Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist
Guidelines for Project Contributors
Last update: 11/17/2009
Download the Lapidary Journal
Jewelry Artist Guidelines for Project Contributors as a PDF file.
Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist is the leading enthusiast magazine about
jewelry and gems. Articles and instructions cover jewelry making and gem cutting,
emphasizing technique and design. Readers are active amateurs and practicing professionals
and range from beginner to advanced.
For projects, 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 lo-res
image will suffice initially. We encourage contributors to study several recent
issues of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist to become familiar with our
approach and style, as well as read over the attached pdf for our typical presentation
of materials.
All accepted work is subject to editing at our discretion.
SUBJECTS
Projects include but are not limited to metalsmithing, including but not limited
to fabrication, casting, wirework, forging, electroforming, soldering, engraving,
enameling, stone setting, metal clay, mixed media with metal; and gem cutting,
including but not limited to faceting, carving, cabbing, inlay, and intarsia.
STYLE
Project processes are presented as photographs, with telegraph-style text
describing what is going on in the photo, and a few sentences describing what
takes place between photographs. Unless a project is intended for a complete beginner,
it is not necessary to show or exhaustively explain the minute details of well-understood
processes. Rather, it is enough to note that certain skills are expected of the
maker. For example, if soldering is required, simply list soldering as one of
the required skills, and at the appropriate point in the text write, for example,
“Flux and sweat solder all parts. Pickle, rinse and dry.”
TEXT FORMAT
We work with Microsoft Word. A hard copy of the text must accompany each project.
Text may be e-mailed or sent on CD. Text must be available electronically. Do
not paste photographs into the manuscript, and do not apply extensive formatting
to the text. Projects are typically between 700 and 1,200 words, and may run serially
at the editor’s discretion.
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
1. Author name, contact information (address, phone, e-mail, Web
address, not published except by request, and then only one form), and one-sentence
bio
2. Project description
3. Skills required, and how long it took to make the piece
4. A brief paragraph to preface the project
5. A complete list of tools and materials required (including any Trademark™
or Registered Trademark® symbols. 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.
6. Clearly numbered process photographs as detailed below
7. Clearly numbered instructional steps that correspond to the photographs
8. Brief instructions for steps that take place between photographs
9. A thumbnail sheet or contact sheet of all enclosed photos
10. Complete caption information for additional photography supplied of additional
works, which may be used in the gallery section called Designs from Our Contributors
11. The actual piece for us to photograph as detailed below.
12. Please list tips, tricks, suggested reading, sources or other anecdotal information
at the end of the of the project instructions.
Any projects involving the use of acids, abrasive chemicals, or machinery that
could result in injury must include appropriate precautions in the article.
PHOTO FORMAT
Photographs must accompany critical project steps. It is not necessary to
shoot each step, just important points in the process. Typically, 10-20 photos
are sufficient for a project of intermediate level which includes, for example,
fabrication and finishing.
Photos must be at least 300DPI jpeg or tiff digital files measuring a minimum
of 5x7 inches and included on the submission CD. It is preferable for shots to
be consistent, and against a neutral background when possible. Please focus close
to the piece and provide sharp, well-lit photos.
Again, refer to attached pdf for samples of successful process photographs.
The finished piece should be available for photography when requested. High
quality color slides of the finished work may also be used if available. Remember
to provide caption information and a photographer credit for these images. If
the actual finished piece is requested, please indicate the value of each piece(s)
for return shipping insurance coverage, but don’t send it until we request
it.
All images should be labeled and captioned to correspond with the appropriate
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.
Our style for labeling photographs within project text is: {Photo #} Description
…
Where to send your submission: If text is e-mailed, please include Lapidary
Journal Jewelry Artist in the subject heading and send to MWhite@interweave.com
or mail to Jewelry Artist, Attn.: Projects, 300 Chesterfield Parkway, Suite
100, Malvern, PA 19355
FEES
Writers must complete a rights agreement and W-9 form. Lapidary Journal
Jewelry Artist pays a nominal fee to contributors upon publication of the
article. Fee is based on length and complexity, and determined by the editor.
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