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Location: Locked away in my stamp room making presents for my DDSS... Shhhh don't tell her
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How to become published
For all of you mavens out there who have been published or have been asked to become design team members.. I'm very curious about this and have a few questions for you...
How did you get started?
How do you go about submitting your work?
What advice would you give to someone interested in doing this?
I'm sure your all full of info for us curiosity seekers... Thanks for any info or guidance you can provide.
I haven't been published but I know most of the major magazines have information on the inside for submitting. Also check out pubcalls.blogspot.com, they have tons of info about those type of things.
HTH...subscibing b/c I want to know too!
~Melissa
I got lucky and was published once (not stamping related). One of the best pieces of advice I can give (and I am sure no expert) is DON'T get discouraged, I have probably submitted at least 100 cards to the same magazine and have only gotten picked up by them the one time. Sheesh! Anyway, lots of times they have submission info in the front or back of the magazines. Also, check out Scrapsubmit.com...it's a pretty good place to start. HTH, a little.
My advice, check these sites often, they update as they plan for upcoming publications. Also, submit multiple projects for each call, you never know what they are looking for! (You can submit electronically -online- so you don't "waste" a lot of postage OR loose all you works of art!)
Some of my projects that have been picked for publication surprised me because it wasn't my favorite or best one submitted! So just keep trying!
I have been published numerous times in Stampers Sampler, Take Ten and Cardmaker Magazine. I think one of the most important things in submitting for publication is determining whether your work falls within the "style" of the magazine. There are many card magazines out there I would like to be published in, but I know my style doesn't fit theirs so it would be a wasted effort. Also, check out what they are looking for in the way of challenges or their editorial calendars so your submissions are timely. All this info is available on their websites. Personally, I've found submitting to challenges has worked well for me.
I also make it a point to read the publication's guidelines for submission very thoroughly and follow them exactly. I study the way the directions to cards are written in their magazine and try to follow those so they are clear and easy to understand. I really think this makes a difference.
A lot of what I submit doesn't get published -- and oftentimes I am amazed at which ones get picked up and which ones don't. Still I enjoy the challenge of creating something with that end in mind and the thrill when I see something of mine in print.
If you are thinking of submitting something -- go for it!
Research, Research, Research (know what the magazine's style is...know what the calls are.) and then Submit, Submit, Submit (don't get discouraged...a large percentage of submissions never get published) Above all...don't give up!
__________________ Colleen Schaan - Education Specialist at Imagination International Inc.,/Copic Marker
Blog - Distinctive Touches;My Copic Books!
I looked up a lot of the major stamping publications and their submission pages (for my own use) it is on my blog at the very bottom of the page. Hope this helps!
Art is intended to provoke an emotion from a total stranger. If you�ve succeeded in this, consider yourself an artist. Paper Shanks Blog. Love me or hate me, you are still talking about me
I never have. I would wait until it's been rejected before sending it to another publication. I know sometimes it's difficult because some magazines hold them for a while. But that's my policy anyway.
also, do people submit the same card to more than one mag at a time?
I think one of the guidelines for some magazines is that you cannot submit the same card to other places at the same time. I was reading the Rubber Stamper guidelines yesterday.
Thanks for all of the info guys! I was going to submit a few cards.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I can post any card that I submit here or on my blog unless they are picked up to be published by the mag and then I have to remove them, right?
__________________ {Heidi} Trying to get ready for my first craft show!
also, do people submit the same card to more than one mag at a time?
Editors do not appreciate this, and rightly so; if you are being compensated for the piece, they are purchasing the exclusive rights to feature it in their publication.
Each publishing house's policy regarding submission of the same piece to multiple publications is typically within their submission guidelines.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Thanks for all of the info guys! I was going to submit a few cards.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I can post any card that I submit here or on my blog unless they are picked up to be published by the mag and then I have to remove them, right?
Depends on the magazine. Check with the submissions guidelines of the magazine you are planning to submit the piece to, or inquire with the editor.
I personally do not upload anything I intend to submit for publication, with the exception of Stampington publications; they don't care one way or the other on the matter, because they don't compensate artists for their artwork.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
If you are new to a design team or are a guest designer for a company, if the company provides you with items to use, they will usually want you to wait until a certain day before you post anything anywhere. You should always ask those things up front so you don't reveal something early that you shouldn't.
Good luck with your submissions!
Hugs,
Gina K.
__________________ Be polite to those who are rude to you. Not because they are nice, but because you are.
Owner- Gina K. Designs
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Julie & Gina... I know you probably hear this all the time but I love your works and you both are true inspirations...
Any suggestions to those us of considering sending our works in to be published? I realize you probably don't want to give away all of your secrets put a few pointers would be fabulous..
Great thread. I'm not trying to hi-jack, but was also wondering about using Stampin' Up stamps. Does there still have to be one of those special stamps on the back saying Stampin' Up? or is it ok if you acknowledge the company in the supplies? Is this clear as mud???
