The film publication of Let's Make Films. New film writing from new writers, with a new piece every two weeks.
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Journal FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about writing for The LMF Journal. For anything not covered here, email contact@letsmakefilms.co.uk.
The LMF Journal is the film writing publication of Let’s Make Films. We publish reviews, opinion pieces and essays about film, written by new and emerging writers, with a new piece every two weeks.
Who can write for the Journal?
New and emerging writers aged 18 or over. No experience or qualifications needed. If you have never been published, great, that is exactly who this is for.
How do I pitch?
Email us a film you want to write about and what you would say about it, with a writing sample of up to 500 words.
Is it paid?
Yes. The fee is confirmed in your commission before you start, and we pay on delivery of an accepted final draft, whether or not the piece is published in the end.
What can I write about?
New releases, older films, classics, overlooked films, and films more widely. We want your authentic take on the subject you’re writing about.
Will my writing be edited?
Yes, every piece. You get notes and one round of revisions. We edit for clarity and accuracy and will not change the substance of your opinion without talking to you first.
Do you accept AI writing?
No. Every piece must be written by a person.
Can I repost my piece on my own blog or social media?
Yes. Once it is published on our website, you are free to use it on your own platforms. Where you can, please note it first appeared in The LMF Journal and link back.
Are your reviews independent?
Yes. We do not show pieces to cinemas or distributors before publication, and you will never be asked to change an honest opinion for a commercial reason.
How do I get in touch?
Email contact@letsmakefilms.co.uk. For pitches, include what films you like, what you would want to write about, and a short sample of your writing.
Do I need to live in Liverpool?
No. There is a focus on Liverpool-based writers, but you can still submit from anywhere, and we will go through the submission based on the standard of the piece.
Will I hear back?
Yes. We read every pitch and reply to everyone, normally within seven days, even when we cannot commission the piece.
Do you cover my cinema ticket?
Where a commission involves seeing a film at the cinema, yes. This is confirmed when we commission you.
How long should pieces be?
This is confirmed in each commission, usually a few hundred to around a thousand words, depending on the piece and the strand.
Can I submit something already published elsewhere?
No, with one exception: writing that first appeared on your own personal blog, which you can submit if you tell us when you pitch.
Who owns my work once it's published?
You do. You keep the copyright. You give us permission to publish it, archive it, and use extracts in our own future posts connected to the film or the people in it. We always credit you.
Can I choose my own images?
We handle images and stills. Please do not add images to your submission unless we ask.
Could it lead to other opportunities?
It can. Writers connected to LMF can get involved in our wider work and events, though we cannot promise specific opportunities.
Where can I find T&Cs?
You can find our T&Cs here.