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The following information is intended as a guide for the submission of materials for publication in Ceramics Monthly magazine (CM). If you have additional questions, please call (614) 895-4213, or e-mail editorial@ceramicsmonthly.org. Types of Articles: Topical Focus, Profiles, Technical, News and Event (exhibitions), Exhibition Reviews, Commentary Image Requirements |
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About Ceramics Monthly
As the essential informational and inspirational resource for ceramics artists and enthusiasts worldwide, Ceramics Monthly engages a wide variety of readers. Artists/potters, educators, students, gallery and museum personnel, and collectors alike enjoy full-color articles on studio artists and potters, exhibition coverage, as well as news, commentary, technical-innovation, aesthetics and process-oriented articles.
Who Writes for Ceramics Monthly?
Our authors come from many walks of life. Although most are directly associated with ceramics, contributors also include art critics, historians, collectors, publicists and enthusiasts who have a topic of interest to CM subscribers.
What Kinds of Articles are Needed?
Because of our readers’ diverse interests in ceramics, many kinds of articles are accepted, but the following categories are typical of what Ceramics Monthly publishes most:
Topical Focus (back to top)
(750-1500 words) Each issue of Ceramics Monthly has a focus topic, which is addressed by several authors who are knowledgeable in that subject. These articles are typically solicited by the editor, but inquiries are welcome on topics of significance to the studio-ceramics field. Send inquiries to shall@ceramicsmonthly.org. For recent examples of focus articles/topics in PDF format, see No Place Like Home: Doing Business through Open Studio Tours (Working Potter focus) or The Firm (Professional Development focus).
Profiles (back to top)
(750-1500 words) We prefer accounts covering the full range of the potter’s or sculptor’s experience, including aesthetic concerns, business practices, influences, etc. 100–200 words on processes or techniques specific to the subject’s work should also be included for Monthly Methods sidebars (this is often provided by the subject). Glaze and clay recipes should be included whenever possible. Profiles should be accompanied by images of the subject’s work (see image and caption requirements below), as well as the subject’s full contact information (mailing address, e-mail, telephone).
Technical and Informational Articles (back to top)
(750-1500 words) Ceramics Monthly publishes a range of articles relating to the making of ceramic art and craft. These include such topics as glaze and clay body formulation, innovative processes, forming methods, equipment and kiln construction. Technical articles should include diagrams, plans, illustrations, images, charts, and any other pertinent visual support materials, in digital and/or hardcopy format (see image requirements below).
News and Event Coverage (back to top)
(100-500 words) In order to be considered for a particular issue, all materials must be received three months prior to issue date. Submissions concerning exhibitions (for the Upfront section) should include the location, date, names of the exhibitors, curators/jurors (with their complete mailing addresses and contact information) and a full description of each of the works/images submitted (see image and caption requirements below). Submissions should also include artists’ statements and/or curator/juror statements.
Exhibition Reviews (back to top)
(500-1000 words) Space is limited; authors are encouraged to submit proposals. Texts should include critical analysis of the work (what makes it good, bad, relevant, innovative, controversial, etc.), as well as pertinent background information of value to potters, ceramics sculptors, students, educators and collectors. Publishable images of each work discussed must accompany the text (see image and caption requirements below).
Commentary (back to top)
(1000-1200 words) Well-reasoned, substantiated thoughts on any studio-ceramics-related issues are particularly sought for the Comment column. (Responses to previous Comments are not eligible, but may be submitted to the Letters column.) Photographic or other visual support should be submitted with the Comment manuscript.
Manuscript Preparation (back to top)
For manuscript lengths, please refer to the specifications above. Please submit a digital copy (on disc or via e-mail), as well as a hard copy of your manuscript. Include your name, mailing address, telephone/fax number and e-mail address on the title page. For profile articles, include this contact information for the subject as well.
Image Requirements (back to top)
The quality of images is extremely important in determining manuscript acceptance. While not required, it is highly recommended that artists seek the services of a professional photographer with appropriate experience and proper equipment. Images should be in focus, properly exposed, with full depth of field and full range of contrast. No part of the work should be hidden by shadow. Backgrounds should be neutral (typically gray, black, white or earthtones; avoid primary colors). It is best to submit as many images as possible (including bracketed exposure variations, if available).
