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Writers Guidelines

 

Subject Matter


The Format Of Your Submission

Our readers are technical, so your work should not be overly chatty or friendly. A reasonable conversational style is better than sounding like a dry textbook. However, including something like “Step 4: Go get a beer” would cross the line.

The general rules of content presentation should be followed, that is:


Don’t be shy to include things you tried that didn’t work. Our readers will learn as much (maybe even more) from your mistakes as they will from your successes. Also, incorporate subheads so that readers can find their place in the text and so the article is an easier read.

What your Submission Should Include

If you are writing a project, you should provide the reader with the following information:


If your project contains a microcontroller or programmable memory, we require either a source code listing or a HEX program image. Full source code disclosure often gives our readers ideas and hints to solve other problems, a goal we feel is important. We shy away from printing source code listings in the magazine, but encourage you to discuss core or interesting routines, algorithms, or functions in the body of your article. These are also good subjects for sidebars. Ultimately, your source code and/or HEX files will be placed on our website for our readers to access. (They may also be on your own website.)

If you wish to make a pre-programmed microcontroller available for purchase, we encourage (and appreciate) that.

Length

Full-length articles should be 1,500-2,500 words (not including sidebars). The entire article, including sidebars, photos, or other supporting material, should not exceed four and a half printed pages without consulting the editor. Longer or multi-part project articles may be accepted, but MUST be cleared in advance.

Rates

The standard rate is $100.00 per printed page with a $450.00 maximum payment for full-length, well-written articles that require little editing. Payment will usually be made within 60-90 days of publication. Full or partial exchanges of editorial content for advertising space will be entertained, but should be discussed with the associate publisher before assuming eligibility.

T & L Publications buys one-time rights to publish articles for both foreign and domestic distribution, but reserves the right to distribute reprints on request or as a compilation of past material in print and/or digital formats. We also reserve the right to print or reprint any article at an exclusive Internet site. All material must be guaranteed exclusive to T & L Publications, Inc., unless notification has been given prior to acceptance.

Submission Formats

We accept submissions on PC-format 3.5” floppies, CDs, or via email (preferred). Use . If your files are too large to email, you can use our ftp site. Contact our office for the current user name and password. Be sure to send an email to let us know you’ve put something up on the ftp site. Each article element should be stored as a single file, including text body, parts lists, sidebars, about the author, and graphics. Files should be submitted in MS Word (.doc) or ASCII text. If you wish to include a PDF suggesting an article layout, we’ll consider it but make no promise to follow it.

Each submission must include a separate CONTACT.TXT file, containing: your name, address, phone number, email address, social security or tax ID number, title of article, and submission date. We also have a .pdf form available on our website you can use to fill out and submit with your manuscript.

Photographs are strongly encouraged.


Schematics, PCB layouts, drawings, or other artwork MUST be computer generated. We will NOT redraw artwork. Any computer-generated drawings must be saved as encapsulated postscript (.eps), Adobe Acrobat (.pdf), DXF. or bitmap (.bmp) images. Vector-based formats (.eps, .pdf, .dxf) are preferred. Save images as high resolution (300-600 dpi) output. That means a bitmap schematic, 4 x 5 in size, should be at least 1200 x 1500 pixels. Schematics should be in black and white, not color.

Some CAD programs produce schematic diagrams with very thin lines and small text. These types of diagrams are difficult to read, do not print well, and should be avoided. When in doubt, email us a sample.

Editing

All material accepted for publication may be subject to editing due to space restrictions or for any other reason deemed necessary by the publisher. If your manuscript contains a large amount of misspellings, grammatical errors, or requires extensive editing, it may be rejected or not paid at the full rate.

Policy

The information contained in these guidelines outlines the terms and conditions under which we will accept an article for publication and supersedes any different terms, rights, or conditions not previously agreed to in writing by T & L Publications, Inc.


Nuts & Volts Magazine
430 Princeland Court
Corona, CA 92879
951.371.8497 Voice
951.371.3052 Fax

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