Submit your jewelry to magazines!
It can be quite intimidating, and daunting- the thought of submitting your jewelry designs to magazines. It took me quite a while to muster up the courage to try it the first time. But once you start doing it, it becomes easier and easier, and writing instructions becomes a lot easier too.
Each of the magazines has it's own set of guidelines for submissions. You can generally find this information on the magazines website, or amongst the pages of a physical magazine. Read through the instructions carefully. Some publishers require you to send the jewelry in to them before they decide to use your pieces. Others only require you to send good quality digital images via email to make a preliminary decision.
One thing that is important, is practicing writing instructions. Depending on the publication, you will also have to study how the instructions are written for each. Some require you to write in more details, and some require certain wording when describing techniques.
Create designs that will stand out from the crowd, and definitely try to submit more than one design. Although some designs might be rejected, the more you submit, the more of a chance you have at getting some accepted. It's also smart to submit earrings or bracelets that match your submitted necklace designs. Sometimes publications like to showcase these together, and sometimes separately but within the same issue.
Here are some links to some of the popular beading magazines and their submission guidelines:
Getting published is really gratifying. I highly recommend it! The only downside--once you start, its really addicting! Another tip: Get familiar with the style of jewelry published in the magazine you are submitting to. For example, the pieces published in Stringing are completely different than what they publish in Bead Style. I have had plenty of things rejected by one magazine only to be accepted by another.
ReplyDeleteErin S
The two last links are the same.
ReplyDeleteI have fixed them, thanks for letting me know!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post Lorelei!
ReplyDeleteI have blogged about it actually.
:-)
Thank you for posting this! I haven't gotten the gumption to try sending anything out yet. This entry is really encouraging. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteI have been considering submitting some of my work for publication.
KJ
It was a wonderful idea to post this...very encouraging! Thx
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this with the links. One of my resolutions for this year was to submit more of our works to magazines.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful Post for everyone well many! I may in future, but my main focus now is Lampworking. I will be steering away from making as much jewellery. (Oh no more buying then lol) 2011 for me? Lampworking!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this, I just started submitting to Bead Trends this past year, you're right, it can become addicting lol :) My 2011 resolution is to submit to other publications, thank you for the links! You're so helpful and awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteA really helpful and encouraging post- thanks Lorelei! Hope you guys has a great Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI think another good pointer is to take risks and challenge yourself creatively. The more unique your look, the more innovative the techniques you employ, the more likely that you'll define not only yourself but the future looks of the magazines and current trends.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Lorelei! This has been on my mind and is on my list for 2011. As always your posts are inspiring. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNice share Lorelei! Generous as per usual...
ReplyDeleteBest to you in the new year to come!
Jan
Lorelei, During the past few weeks I have been writting my goals for the up and coming months. One is to be published with a jewelry design and tutorial. But, prior to that step I was to research the psubmission guidelines. Thank you for this wonderful gift! I now have them all printed and posted on the wall in my office. I truly appreciate your generous time with this information.
ReplyDeleteI was published once, but only a picture and a blurb written by the magazine themselves. This time around, they've asked me to write an article and you're so right! Writing instructions is SO HARD! Another tip is ignore the word limit (if they give you one) the first go around and edit later to fit the word limit. You'll find yourself stressing out and worrying too much if you think about the number.
ReplyDeleteOn my birthday, in September, I wrote a blog outlining my goals for next year. Submitting work to a magazine was one of those goals. Thanks for this helpful and motivating post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links- they can be hard to locate on those websites. I'd advise kind of pre-writing the directions or articles- that may help you find a good direction. And be patient and considerate when you contact them if you have heard nothing. I just sent something in last night, then I saw this. Fingers crossed...
ReplyDeleteReally good information - one thing I want to point out. Bead Style does not require instructions.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Bead Style
Thank you for the post Lorelei. This is one of my goals for 2014!
ReplyDelete