Guidelines for Writers/Photographers
The Growing Edge magazine and website provide the latest news & information for indoor & outdoor growers, including hobbyists, educators, researchers, and commercial growers. A moderate to high level of experience and knowledge is necessary for successful articles. Some research may be necessary. The Growing Edge is actively seeking writers and photographers to cover hydroponics, aquaponics, greenhouse growing, and other related subject areas. Freelance article inquiries are encouraged.
Download:
General Information
- The Growing Edge magazine is published bimonthly, four color, and 64 pages.
- Manuscript format: double-spaced typed or word-processed; final, accepted
manuscript must be on computer disk (include hard copy); e-mail is acceptable.
- The Growing Edge and New Moon Publishing, Inc., purchase first world serial ($0.10/word), first anthology ($0.05/word), and nonexclusive electronic rights ($0.05/word) for a total of $0.20/word.
- The Growing Edge and New Moon Publishing, Inc., purchase print and
nonexclusive electronic photography rights (see below for rates).
Editorial Guidelines
- Articles should be directly related to high-tech indoor or outdoor soilless cultivation, including hydroponics, aquaponics, greenhouse growing, and other related subject areas. Traditional, soil-based gardening articles will not be considered for publication.
- All content-related queries should be addressed to the editor. New contributors should include two writing samples (preferably published) and a resume.
- Include an SASE with sufficient postage for return of unsolicited photos or manuscripts.
- By-lines are given, except where extensive rewriting makes them inappropriate. Please include a suggested author biography of one to two sentences.
- Payment for articles is based on published word count and is made upon publication ($0.20/word).
Photography Guidelines
- Photos should be related in some way to the indicated general subject areas. Most photography is submitted by the author of accepted articles.
- Color digital photos, negatives, slides, and prints are preferred. Photos should be numbered. Include a brief suggested caption for each photo.
- Include a photographer by-line if different than the author¹s by-line.
- Include a model release for any included human subjects.
- Picture-Taking Tips:
- Check focus and depth of field carefully, especially in close-ups.
- Photographing under artificial lighting can be difficult with automatic cameras; use manual control and bracket exposures under and over the meter's setting.
- Never write on the backs of prints in ink‹it can rub onto other photos.
- Payment for photos is based on published usage and is made upon publication. Payment for photos published in the interior of the magazine is $25 each. Payment for a photo published on the cover is $175.
- High-quality, high-resolution color digital images are sometimes accepted. Digital images need to be at least 300 dpi at a reasonably large physical size.
Other Artwork
- Diagrams and charts may be submitted but will not be purchased and will probably be redone.
The Growing Edge and New Moon Publishing, Inc., do not assume responsibility for unsolicited photos or manuscripts.
Digital Photos
Top 3 rules for digital photography:
- You can always "down-size" an image, but you can never "up-size" an image without sacrificing image quality.
- In digital cameras, as in most other products: You get what you pay for.
- If you take poor pictures with a regular camera, you will probably take bad pictures with a digital one.
Image size, resolution, and actual print size
The following group of screen captures illustrates what happens to an image that looks big at 72 dpi, but when "translated" to 300 dpi (the resolution that we print the magazine at) the image's actual size is apparent.
- Image #1 - The image (a JPEG file) opened in Photoshop at 100% at 72 dpi
- Image #2 - The Image Size control box in Photoshop is used to adjust the image to 300 dpi
- Image #3 - The image at its true (300 dpi) print size
Only newer models of digital camera support our publication requirements. If using a digital camera, make sure your resolution settings and model support capture of an 8.5 x 11 inch image at 300 dpi quality. Similarly, a mid-range priced scanner (with the right settings) should be able to scan your prints into digital form at an acceptable size and resolution, but check your settings before sending us your scans.
For more information
There are many Web sites that offer basic tutorials on photography. Here are a few links to check out:
