Drawing on my experiences over the first two years in the role of Editor-in-Chief of American Ethnologist, I will talk about lessons I have learned about the art of ethnographic writing. In addition to considering the role of American Ethnologist in promoting ethnographic analysis internationally, I will discuss what kinds of things might make contributors more effective in targeting their submissions (to this journal, or to others). Specific topics will include: what are the elements of good, anthropological ethnographic writing; the relationship between theory and ethnography; the ins and outs of the review process; and effective strategies for matching your work to the best possible journal.