Avid scrapbookers often find themselves wondering how to enter scrapbook pages for magazines. Sharing your work with other crafters in the pages of popular publications such as Creating Keepsakes or Scrapbooks, Etc. can be an exciting experience. However, there are a few things you will need to know if you're interested in becoming a published scrapbook artist.
Choosing Layouts to Submit
Scrapbook magazines are prepared for publication several months in advance, so you will need to keep this in mind when searching for suitable layouts to submit. For example, in October 2010 Creating Keepsakes was already looking for graduation layouts for publication.
What types of pages are best suited for publication in a scrapbook magazine? Generally, the layouts that are published in the leading scrapbook magazines share the following traits:
- The journaling is meaningful and tells a story. Readers of scrapbook magazines enjoy getting a sneak peek into other crafters' lives, so you want journaling that is reflective of what makes your family special.
- The photos are nicely composed and eye-catching. Simple photos that don't have a lot of distracting background elements are best.
- The design is pleasing to the eye, with balanced page elements and an appropriate color scheme. Use of new products and tools is nice, but not necessary.
- The layout uses a new technique or a creative spin on a traditional scrapbooking idea.
While magazines do publish one page layouts, a number of scrapbookers think you will have a better chance of getting published if you submit double page spreads. When discussing how to enter scrapbook pages for magazines, however, it's probably preferable to submit your best work instead of trying to guess whether or not a single or double layout is the ticket to publication.
How to Enter Scrapbook Pages for Magazines
You can submit your layouts for publication by e-mailing a digital photo of your layout to the magazine's editorial department or by sending a color copy through the post office. If the magazine wants to publish your layout, you'll be asked to provide the original so it can be professionally photographed.
What should you include with your layout submission? The information requested will vary by publication, but it's common for scrapbook magazines to want to know the following:
- Your complete contact information, including your phone number, mailing address, and e-mail
- A listing of all the supplies used to create your layout, including patterned papers and embellishments
- Credit to the creators of sketches you used or layouts that inspired your work
- Permission to run the photos, if they are professional pictures or not of your immediate family members
Compensation
Some scrapbook publications provide cash payments for layouts, ranging from $50 to $200. Other magazines offer a selection of products from advertisers as compensation for allowing your work to be featured in the magazine. Keep track of the compensation you receive for your work; you may need to pay income tax if you're published on a regular basis.
Multiple Submissions
Many scrapbookers who are interested in having their work published find themselves wondering if it's acceptable to submit the same layout to several different magazines. This is a perfectly legitimate strategy for getting published; freelance writers use the same technique in their work. However, a magazine will only publish a layout that has not been accepted by a competitor. So, if you find yourself with two magazines that want to publish your work, you will need to choose which magazine is allowed to run the layout.
If you are a regular participant in scrapbooking forums, you may have some of your work posted in their online galleries. You can typically submit a layout for publication if it's previously appeared in an online gallery, but it's a good idea to remove your work before attempting to have it published.
