Sending a magazine a copy of your layout

The first step in getting published is sending the magazines a copy of your layout. DO NOT send the magazine your original copy. If you are selected for publication, they will write you and ask for your original.

Scrapbooking Memories magazine quotes – “When viewing submissions we consider photography, journalling, innovative use of products and new techniques, as well as the overall design to communicate the message and memory in the layout.”

This is a good indication of what magazines are looking for in terms of design, quality and information. To send a "preview" of your layout to the magazine, you have three options:

1. ELECTRONIC SCANS: scan a copy of your layout on to your computer with your scanner.

   Here are some important scanning tips:

   • As most scanners only take A4 paper, scan the 12 x 12 layout in 4 sections – top left, bottom left, top right and bottom right.

   • Lumpy, dimensional pages can be a challenge. The most effective way to scan these pages is to leave the lid of the scanner open. (With some scanners, you can remove the lid altogether.) Place a dark cloth/towel over the scanner bed and page, to block outside light, and then scan as usual.

   • Software programs such as Adobe Photoshop Elements®, which contains Photomerge, Arcsoft Panorama Maker can be used to merge or ‘stitch’ the sections together automatically. Otherwise you will need to manually ‘stitch’ the sections using your photo editing software. Here is an article that explains stitching manually using PSE - http://msretro.typepad.com/cornerofinsanity/2007/01/scanning_and_st.html

   • Save the completed file as a JPEG (.jpg) or GIF (.gif) format.

   • Resize your image using a software program such as Microsoft Picture or Photoshop. Or, you can do this online with sites such as:

     • Shrink Picture

     • Image Resize Wizard

2. PHOTOGRAPHS: If you prefer to send photographs of your layouts to submit to magazines, first remove their page protectors, and place them in indirect light, such as light coming through a window. Do not use fluorescent lighting or the camera’s flash.

   Either place the layout on the floor and stand above it to take the photo (beware of a crooked perspective taking it this way), stand it up against a wall or BluTac it to the wall and take the photo at eye level.

3. COLOR COPIES: Another option for sending your layouts is by sending a color copy. Colour copies can be made at places like Officeworks, Kwik Kopy, Snap Printing or check your local Yellow pages.

Be sure to include your contact information – name, address, phone number and email address.

Make note of items or techniques we may not be able to see.

Send the finished size of the item and a brief list of supplies used plus any notes about unique techniques you used to create the project.

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