Ziba Kashef. Pays $100 minimum. Publishes novel excerpts. "Please note that Essence no longer accepts unsolicited manuscripts for fiction, poetry or nonfiction, except for the Brothers, Windows, Back Talk and Interiors columns. So please only send query letters for nonfiction story ideas."

Reach: Circulation: 1,100,000. Both print and electronic publication. Established 1970.

Submission: Query only. Reports in 2 months. Writer's guidelines free.