Subject Matter
- Analog Projects
- Computers (hardware & software)
- Home Automation
- Microcontrollers
- Internet Technologies
- Alternative Energy
- Robotics
- Security & Surveillance
- Amateur Radio & Communications
- CNC
- Cell Phones
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:
- Introduction and motivation
- Procedure (building, fabricating)
- Testing
- Ideas for future expansion
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:
- Parts list with manufacturer’s part numbers (if
you only know the distributor's part number, you'll need
to dig deeper).
- Known sources for obtaining any unusual parts.
- Good directions for fabricating custom parts (complete
dimensions, material description, etc.).
- Any special equipment needed for construction or testing.
- All submissions MUST contain a separate CONTACT.TXT
file with the author’s name, address, phone number,
email address, and social security number.
- Let us know what contact info can be given to readers
who would like to reach you.
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
submissions@nutsvolts.com. 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.
- As prints, they should be 5 x 7 (or larger color prints)
that are IN FOCUS
- As digital files, they should be at least 800x600 in
size, though as large as possible is best. JPG, PDF, PSD
or TIF format images are fine.
- Send captions with each photo and label each as
"Figure" with a number corresponding to its occurrence
in the text. Label all graphics - photos, diagrams, and
schematics - as Figure. Do not include directional
references to graphics in your article (ex., "in the
schematic below"). What is below in your text will
probably not be in the layout of the article.
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
E-Mail:
editor@nutsvolts.com
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