Is the printed magazine the only way to read Cherry Bones?

Every new issue is available in print only — we love the analog experience of reading on paper, and are fully committed to the somewhat rare fusion of superb design and quality writing in print. After the paper copies sell out, however, we're making past issues available as an affordable digital download, in recognition that shipping to some parts of the world is tricky and expensive.

Where does my money go?

We don't publish any advertisements or do sneaky “collaborations” that look like journalism but are actually paid agreements — Cherry Bones is pure, original content, end to end. We also pay our contributors fairly and spend a LOT of time looking for fresh and diverse voices. So, the cover price is the only way everyone gets compensated. 

What happens if you sell out?

We're always delighted to sell out of print editions, and this sometimes happens very fast! Every issue is a limited edition, so when it's gone it's gone.

What makes your paper so special?

We launched Cherry Bones on Extract paper made from disposable paper coffee cups, made at a remarkable UK paper plant that our co-founder James Hoffmann filmed for our launch video. This paper was incredibly expensive and had to be made to order! When supporters asked us to make the magazine more affordable, we listened. We now print on Nautilus SuperWhite paper, which is 100% recycled, FSC certified, and feels/smells incredible.

Shipping charges are a bit steep!

True, although we've actually managed to secure cheaper shipping to most international destinations including the US while subsidising some of the cost to the most expensive destinations in the world. What remains is the simple cost of getting a full-size magazine to you with standard tracking. 

Where's my order?

Delivery times will vary by destination, and we're shipping initial orders once per week. After receiving your dispatch notice, UK orders take 1–3 days for delivery. EU orders take 7–10 business days. Orders to the US and Canada take 10–14 business days from our US distributor. Orders to other countries can take up to 30 days. If it's been longer than that, please use our contact page to let us know of any problems.

Will there be import taxes or duty charges?

Readers in the US and UK shouldn't see any import taxes or fees. Other countries may charge these, however, and any applicable fees or taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.

Can I buy these at a bulk or wholesale rate?

When we launch an issue, we prioritise individuals to ensure that Cherry Bones reaches as many people as possible. After the initial sales rush, we're open to wholesale arrangements with any remaining stock. Drop us a note on the contact form if you're interested.

How often will you publish?

Twice per year for now. Sign up for an email alert when our next issue drops at the top of the page here.

Can I subscribe?

For now, no. In the future, probably.

Should I write for Cherry Bones?

Quite possibly! We're very interested in good ideas, new and marginalised voices, and great writing/photography/art. We have the experience to help develop new writers, and we also appreciate professionals who know how to speak to a broad audience (newspaper/magazine journalists, where are ya?). We're also very interested in academic research that hasn't yet reached a wider audience, as well as really weird and funny stuff. 

How do I pitch an idea?

It's best to read the magazine first, so you have an idea of the kinds of things we publish. Send us an email (editors@cherrybonesmag.com) with a little bit about yourself (one paragraph) and a clear idea of what you want to contribute. Here are some guidelines:

We're aiming for a general audience, not just coffee people. That means pitches need to be compelling to the average person. Specifically, we're looking for:

• Strong journalistic profiles, features, investigative work, or newsy pieces
• Interesting research recast for a wide audience
• Expert analysis written for the average reader
• First-person tales that are arresting and worth telling
• Otherwise attention-getting or really odd/unusual/funny angles

A good rule of thumb: If it's something that would easily fit into another coffee publication, it's probably not right for us. (Those other magazines do a good job, and we're not trying to compete with them.) It's not a problem to be a new or unpublished writer, but a strong and clear idea is important. And yes, things connected to tea, chocolate, food, etc. are fair game.