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Would you love to have your layouts published in one of the scrapbook magazines? Does the idea of scrappers all around the world ooohing and aaahing over your creations make you smile? Did you know that you could even earn some extra money with your layouts? If any of these ideas appeal to you, I encourage you to submit your layouts to the many scrapbooking magazines on the market today. Here are the steps to take for electronically submitting your digital scrapbooking layouts.
CREATE YOUR LAYOUT:
Create a great layout! Scrapbook publications love layouts that use high-quality photos, superb products, detailed journaling, and unique techniques. Layouts of any theme can be submitted, but many publications put out “calls.”
Calls are requests for a certain type of layout. For example, they may want layouts about Christmas decorations that will be published in their December issue. Make sure to read the specific details of a call before submitting for it.
It's also important to remember that magazines work in advance, usually at least six months before the event or holiday. Even though you might be scrapbooking a summer layout now, it might be better to hold off on submitting it until six to eight months before next summer.
Don't have a layout that fits their request? Use the page calls as inspiration for your next layout. Many scrappers watch the layout calls and create a layout specifically for the request. It's great motivation when you want to scrapbook, but are running low on ideas.
GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:
When submitting to a publication, you will be required to list the products you used. In most cases, you will need to know the name of the product (i.e.: Turkey Day Collection Mini) the manufacturer (Brandie Valenzuela) and/or the company (Scrap Girls). It is also a good idea to include the name of the software you used (i.e.: Photoshop Elements 5.0).
There are a variety of ways to track the supplies. Some scrappers make lists of the supplies in a file on their computer or in a notebook at their desk. My favorite method is to use the “File Info” area of Photoshop. To do this, go to File> File Info. In the description area, list the supplies you used and then click "Save." From here, you can copy and paste the information every time you submit.
SEND THEM YOUR WORK:
In order to be considered for publication in a magazine, you must send them a copy of your layout. Digital scrapbookers have it made – you create on your computer and you already have that layout in a file! To send a "preview" of your layout through email, or on a web site submission form (see sample images below) you will send that file as an attachment.
Sample email submission:
Sample submission form on Digital Scrapbooking Magazine web site:
Here are some additional important tips:
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Save your layout at its original size (such as 12”x12”, 300 dpi) for your own safekeeping. If your layout is selected by a magazine, they will likely request this high quality file.
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Resize your layout to 72 dpi and a width of approximately 500 pixels, and then resave as a JPG.
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Some magazines require your overall file size to be no more than 100k; this can be achieved by lowering the JPG compression.
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When emailing submissions, attach only one layout per email.
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When submitting for a specific call, note the title of the request in the subject line.
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Make sure to include your contact information: name, address, phone number and email address.
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List all of the supplies and the software that you used.
THE PUBLICATIONS:
The following is a list of magazines that are accepting submissions of layouts from people just like you. Listed with each magazine is a link to a page on their web site with more information on how to submit. Some of the magazines have an online submission form, while others list an email address for layouts to be sent to. Make sure to read each page carefully to better ensure that your layout is properly received and considered -- each publication varies slightly.
Creating Keepsakes
http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/mag/your_work/?forward=e_submissions
Memory Makers Magazine
http://www.memorymakersmagazine.com/submit_ideas.aspx
Simple Scrapbooks
http://www.simplescrapbooksmag.com/mag/submit/
Digital Scrapbooking Magazine
http://www.digitalscrapbooking.com/submit_your_work
Scrapbook Trends
http://scrapbooktrendsmag.com/submissions.html
BHG Scrapbooks, Etc.
http://www.bhgscrapbooksetc.com/magazine/submit.html
Canadian Scrapbooker
http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/submissions.html
Legacy
http://www.stampington.com/html/legacy_sub_guidelines.html
PaperART
http://www.paperartmagazine.net/submissions.html
Scrapbooking Memories (Australian)
http://www.scrapbookingmemories.com.au/submissions.php
ScrapSubmit
http://www.scrapsubmit.com/
(Note: ScrapSubmit isn't a publication, but a web site where you can find page calls and submit to the magazines directly. You can upload your layout and have it sent to several publications at the same time.)
ACCEPTANCE!
If a publication is interested in your layout, they will either email or call you to let you know. At this time, they will usually give you more information, such as if they offer compensation of any kind, and how or where to send a higher resolution copy of your layout.
If you have submitted to more than one publication, it's important to know that usually you can only allow publishing rights to one magazine. Once you accept one offer, you will most likely have to decline future requests. Many scrappers take the “first come, first served” motto, since there is no guarantee that another magazine will contact them.
If you submit your layouts and you don't hear anything right away, don't worry! Most publications hold on to submissions for quite a while and some scrappers have waited a year or more to get an acceptance. It is also important to know that publications sometimes receive thousands of layouts each month. If you don't hear back, keep trying. You never know when your layout is going to be the one that catches their eye!
MORE INFORMATION:
Scrap Girls is here to help you if you have any questions about submitting your layouts to magazines. Did you know that we offer a forum just for this purpose? Feel free to ask questions, give advice, ask for constructive criticism before you submit and more!
Tutorial written by Brandie Valenzuela
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