Guidelines to Getting Published in SatMagazine

The process of getting an article published in SatMagazine can be as short as a month or longer, depending on how one adheres to a very simple editorial process.  The process basically involves three steps:

1. The submission of a one paragraph summary or abstract of the proposed article.

2. Upon approval of the proposed article, the writing and submission of a first draft of the article.

3. The editing and finalization of the article. 

In the first part of the process, a potential contributor can write directly to the editor at virgil@satnews.com to propose a subject for an article.  The proposal should be a one-paragraph summary or abstract of the proposed article, no more than 75 words or less.

Once the proposal is received and approved, the writing of the article can proceed, which normally takes depending on each author around two weeks. The editor will then go back with some comments or suggestions for improving the article until it’s finalized for publication.

SatMagazine is particularly interested in the following types of articles: opinion pieces (op-ed), case studies, technical tutorials and features.  The articles are generally 800 words or less, with about two photos or graphics and should address issues affecting the industry as opposed to company- or product-specific articles. The following is an explanation of the types of articles we are looking for:

Opinion pieces (op-ed).  These are short essays on a burning issue or question affecting the satellite industry.  It can reflect the point–of-view of an individual or an organization on a specific subject matter.   It can also relate relevant personal experiences (for instance, we did a piece once on a personal visit to meet Arthur C. Clarke in Sri Lanka and his impressions of the journey) such as impression after a major trade show or event (ie. a launch of a satellite, etc).

Feature stories.  Feature stories showcase a trend or a specific segment of the industry, for example market trends in IPTV or mobile satellite communications.  Features on new applications and products are also encouraged.

Case Studies.  Case studies of successful implementation of a particular product or application.  The article can delve on a particular experience and lessons learned that could benefit the industry.

Technical Tutorials. Technical tutorials deal with a specific technology or application and explain it in layman’s terms.

Other articles that do not fit into the above categories are usually placed in one of the regular departments of SatMagazine such as “Industry News,” “Executive Moves” and “New Products and Services.”

For examples of articles previously published in SatMagazine, go to www.satmagazine.com

SatMagazine has an editorial calendar that focuses each issue on a specific theme.  Fro example, the January 2007  issue will focus on the “Telecommunications Market.”  It is desirable that articles conform  to each issue theme, although not required.  So, before submitting a proposal, look at the editorial calendar which follows this document and see where your story idea may fit.

Deadlines for articles are usually the 15^th of the previous month in which the article is scheduled to appear.

2007 EDITORIAL CALENDAR

Every month, Satnews Weekly Online (www.satnews.com) and SatMagazine (www.satmagazine.com)  will focus on a specific aspect of the satellite industry.  The focus of each month’s issue 

for 2007 are as follows: