|
AMERICAN WOODTURNER is the journal of the American Association of Woodturners, an
international organization of woodturners, teachers, collectors, and others fascinated by the
woodturner's art. The journal is written primarily by its members, most of them amateur writers
who donate their services. Beginning in 2006, we pay members $100 per published page for how-to and techniques articles. We welcome articles on any aspect of woodturning: its history, tools and materials, techniques and projects, galleries and exhibitions, as well as design and criticism. Profiles of individual turners and their works are especially welcome. News of local AAW chapter activities is always in demand. WRITING FOR AMERICAN WOODTURNER The best way to begin is by sending the editor a brief inquiry describing the article you propose. Don’t worry about details and formality. Your inquiry should be more like a letter to a friend, telling about a certain project or idea. Stress things that you think fellow turners would want to hear about. BUT I'M NOT A WRITER. WHAT WOULD I SAY? Writing is a craft, just like woodturning. You get an idea, rough it out, then refine it. Anything that makes you stop and say "neat!" or something similar is probably the basis of an article or a tips item or even a letter to the editor. Your knowledge and insights are more valuable than you think. Remember that members like short, informative articles and items—you don’t have to commit yourself to writing a tome. Like many special-interest publications, some topics are revisited every two or three years with a fresh approach.
PHOTOS Photos to show finished works or to illustrate techniques, activities, or other
topics are essential. From the first snapshot, be conscious of safety. Don’t show anything that
might lead people into trouble—working without eye protection, cuffs dangling, etc. Safety
guidelines are printed in the AAW Resource Directory.
ACKNOWLEDGING PROPOSALS The editor will contact you within a couple of weeks after reviewing your proposal. If the article fits the journal's needs, he will give you some idea when it will run and what additional work, if any, will be needed from you. In your proposal, please indicate a good time to contact you by phone. If you have an e-mail address, please include it. SUBMISSIONS Electronic versions in Word format are preferred. We accept e-mail attachments for articles. PUBLICATION TIMETABLE The journal is published four times a year. Issue plans with 8 to 12 major articles are made at least six months in advance. Thus, several months may pass before your accepted article is published. We also attempt to tailor each issue to present a balanced blend of techniques and designs to reflect the interests and skills of the membership. EXTRA COPIES Contributors receive one complimentary copy of the journal along with the return of their photos and other material. Additional copies of the journal with your contribution can be purchased for $3.75 each, plus postage.
Carl Voss, Editor -- American Woodturner |