How to Submit Manuscripts and Press Releases
T+D is an official publication of ASTD, a not-for-profit association of professionals in the field of workplace learning and performance. T+D is a monthly magazine available to ASTD national members as part of their dues, and by subscription as well as single-copy sales.
Our readers are degreed workplace learning and performance professionals and line managers. They range from new practitioners to seasoned executives in business, government, academia, and consulting.
Our goals are to
- provide useful, how-to information on current best practices through case studies
- share new technologies and their applications
- report emerging trends
- discuss relevant and pivotal issues to the field
T+D can no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts. We ask that all potential contributors query the appropriate editor in advance. Please include a one-page outline or 100-word (maximum) overview of your proposed submission.
To improve your chances of being published, please read several recent issues of T+D to get an idea of the content and tone.
Like most magazines, we have a policy against double submissions. Please do not submit a manuscript that is under consideration by another publication or that has been accepted or published elsewhere.
Send feature proposals to: submissions@astd.org
For information about submitting to one of T+D's departments, see "Departments" heading below.
All published material is copyrighted and becomes the property of ASTD. Authors will be expected to sign a standard written release. Failure to sign the release will result in the rejection of the article. Time constraints do not allow us to send galleys or other edited forms of manuscripts to authors. Manuscript submission implies that authors agree with our policies.
Our editors will read the outline or overview and make suggestions to help you write your article appropriately. That does not guarantee acceptance for publication.
- Within four to six weeks, we will notify you of our decision to accept or decline your submitted manuscript.
- We cannot guarantee a publication date, but most articles appear two to three months after acceptance.
Our review process is based on the following points:
- Information and analysis. Does the article deliver the promised facts? Are your ideas supported, examined, and brought together into a cohesive body of work?
- Balance. Does the author present alternative sides of an issue?
- Originality. Is the topic presented with a fresh, new perspective?
- Audience appeal. Will the article capture and retain readers' interest? Does it address our audience? Is it current, relevant, and useful? Does it tell readers how to be more successful at work? Does it provide implementation guidance? Does it increase the reader’s business acumen?
- Veracity. Is the article accurate and truthful?
The best length for feature articles is 2000 words or fewer.
Page 1: List the article title, authors' names, and brief biographies of all authors including current positions, complete addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Include an abstract of up to 50 words.
Body: Include subheadings--no more than one for every page and a half of text. Type them flush left with the margin. Capitalize only the first letter.
Tables and figures: Include only if they will help readers understand the article. We do not guarantee their use. All data in charts must be supplied in a text format. PDF or image files can not be accepted and may result in the rejection of the article.
Citations/Documentation: T+D is not a scientific journal. Do not assume readers have prior knowledge of accepted theories or seminal works. Do not use last name author references to previous works, theories, studies, or papers.
IMPORTANT: Do not incorporate PowerPoint or similar tables, charts, figures, and so forth into the body of the document. Send graphics in a separate electronic file, preferably in Word format.
Style and tone: T+D's style is journalistic rather than academic. It is a professional business magazine, not a scholarly journal. That means authors should favor the active voice over the passive. For example, "an article was sent" is passive; "the writer sent an article" is active.
Avoid jargon and technical terms; if you must use them, define them. Spell out abbreviations on the first use. Use gender-inclusive language ("he or she" rather than just "he.")
Writing should be crisp, clear, and plain-speaking.
We do not publish speeches, theory, opinion, dissertations, or internal reports. We also do not accept submissions that promote a specific product or service, or disguised public relations releases.
References: Use references only when exact words have been lifted from a source or when an idea originated with the source named and isn't widely known. No references are needed for paraphrased ideas or widely known information such as the fact that the number of women in management is increasing. We do not publish footnotes or bibliographies.
We edit all manuscripts for style, format, space, and readability.
In addition to feature articles, T+D also accepts submissions or items of interest for the following departments:
Books: Book reviews are assigned. Please contact the editor for more information. Reviews and lists of new books on HRD, business, and workplace learning and performance. Email pketter@astd.org.
Development: Designed for more experienced professionals, these tips and topics of interest are intended to enhance your work day and personal development. 1,000-1,400 words. Email jllorens@astd.org.
Fundamentals: The nuts and bolts of training and development for less experienced training professionals. These how-to articles focus on presentation skills, meeting management, creativity training, group-process techniques, training delivery methods, performance appraisals, and more. 1,000-1,400 words. Email mlaff@astd.org.
Intelligence: Timely, practical, business-oriented news on trends and best practices, plus how-to tips. Send articles or press releases of any length, but they may be cut to fit news byte format. Email mlaff@astd.org.
Mailbox: Readers' reactions to items in T+D -- and their opinions on issues relevant to the field of workplace learning and performance. Any length, may be subject to editing. Email mailbox@astd.org . (Hint: A letter to the magazine is a good way to get to know the editors and to gain insight on the publishing process.)
For more information about our departments, contact the appropriate editor.
PLEASE NOTE: Specific content is determined four to six months ahead of publication. For more details, email pketter@astd.org. Send your articles, story ideas, or press releases to the appropriate editors at ASTD.
We may ask to use all or part of your department submission. We will notify you first.
Send department submissions to the appropriate email address or to Editor, [department name], T+D, 1640 King Street, Box 1443, Alexandria, VA 22313-2043.
Email feature articles to pketter@astd.org. An email attachment in Word is preferred. Send charts, tables, and other graphics in a separate electronic file.
Or send two copies and a computer disk containing your feature article to
Ann Pace
Associate Editor
T+D
1640 King Street, Box 1443
Alexandria, VA 22313-2043.
Do not fax your manuscript.
Keep a copy for future reference.
We cannot return manuscripts or disks.
Thank you.
Take a moment...Did you read through the Contributors Guidelines thoroughly? They contain essential information to increase the chances of your manuscript being accepted for publication.
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