2027 Updates to Magazine Framework & Themes

What’s changing

Starting with the January 2027 issue, editorial themes will be optional. You can choose a pre-approved theme when it supports your local market or sales strategy, or publish an issue without one. If you use a theme, your cover does not have to reflect it.

We’re also introducing three staple departments: Home & Design, Food & Drink, and Community Spotlight. These reflect the stories publishers already cover most often and give readers a consistent mix of local content each month.

Timeline

January 2027 issue: Themes become optional. We encourage you to begin including all three staple departments.
April 2027 issue: All three departments become required in every issue.

Pre-approved theme options

If you choose to use a theme, select one from this list. You may use these themes at any time of year.

Health & Wellness: Fitness, nutrition, mental health, medical experts, and local wellness businesses
Love Local: Hometown pride, small businesses, and the people and places that make your community what it is
Home & Design: Local homes, remodels, interior design, landscaping, and the pros behind them
Investment: Financial planning, real estate, wealth management, and money stories told through local experts
Women’s Issue: Women leading, building, and giving back across your community
Men’s Issue: Men making a local impact in business, service, and family life
Travel & Leisure: Getaways, staycations, travel tips, and residents’ favorite destinations
Kids & Pets: Family life, youth sports and activities, animal stories, and the businesses that serve them
Fashion & Style: Local boutiques, seasonal style, beauty, and residents with a signature look
Food & Drink: Restaurants, chefs, recipes, cocktails, and the local food scene
Thankful: Gratitude and reflection stories from residents; a natural fit for November
Giving Back: Nonprofits, volunteers, and philanthropy in action
Holiday & Revel: Seasonal celebrations, traditions, gift guides, and festive entertaining
Neighbors & Community Heroes: First responders, teachers, veterans, and everyday residents doing extraordinary things
Outdoor Adventure: Parks, trails, recreation, and residents who live for the outdoors
Art & Music: Local artists, musicians, galleries, and the creative community
The Makers Issue: Artisans, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs who build things by hand
Local Legends: Community icons and longtime residents whose stories shaped your town
History & Heritage: Your town’s origins, landmarks, and the stories behind them
Entertaining & Hosting: Dinner parties, tablescapes, and ways to gather well
Anniversary Issue: Celebrating years 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20

Note: If a theme combines two topics, you may use just one. For example, you could use The Kids Issue instead of Kids & Pets.

FAQ

Can I stop using themes now?

No. Themes become optional with the January 2027 issue.

If I use themes, do I need one every month?

No. You can use them as often or as rarely as you’d like.

Can I create my own theme?

No. Any theme you use must come from the pre-approved theme list.

Does my cover have to relate to the theme?

No. Your cover does not have to reflect the theme.

Does my cover have to connect to an article in the magazine?

Yes. Your cover does have to directly connect to an article in the magazine it is running in.

Do I have to include all three staple departments?

Yes, beginning with the April 2027 issue. Each issue must include a Food & Drink article, a Home & Design article, and a Community Spotlight article. We encourage you to start including all three with your January issue.

Is there a length or recipe requirement for these articles?

Each article must be at least one page but may run longer. There is no recipe requirement. The same rules that apply to other magazine articles apply to these departments.

What qualifies for Home & Design?

Stories about homes, home projects, or businesses connected to the home. Examples include realtors, designers, builders, contractors, lawn care and gardening businesses, home-related stores, brokers and mortgage companies, roofing and garage door companies, and tree specialists. You could also feature a local home, DIY project, backyard pool, or outdoor living space.

What qualifies for Food & Drink?

Examples include restaurants, bars, bakeries, coffee shops, chefs, food trucks, food events, recipes, entertaining, outdoor cooking, charcuterie companies, caterers, farmers’ markets, farms, herb gardens, and kitchen supply stores.

What qualifies for Community Spotlight?

You can feature an individual or group making an impact in your community, including a business owner, resident, charity, community leader, or local celebrity. The subject may be a partner or non-partner.

What happens if a required department is missing after the April 2027 requirement begins?

We’ll place a one-page corporate Evergreen article in the issue to represent that department. If the issue is full, the designer will make room by shortening other content when possible. If nothing can be shortened by a page, an article will need to be removed to make room for the required content.

Can I add a missing department during content review?

No. New content cannot be added after the editorial deadline. If a required department is missing, a corporate Evergreen article will be placed in the issue instead.