Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our readers.
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
Q: How do I contact Customer Care? I have a question about my subscription.
A: If you have questions regarding your subscription, renewals, gifts, payments, account information and other inquiries, please visit our Customer Care center. You may also email [email protected] or write to us at Country Customer Care, P.O. Box 5294, Harlan IA 51593-0794.
You will find all your Customer Care FAQ’s here:
Customer Care FAQ
Q: What is Country Extra?
A: Country Extra gives you everything you love about Country…and a whole lot more! It arrives in January, March, May, July, September and November and contains an extra helping of photos, heartwarming stories and rural memories. Country Extra requires a separate subscription, though. Subscribe today!
Q: I just sent in my payment. Why am I still getting subscription reminders in the mail?
A: We apologize if you’re getting extra reminders of your subscription expiring. If you have additional questions, please visit our Customer Care center. You may also email [email protected] or write to us at Country Customer Care, P.O. Box 5294, Harlan IA 51593-0794.
Q: Where can I purchase a single issue, or a back issue?
A: Country and Country Extra are not sold on newsstands, but you can purchase single issues while supplies last by visiting shoptasteofhome.com.
Q: My magazine is late. What should I do?
A: Magazines arrive at different times, and it’s possible that you could receive yours up to two weeks later than a friend. If your magazine is consistently late, it’s usually a post office issue, so check with your local office. If you believe it’s something on our end, please contact Customer Care.
Q: I would like old magazines for my school, church or community group. Can you help?
A: Unfortunately, we don’t have a large backlog supply of magazines, so we are unable to accommodate these requests.
Q: I have back issues of Country I have collected over the years. Can I send them to you?
A: We simply don’t have the staff to handle redistributing magazines. However, you may consider donating them to your local nursing home, community center, school or hospital. (We recommend calling before you drop in.) Another option is donating them to an organization that sends care packages to American soldiers overseas. It’s a great way to bring a little bit of home to our servicemen and women.
Q: I saw a photo in Country and would like a copy. Can I get one?
A: We obtain rights for Country’s use of photographs, but not to give out copies, prints or digital files of these photos. If the image in question is a professional photo, you might locate the name of photographer in the credit line, sometimes found in small vertical print along the center fold of the magazine. Do an internet search for their website or agency, and you may find that by contacting them directly, they are willing to sell you a print.
Q: I saw a photo in Country and would like permission to use it in a project. Can you give me permission?
A: We obtain rights for Country’s use of photographs, and do not have the authority to grant permission for others to use them. If the image in question is a professional photo, you might locate the name of photographer in the credit line, sometimes found in small vertical print along the center fold of the magazine. Do an internet search for their website or agency and attempt to contact them directly.
Q: I’m looking for a story from an old issue of Country. Can you help?
A: Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources to track down old stories.
Q: Can you help me locate a recipe from a past issue of Country?
A: We share all of our recipes with our sister publication Taste of Home, so simply search tasteofhome.com.
Q: I read an article and would like to contact the author. Could you send me his or her address?
A: Sorry, but we’re unable to give out contributors’ addresses.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Q: What’s the best way to share my story or photos with you?
A: Submit online at country-magazine.com. Be sure to include your full contact information. Also, photo files need to be JPEG files that are 1 MB in size or larger. If you would like us to consider your story, photos, illustrations or other materials, please read the complete list of Submission Guidelines.
Q: I submitted a story or photos a while back, but I haven’t heard anything. Why?
A: We get dozens of submissions each week, and although we wish we could respond personally, it’s just not possible because we have a very small staff. We do read our submissions, and everything—published or not—contributes toward making Country a unique reading experience.
We plan our magazine far in advance, so we often keep material on file for several months. If your submission is seasonal, we may keep it to consider for the appropriate issue next year. We do evaluate submissions very carefully. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough space in the magazine to print and share all of them with our readers.
Q: I have a comment, not a story. How should I send it?
A: Email your comment to us at [email protected].
Q: I am a professional photographer and would like to submit photos for publication. How do I do that?
A: Email a link to a lightbox or gallery with samples of your best work to [email protected].
Q: How do I enter the Find the Needle contest?
A: Please visit our Contests page for more information.
Q: I have searched and can’t find the needle in the latest issue of Country (or the two needles in the latest issue of Country Extra). Can I have a hint?
A: Here’s the best hint we can give and still remain fair to everyone: Try turning your magazine upside-down and then searching for the needle. Readers tell us this often does the trick.
Q: When I try to enter the needle contest, I can’t choose the current issue. What’s wrong?
A: Chances are you’re a few days early. Many times we wait until the new issue has started mailing out to update the needle contest. We want to give everyone plenty of time to enter. Rest assured, the new contest will open soon.
Q: How do I enter your photo contests?
A: Visit our Contests page and click on the contest you’d like to enter. You’ll find more information and rules for each contest.