Image Format We use professional-quality digital images as uncompressed four-color (CMYK), 300 ppi image files (tiff format), with a minimum print size of 5 inches. However, if you do not have experience or the capability for converting images, send the original image file that was saved directly from the camera. Images under 10MB in size can be emailed, but should be archived (stuffed or zipped). Image files over 10MB should be burned to a CD and mailed to our editorial offices (see sending a complete submission below) or uploaded through a file-transfer site (Yousendit is a good free file transfer service), with download links sent to editorial@ceramicsmonthly.org. Uploaded files should also be archived.
We also accept original (not duplicate) 35mm color slides or transparencies shot with a high-resolution film, where film grain and contrast do not detract from the detail quality of the work. Color photocopies and laser prints are not suitable for publication. Diagrams and schematics are acceptable for visual explanation of hard-to-photograph tools, equipment and processes, as are charts for technical data.
Image Captions Caption information should include the title of the work (when applicable), dimensions, specific ceramic medium (e.g., earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, etc.), description of forming and decorating techniques, firing temperature or cone, year made, and date of completion. Any additional information that will enhance the reader’s understanding of the work is encouraged. Caption information should be provided on a separate caption sheet. Digital images should be listed according to file name. Film images should be numbered on the slide mount or transparency sleeve and listed according to those numbers.
Photo Credits All images should be accompanied by the photographer’s name and contact information so that credit may be duly noted. Whenever images by more than one photographer are used to illustrate an article, each image should be identified with the appropriate photographer’s name. It is the author’s responsibility to secure permission to use photographic materials. Ceramics Monthly does not credit collections.
Sending a Complete Submission (back to top)
Enclose a cover letter, manuscript text (hard copy and digital copy on CD), images (digital on CD or transparencies and slides in flexible plastic sleeves), captioned image list, potter/artist’s mark, and any other support materials in one package. Include a self-addressed, padded envelope with sufficient postage if you would like your materials to be returned. Mail the package first class to: The Editor, Ceramics Monthly, 600 N. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 210, Westerville, OH 43082. Digital copies of manuscripts may be e-mailed to editorial@ceramicsmonthly.org.
Evaluation and Acceptance (back to top)
When your submission arrives, it will receive immediate attention. While we are unable to acknowledge receipt of unsolicited materials, all submissions are reviewed on a once-per-month basis. Publication contracts for accepted feature articles will be mailed at that time. Submissions not accepted will be returned promptly. The average time from acceptance to publication is between four months and one year, depending on article length and subject. Feature authors and artists are notified approximately one month prior to publication.
Editing, Layouts and Proofs (back to top)
Texts are edited first for style, grammar, punctuation and clarity, as well as technical accuracy, then to meet layout requirements. Article design takes place after initial editing. Ceramics Monthly does not accept layouts from authors or subjects. Because changes may take place up to the time the presses roll, we are unable to provide final proofs; however, galley proofs are available on request.
Copyright (back to top)
We ask for exclusive worldwide rights for the text (both print and electronic versions, including but not limited to publishing on demand, database online services, reprints or books), and nonexclusive rights for the use of photographic materials in print or electronic media. This nonexclusive agreement for images allows Ceramics Monthly to use the image(s) in question, but in no way restricts the continued use of the photographic material by the copyright holder.
In cases where Ceramics Monthly commissions specific illustrative content (by separate contract with the photographer/illustrator/copyright holder), we will sometimes require exclusive copyright to that content.
Payment (back to top)
Authors of payable content will receive payment upon publication. Topical focus articles and technical articles are paid at $0.10 per printed word. Exhibition reviews are paid $0.10 per printed word. News, event and exhibition coverage (including press releases, curator/juror statements) are unpaid. Second-person profiles are paid $0.10 per printed word. Comments are paid a flat rate of $100 each. First-person profiles are unpaid. Images are unpaid, except where a contract exists between Ceramics Monthly and the copyright holder for purchase of exclusive copyright (we not require or request exclusive rights to images of works of art).
Copies (back to top)
Following publication, authors and subjects of feature articles will receive two complimentary copies by mail; additional copies are available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Authors and subjects of Upfront items receive one complimentary copy.
For More Information
If you want to learn more about submitting content to Ceramics Monthly, you may reach us at:
* Ceramics Monthly, 600 N. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 210, Westerville, OH 43082 * Telephone (614) 895-4213, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. (EST) * Fax (614) 891-8960 * Email editorial@ceramicsmonthly.org
