Guide: How to Write & Get Paid for Fine Homebuilding (Step-by-Step)

Section 1 · Quick primer

What Fine Homebuilding actually publishes — fast summary

Fine Homebuilding is a bimonthly magazine and website focused on practical, how-to information for people who build, renovate, and repair houses. Its content ranges from narrow technique pieces (for example, “how to flash a window properly”) to project/process articles that document a real job from start to finish. Most published pieces are written by people who actually do the work: builders, architects, contractors, and experienced owner/builders. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The site organizes content in clear areas such as How-To, Design, Tools & Materials, Restoration, Video, and Project Guides. They also run departments and features like Tips & Techniques, Tools & Materials, Ask the Experts, and Houses by Design — reading current and recent issues will quickly show you their tone and format. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Section 2 · Fit your idea

Is your idea shaped for Fine Homebuilding?

Start with a problem that a builder or remodeler has to solve on a real job. If your idea is just “painting basics,” it’s probably too broad. Shape it around a task, tool, or decision with measurable results. Good checks:

Section 3 · Build a publishable sample package

What to prepare before you pitch (samples, photos, drawings)

Before you contact the editor, assemble a proposal package: a short outline, a project paragraph, and a representative set of photographs or drawings. Fine Homebuilding explicitly asks for a package with an outline and representative photos. Low-res images are fine for the pitch, but final photos must be high resolution. The guidelines specify minimum image resolution expectations and that editors will often visit for final photography. Expect to email your proposal to the address on their contributor page. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Tip: take notes while you work. Short captions written on the job become the article’s figure captions and dramatically shorten your writing time.

Section 4 · Pitch plan & templates

Step-by-step pitch workflow (with sample email and outline)

Below is a compact SOP you can follow. Use it for first pitches and for later, more polished queries.

Sample pitch email (short)

Subject: Pitch — Technique: [Short, specific title] — [Your name, town/state]

Hello Fine Homebuilding editors,

I’m [Your name], a [builder/architect/renovator] with [X] years of experience in [brief specialty].
I’d like to propose a technique/project article titled:
“[Concise title that names the result and tool/technique]”.

One-paragraph summary:
[1–2 sentences that explain the problem, your approach, and the benefit to readers.]

Attachments/links:
• Outline (one page)
• 4 representative photos (low-res JPEGs) — captions included
• Sample article link or portfolio
• Short bio & contact info

Why this fits FHB:
[1 sentence: how it matches FHB’s audience — practical, field-tested technique]

Thanks for your time — I can expand the outline or submit a full draft if you’d like.
Best,
[Your name] — [phone] — [email]

Sample article outline (for the pitch)

Title: How to flash and trim a retrofit window on a balloon-frame addition

1. Why this matters (100–150 words)
2. Job context & tools — what the reader needs to know
3. Step 1: Remove old trim, inspect rough opening (photos)
4. Step 2: Install sill pan and sub-flashing (detailed steps, tool notes, photos)
5. Step 3: Install head flashing and shims (photos + tips)
6. Step 4: Trim and seal details (fastener types, sealants, photos)
7. Troubleshooting & common mistakes
8. Materials list and estimated time/budget
9. Short conclusion & next steps for readers

Section 5 · Money & rights

How contributors are usually paid — what to expect

Payment models vary by publication and by the assignment. Public summaries and writer directories note that Fine Homebuilding historically pays on a per-page or per-article basis, with earlier public reports showing starting rates around $150 per published magazine page; however exact fees and assignment rates are set by the editors and can vary by the piece. Always confirm the fee for each assignment with the editor at acceptance. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Section 6 · Photos, drawings & technical art

How to prepare photos, captions, and drawings that editors love

Fine Homebuilding’s guidelines explain that editors will often want the rights to published photos and that final photos should be high resolution. For pitch purposes, low-res images are acceptable but the magazine requests final photos at a minimum of 300 dpi at a typical print size (the site lists 300 dpi @ 6 in. by 7 in. as a minimum example). Always read the image and copyright sections of the contributor page carefully before sending photos. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

If a professional photographer took images of your project, you’ll need to confirm copyright terms and often have the photographer sign the publisher’s agreement. Fine Homebuilding’s contributor guidelines cover these points. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Section 7 · Micro-SOP (final checklist)

Before you hit Send — a short checklist to avoid common rejections

Section 8 · FAQs, sample outreach, and resources

Fast answers to common questions + extra links you can use

Sample follow-up note (short)

Subject: Follow-up: Pitch — [Short title] — [Your name]

Hello [Editor name],

I sent a proposal on [date] titled “[Short title]” and wanted to confirm it arrived. I’m happy to expand the outline or provide additional photos or drawings if useful.

Thanks for your time,
[Your name] — [phone] — [email]