Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE HOOK?
Simply: Charlottesville's most award-winning weekly newspaper. By publishing fair, balanced, and colorful journalism, the Hook contributes to the community's health and encourages the mental, physical, and civic engagement of Central Virginians.
WHY FREE?
Newspapers make most of their money from advertising, so it's just easier to skip the costly turmoil of subscription lists and paperboys and get the paper straight into readers' hands.
HOW DO I SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR?
Please send via email to . It must critique something we published, contain a contact phone number for verification, and be under 300 words. (We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.)
WHAT IF I'VE GOT A STORY IDEA?
If it's a news tip, please or call the editor at 295-8700 x236.
WHAT IF I'VE GOT A STORY I WANT TO WRITE?
Very few unsolicited news articles, essays, or photographs are accepted. However, all are carefully considered, and local emphasis remains essential. Please the editor.
BUT WHAT ABOUT MY IDEA FOR A NEW COLUMN?
Please send it to one of this area's other fine publications.
HOW DO I PLACE AN AD?
If it's a display ad, call 295-8700 x228 or click here. If it's a classified ad, go to readthehook.com or call 295-8700 x222
HOW DO I GET MY GROUP'S EVENT LISTED IN THE CALENDAR?
Go to readthehook.com/calendar/submissions.aspx.
WHERE CAN I GET A CURRENT ISSUE?
Look for the red boxes on sidewalks and in grocery stores and businesses around town. We print about 20,000 copies each week!
CAN I GET A SUBSCRIPTION?
You're probably better off just enjoying this website, but if you insist on a subscription, please be aware that issues arrive several days after publication, even though they're sent by first-class mail, and cost is $125/year. Send your address and your check or money order to The Hook, 100 Second Street NW, Charlottesville, VA, 22902. Or just call the classified department with your credit card: 434-295-8700 x222
CAN I GET BACK ISSUES?
Order by issue date or issue number after first searching for the story online— sorry, but we cannot assist your search. Please be aware that not all back issues are available, and we reserve the right to limit quantities. Send your check or money order to The Hook, 100 Second Street NW, Charlottesville, VA, 22902. Or visit. Or call 295-8700 x222.
Cost if mailed: $4 each; $3 each for 10+ mailed copies.
Cost if picked up from our office: $1 for issues 1-6 months old. $3 for issues over 6 months old.
How to get free copies of last week's issue: Look for the special boxes with last week's issue (next to this week's issue) scattered on the Downtown Mall.
WHERE'S THE OFFICE, AND WHEN IS IT OPEN?
We're located in the heart of Charlottesville on the Downtown Mall at the Second Street automobile crossing. We're upstairs over the Consignment House and Bizou restaurant— and diagonally across from the Regal Cinema. Entrance is through a red door on Second Street. Hours: 9-5, Monday through Friday. [map]
WHAT'S THE HOOK HISTORY?
The Hook was founded in early 2002 by a group of employees who had previously worked together at another local weekly called C-ville. The Hook is owned by Better Publications LLC, a Virginia company, whose stock is currently held by three Charlottesville individuals. A funny thing happened in 2011 though. C-ville and the Hook got bought by a consortium of the owners of the two papers. Happy together forever? Only a soothsayer knows! Want to hear a cute little radio ad we made back in early 2002? Click here.
WHAT'S WITH THAT NAME, "THE HOOK"?
Originally, Charlottesville itself earned that moniker, perhaps in the 1950s, because lots of UVA students earned Cs— aka "hooks"— on their report cards. But the so-called "gentleman's C" is history— doomed by grade inflation and coeducation. We picked the name because it simultaneously refers to the zesty part of a song, as well as this town's uncanny ability to lure people back. (And, although we do not embed nicotine in the inks, we believe our paper is habit-forming.)