LAPIDARY JOURNAL'S ~ STEP by
STEP ~ WRITER'S
GUIDELINES
Lapidary Journal is a
leading magazine about gemstones, jewelry, and beads. The Step by Step section
is primarily project-oriented with how-to articles and step-by-step
instructions for jewelry arts projects, including jewelry making, gem cutting,
and bead making. Our readers are active amateurs and practicing professionals,
therefore articles range from beginner to expert level. Writers must be able to
substantiate that material submitted is accurate and must make sure that all
steps involved in the creation of the piece are feasible using the tools
listed. Nothing should be needed beyond the scope of what is contained in the
article in order to complete the project.
Queries are preferred prior to
submissions; a brief description and image will suffice initially. We encourage
contributors to study several recent issues of Lapidary Journal to become
familiar with our approach and style. All accepted work is subject to editing
at our discretion.
SUBJECT:
Jewelry
making and design – including, but not limited to, faceting, intarsia,
beadwork, metalsmithing, wirework, lampworking,
enameling, polymer, and precious metal clays.
FORMAT:
- We work with Microsoft
Word but can read most word processing packages. A hard copy of the text must
accompany each project. Text may be e-mailed or sent on 3.5" PC-compatible
diskettes or CD's. Text must be available electronically.
- Please include author name
and contact information (address, phone, e-mail, Web address), project title,
level of experience required, a brief paragraph of background information to
preface the project, a brief bio of yourself, a complete list of tools and
materials required (including any TrademarkTM or
Registered Trademark® symbols), and project text with clearly numbered
instructional steps. We prefer generic product descriptions to brand names but
will publish brand names provided the writer explains her or his preference for
the brand (which may include the fact that it is the only one she or he has
tried).
- Please offer resources for
hard to find items.
- Any projects involving the
use of acids, abrasive chemicals, or machinery that could result in injury must
include appropriate precautions in the article.
- Projects are normally
between 700 and 2,500 words. Projects may be run serially.
- Where to send your text:
If text is e-mailed, please include Lapidary Journal -SBS in the subject
heading and send to [email protected] or mail to Lapidary Journal, c/o
Step by Step, 100 Chesterfield Avenue, Suite 300, Malvern, PA 19355.
ARTWORK:
- Step by Step projects
require illustrations or photographs accompanying each step. All images should
be labeled and captioned to correspond with the appropriate step instruction.
While all images submitted may or may not be used, we reserve the right to
determine what will best illustrate the project so that it is clear to the
reader. A photograph of the artist is also requested for inclusion with the
project.
- The required format for
artwork:
- High-resolution digital
images saved at 300dpi (approximately 600ppi) and a minimum of 3" wide.
Images may be sent via e-mail, however, files exceeding 1.5mb should be sent on
disk or CD.
- Camera-ready line drawings
or computer generated illustrations. Line drawings that are technically precise
but need to be redrawn for publication are acceptable.
- Optional: High quality
color slides of the finished work.
- The actual finished piece
must be available for photography, if requested. Please indicate the value of
each piece(s) for return shipping insurance coverage.
- Where to send your
artwork: If art is e-mailed, please include Lapidary Journal - SBS in the
subject heading and send to [email protected] or mail to Lapidary
Journal, c/o Step by Step, 100 Chesterfield Avenue, Suite 300, Malvern, PA 19355.
FEES:
- Writers must complete a
rights agreement and W-9 form.
- Lapidary Journal pays a
nominal fee to contributors upon publication of the article. Fee is based on
length and complexity, and determined by the editor.