Let's talk about my plans for the submission process....

Many, let's just say "paper arts" magazines {since that is my area of expertise! I like that it encompass the broader range from creating scrapbook pages and layouts, rubberstamped cards, mixed media, collage, ATC's, handmade books and bindings and they fit a bit nicely into that category.} publisher's and the magazine editor's put out calls and challenges within their publications and on their websites. Their calls and challenges aren't too difficult to find, assuming that I am looking for them. Once the call and challenge has been placed, I'll need to assess what it take to for me to get my submisison ready and into their hands. Well, I have some theories but I'll save some of that for now, in the meantime, I'm going to focus on what I will need to get started. I'll need:

• a clean, organized area in which to create the artwork,
• a clean, organized area in which to do the business side of the artwork, and
• a clean, organized area to prepare your submissions for mailing to the publishers.

That's it! My area doesn't have to be huge, just provide me with enough space for me to work at my own pace and in the style I'm comfortable with. Having my supplies organized and knowing where they are will assist me greatly; as well as, getting in the habit of cleaning up after myself between working on each call and challenge that I desire to submit artwork for. The editor's and publishing companies have deadlines for submissions and if I don't have a stash of artwork ready for their calls, I will need to work on creating it.

I will need to have a place to put the publisher's calls so that I can find the specifics easily when needed for future reference. I will need to be certain to pay close and careful attention to the details contained within each call and challenge, as they will be a bit different depending upon who the publisher is and what specifically they are looking for.

{Most editor's provide the information I will need; tips of what theme, products, materials, and even how to increase the changes for successful publication.} They may also have specifics as far as the way they desire the supplies, instruction sheets, and packaging of the submissions and each may be different, so I'll need to make note of that information and have those supplies on hand for each. A Master List of the magazine and there preferences will assist me greatly here and save me some time looking that information per individual call.

I plan to work with several publishers and magazines so I'll need to devise something to allow me to stay focused one project at time, even if I am working on several calls and challenges at one time.

A calendar to keep track of when the call came out, the deadline, and the information of who the call is for will be useful to me.

I intend to utilize folders for each companies calls to be placed within {this can be physical folders or electonic ones}, I intend to do what works best for me, and will use a combination of both, but I know I'll need to keep them organized and go through and update them often. If it is an electronic call, I may need to back up the info onto a cd or print it out in the event the my computer fails me.

I'll need the artwork I created, the supplies list of products used, and the instructions for others on how it is created. I believe creating my own spreadsheets can be useful here as they can be printed out and photocopied as I need them for future calls as well.

I plan to create my own customed designed for me spreadsheets. Each spreadsheet required will be a bit different, supplies and instuctions, but all will contain the following information for me to fill in:

• Name of the call an challenge,
• date issued,
• Publication information, and
• the deadline.

I plan to copy and paste the electric calls into a word document and either store them electronically or in a physical hard copy. Write in the dates the call became available and when the deadline is on my calendar and highlight them in some way on my spreadsheets. As I begin to create my artwork, I plan to begin filling out my supply list of products, materials, and artist mediums used as I work and write my instructions as I work through them. While working, I'll need to pay attention to the getting closer on the calendar ever-looming deadline so I won't miss it!

Once my artwork, supply sheet, and instructions are completed, I'm checking over the call and challenge for the submission to ensure that I've met the publisher's call and challenge correctly. Next, I'll label all my artwork with my personal information, the date created, and begin the packaging process, enclosing the return postage and a mailing label if I desire the artwork to be returned to me. I intend to double check that everything the publisher requested is included before sealing and mailing the submission. Some publisher's will send me back a postcard once a submission is received, I'll need to have some on hand, created and printed, if desired, in a professional manner, self-addressed to me, and have the postage attached for the return mailing on it.

I will also need a way to track what calls and challenges I submitted artwork for and to whom I sent it. A copy of or a scan, maybe even a duplicate, if time allows for my own use in creating a portfolio later.

I figure between submissions, I can be spending time working on my biography, resume, and artist's statement, searching for calls, and creating artwork. Since I'm planning to do another gallery sometime this year, I'll need to be I'll be working on artwork for resale, I'll need to make time for that as well.

Anyways, this is enough for me to focus upon and get starting! Happy creating!