Thanks,
Shelley
I've used to get published in The Ruber Stamper on a fairly regular basis-haven't lately because I haven't submitted. What i used to do is two-fold: (1) always check out what they are looking for int he way of submission and send me items based upon their current calls; and (2) whenever I was making multiples of a card for the holidays, a sawp, etc., I always made an extra that I sent to them.
Now this particular magazine does NOT pay for publication, but it;s still a huge ego booster to see your card and name in print!
Julie & Gina... I know you probably hear this all the time but I love your works and you both are true inspirations...
Any suggestions to those us of considering sending our works in to be published? I realize you probably don't want to give away all of your secrets put a few pointers would be fabulous..
Lisa,
Thank you for making my day! NO secrets here at all, ever!
I just got off the phone with a publisher about a minute ago about something I am doing with a magazine and I asked her what her best advice is for those wanting to get published. She said truly, the biggest thing is to submit! Submit lots! (It's kind of like that saying, "You can't win if you don't play.)
I can give you design team advice- SUBMIT! Lots of companies now have guest design team spots where you are a featured stamper for a month. That's a great way to get your foot in the door. True, some will only choose "well-knowns." But others will really look at your work and give new people an opportunity. (My thought it, an unknown today is a well-known tomorrow so I look at the work! I don't choose based on blog hits or name recognition or how many design teams they are on. Almost everyone on my design team wasn't on any design teams when I brought them on! Many have gotten have opportunities to join other teams in the recent months but if you talk to the biggest names in stamping they could give you a list a mile long of those who rejected them!)
So, don't be afraid to send your stuff to magazines and to companies. There's not any real secrets at all, it's all about not giving up.
And, keep in mind this, when the answer is No, it's not always because the work isn't good enough. Most of the time it's because they are looking for something specific in a specific style. So, don't give up!
Hugs,
Gina K.
__________________ Be polite to those who are rude to you. Not because they are nice, but because you are.
Owner- Gina K. Designs
Hi, I've been published in Stampington publications, like Take Ten and Stamper's Sampler. These cards are in my SCS gallery. Stampington does not pay for published submissions so I think it's fine to post on SCS. I usually try to wait until after the card has been published but not always. However, if I was paid for a submission, I would not post it anywhere as I would want them to be exclusive. You'd have to read the posted rules of each publication. I agree that you need to find the magazines that are the closest to your style...you will have much more success getting published.
Oh, geeze. I dunno what happened to my reply a few hours ago, but it appears to have been butchered. :confused: If I can remember what I said, I'll try to repost, but I'm having one heck of a time getting around the site today, so . . . I dunno if this post will even go through . . . :(
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Another couple of questions -- Do you send return envelopes with your submissions or not? Also, where do you attach the instructions? Thanks for all the great info. Think this will be my year to submit. Joan
Hi Joan, If you want your work back, you send a SASE but if not, you don't have too. I make two of the card I'm submitting and then I don't have to send the SASE. Some publications will not send the work back. I attach the write up neatly on the back of the card, tag, etc.. Stampington has a mock-up to go by that's very helpful....I'm sure other publications do too.
Now, send those cards in and let us know if you get published!
Each publication has unique requirements. For Take Ten or Stampers Sampler, simply type all your personal info and instructions on a piece of paper and adhere to the back of the card. Credit must only be given for stamps and not paper or ink. I only send the card front. If you want your cards returned to you, you must send postage with the cards in the form of a check. I would also include on my instruction sheet that postage had been sent for that card as it is very hard for them to keep track of all that. Without postage included, you will not get your card back.
Other publications like CardMaker or PaperCrafts will let you submit on-line with a picture of your card and a materials list. You will need to keep track of all the paper you use and all other supplies, so it's best to make a list as you go along. Then if they decide they want to publish your submission you will be required to send in written instructions at a later time. Again, check out their webistes for complete guidelines. I find it is helpful to see how they list their materials and instructions in their magazine so you will know how they prefer things to be written.
Hope this is helpful -- it's hard to think of all the details.
Thanks for all the information. Think I'll start making my list of how each magazine presents their cards so I'll know how to write up the information. I do appreciate all the info everyone has given. Makes me think maybe I will get those cards submitted. Joan
I actually joined a group that helped you get submitted. It is an invitation only group. The gal in charge of it is really great (Kimm Bennington-Thompson). She does know what the publishers are looking for in the way of style. She also keeps track of what they are calling for in each issue and the deadlines for submissions. Of the first three cards I submitted, one will be the in the centerfold of the Sept/Oct issue of RubberStampMadness and I'll also have another in their Nov/Dec issue in the readers area.
Her suggestion was to make sure you submit something that has something a little different about it. Not the same-old, same-old thing. Maybe you use an embellishment differently or a unusual color combo.
Then, like others have said.......keep doing it!
__________________ Ann Here is my oily blog! CLICK HERE Certified Copic Instructor - Local ClassesI love cars, stamping and essential oils!
How to become published
