Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the digital edition of your magazine posted each month?

The digital issue usually goes live just before the 1st of a given month. You can submit your email address and zip code in the form on our home page to receive an email alert as soon as the new issue is posted.


Q: When do new print issues of Western New York Family come out?

Our print edition begins distribution to area locations usually beginning on the 28th of a month so that the new issue can be found in most locations by the first day of the new month. Check our Facebook page for an announcement of exact dates each month.


Q: How can I find a distribution location?

The magazine can be found at all Wegmans locations (on the racks where newspapers are sold, even though our publication is FREE; or in some stores, at the service desk, or on the checkout counters); most public library locations in Erie & Niagara counties; pediatrician’s offices (if your pediatrician doesn’t have copies, ask their office to request copies by calling us at 716-846-3486); child care centers, many of our advertisers, and more than 350 other locations frequented often by families. Call our office with your zip code and we’ll be able to give you more exact locations.


Q: Can I have a copy of the magazine mailed to my home?

We offer paid subscriptions to our print edition. Your copy will be mailed in an envelope via first class mail the same day it is delivered from the printer. We also offer one-year gift subscriptions and will enclose a card with the current issue to let the recipient know of your gift. The cost of either type of one-year subscription is $28. Call our office at 716-836-3486 with your credit card to order a subscription or mail your check or money order to: WNY Family Magazine, PO Box 1573, Buffalo, NY 14225.


Q: How does my business or organization become a distribution location?

We print 20,000 copies per issue and most of those are already assigned to distribution locations. But, as businesses come and go, we keep a waiting list for new sites. Please call our office and ask for a “Courtesy Copy Request” Form to be sent to you. By completing that form, you will be considered as a future distribution point, as magazines become available and if you meet the criteria explained on the form.


Q: How does my business or organization become part of your online Directory?

Our Directory is a paid feature of our web site, and is also related to the paid Family Resource Guides published in our May and October print issues each year. Please call our Advertising Department for all the details at 716-836-3486 or email advertising@wnyfamilymagazine.com.


Q: I think WNY Family is a fantastic resource and would like have copies of the magazine to give out at my support group or a school open house, etc.

Copies for this purpose are available free of charge if you pick them up. Please plan ahead and call several weeks in advance to make sure we will have extra magazines available to put aside for you. We may not always have the current issue to give you, but reasonably current back issues may also be available.


Q: What types of events are suitable for submission to the WNY Family online calendar?

Our calendar focuses on events that are appropriate for children and/or children with their families. If you do not want children at your event, or your event is not appropriate for children, then your item should not be submitted unless it is in some way related to parenting or family relationships, i.e., a workshop for parents on special education; a lecture by a child psychologist on preventing bullying, or an adult fundraiser for a child-related charity, etc. The calendar is designed to feature events presented by cultural and community organizations, non-profits, and support groups. We do not publish events submitted by for-profit businesses; school, camp or childcare open houses. Occasional exceptions are made when a business or other entity offers a unique, unusual or free event.


Q: How do I submit my event to the WNY Family online calendar?

There are two ways to submit your event information:

1) Send a press release via snail mail or through email including the details of your event (including date, time span, price if applicable, address, contact number, website and a short description) to calendar@wnyfamilymagazine.com.

2) Submit your event information through our web site widget found on our home page. Fill out the form completely and double check dates, times, and details for accuracy. The more detail the better! Images and video links can also be included. PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 5 DAYS FOR YOUR ITEM TO BE POSTED. We receive many submissions and posts do not go live without each being considered for appropriateness for our readership and editing for proper format.


Q: How do I submit an item for the web site’s community page?

Send all the details in an email to our editor Paul Kline at paul@wnyfamilymagazine.com.  Please put “COMMUNITY PAGE” in the subject line of your email. Be brief but specific and include all contact information. INCLUDING A PHOTO (horizontal photos work best) will increase the chances of your item being selected for the page. Please note that Michele gets lots and lots of emails and cannot respond to every submission. If your item is used, she will notify you.


Q: Something’s listed incorrectly on your web site. Who do I tell?

Call our office at 716-836-3486; a member of our staff will be glad to take the correction that’s needed. You can also email your correction to feedback@wnyfamilymagazine.com.


Q: How do I get my child on the cover of WNY Family?

While you might imagine that we arrange glamorous photo shoots that is not the case. As a free publication, our budget is limited. We occasionally work with local professional photographers who submit their work to us for consideration, but most often we use stock photos from a subscription service. We will accept photo submissions of childen (ranging in age from newborn to 16 years old), from individuals but your image must be high resolution (300dpi at a size of at leat 8 inches by 10 inches, vertical  in orientation with enough space at the top for us to place the WNY Family header without covering up the child(ren)'s face, and feature a child(ren) who are looking directly into the camera with happy expressions. Your child should not be dressed in dark clothing, nor wearing "busy" patterns. The background of your image cannot be cluttered or dark. If you think you have an image that fits this description, you are welcome to email it to graphics@wnyfamilymagazine.com  for consideration with "COVER PHOTO SUBMISSION" in the subject line of your email. Be sure to include the child(ren)’s name, age, your name and address, your relationship to the child, and your contact information. Please note that we can only reply if we are interested in using the photo and that we do not offer payment if your photo is used. We will, of course, provide you with enough copies of the magazine upon publication to give to all your friend and relatives!