The Scots Magazine has a team of regular professional contributors, but is also keen to encourage the submission of material from all writers
and photographers. The following notes provide some basic guidelines.
General
We are a publication concerned with specifically Scottish topics. This almost invariably means that the people,
events or places written about have to be in Scotland. Only on very rare occasions do we go furth of our
borders. There is a minimum of four months between acceptance and publication: please take this into account if an article is aimed at a particular
issue. It is not unusual for
material to remain in stock for up to two years before publication.
Any relevant photographs, drawings, maps, diagrams, etc., should be enclosed with the text, and each item must
bear the contributor's name and that of the copyright holder if different. Each illustration should also carry
a brief caption explaining its significance in the article. Writers receive proofs to check, prior to the publication of articles. We prefer
articles with a word-count of around
1000-2500 words, but these limits are not rigid. We do not buy material that has already been published elsewhere.
An s.a.e. with submissions is appreciated.
It should be borne in mind that this page is not a plea for material, rather a collection of hints on how to improve
the chances of success. The Scots Magazine's acceptance rate of speculative submissions is less than 5% - but you could be in that
number.
Getting the Flavour
Before writing for any publication it is essential to know the type of material it uses. By reading The Scots Magazine
every month you will absorb our style and become familiar with the type of topics we deal with. As a bonus, you
won't need to buy one if you're successful, for we send a complimentary copy of the issue with your article in it. Use the Subscriptions coupon
in the magazine to have a copy
sent to you for 12 months.
Quick Response
When you submit to The Scots Magazine you can expect (and will receive) a quick reply. You will normally hear whether
or not you've been successful within 10 days. You'll be eager to hear the verdict and we won't keep you
waiting.
Payment
Articles are paid on acceptance. Illustrations, however, are paid on publication as the number we can use is not
known until the page make-up has been completed.
Copyright
The Scots Magazine buys first copyright only, so that once we have printed your material you are free to offer
it for publication elsewhere. When submitting photographs and other illustrations whose copyright is not
held by the sender, it is incumbent on the contributor to obtain permission for their possible use in The Scots Magazine.
Photographs
We can cope with all sizes and formats, but for colour we prefer original transparencies of 35 mm and upwards.
All material is returned to photographers after publication. Please enclose a suitable s.a.e. for this
purpose. Digital images must be high resolution pictures of 300dpi or greater. (Our Photography Guidelines contain more information.)
Editing
Don't worry about spelling or grammar if you think you have an article worth writing, for all material is thoroughly
sub-edited before publication. In the course of preparation, even professional texts have to be reduced
or altered and you should not expect your author's proofs to be word for word with your manuscript. You may also be asked to elaborate on certain
passages or add new paragraphs.
Preliminary Approach
If you wish guidance on any aspect of contributing, The Scots Magazine staff will be pleased to help you. Write
to us at - The Scots Magazine, D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd, 2 Albert Square, Dundee DD1 9QJ.
Email: mail@scotsmagazine.com
