What
is VSN Looking For:
Stamp
art, convention reports, article proposals and/or requests, suggestions,
complaints, kudos, questions and stamping news are welcome.
Stamp
any theme.
By
sending stamp art, articles, etc., you are giving permission for
it to be published in VSN.
You
MUST let us know if you are sending the same art, report or article
to another stamping publication. Send SASE for article guidelines.
Stamp
Art:
VSN is
looking for stamp art for future issues.
We're
looking for funny, scenic, weird, cute.
We're looking for your stamp art!
We're looking for art on any theme, but here ideas to get
you started:
March
- Ides of March, all stamp art is
welcome!
Deadlines: Cover art -
1/15,
Other art - 1/25.
April -
Spring! All stamp art is welcome!
Deadlines: Cover art - 2/15,
Other art - 2/25.
May -
Flowers, See May Flower Challenge!
Deadlines:
Challenge 3/26.
Cover art - 3/26,
Other art - 4/1.
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What
to Send:
Send your stamp art - the original or
a very good quality copy. Don't forget to include stamp credits
for the stamps used, your return address, and (if possible) a brief
description of how your piece was created. Your overall card design
should be your own. If it is closely based on someone else's work,
say so - give credit where it is due!
We
accept full-color artwork but we are still looking for black and
white art as well. Black & white art is striking because it emphasizes
the images and message of the card and we want to continue sharing
it. For the greatest chance of being published, send a full-color
and black and white version.
If
you send a card just for the enjoyment of the editor, please mark
it. Ex: "For your enjoyment - Not for publication." I love your
stamp art and love to show it off in VSN
- but will keep it private if you specifically ask that it not be
published!
Include
a list of stamps used: The list is used for "Stamps in this Issue"
credits. If you forget, you are welcome (and encouraged!) to send
credits even after it is published. We will update the credits in
the next issue to go to print. We want to help each other find these
stamps! (Credits are listed in a box near the end of each issue.)
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How
Did You Create Your Stamp Art?
VSN
readers are very interested in learning about
how your stamp art was created - what materials you used and any
special techniques involved. If possible, please include a brief
description. While this is not a requirement, it is especially appreciated.
What
to Not to Send:
Sorry, no returns! Please don't send
anything you can't part with permanently. (Send a quality copy if
you must keep the original.) It really helps us out logistically
to be able to keep the stamp art you send.
When
Will It be Run?
I try to run stamp art as soon as possible,
but it can run several months to a year or more after it is received
- especially if it is seasonal or if it uses a technique I'll cover
in a future issue.
Decisions
on whether a particular piece will be run are usually made at the
time the issue is finalized (and that is not long before it is mailed.)
If you are worried about whether it is received, include a self-addressed
stamped postcard and I'll drop it in the mail when I get it.
March Issue:
Ad Reservation w/payment.....Jan 25
Ad copy (if computer file).......Jan 25
Ad copy (if on paper) ............Feb 1
Reader contributions...............Feb 1
April Issue:
Ad Reservation w/payment .....Feb 26
Ad copy (if computer file)........Feb 26
Ad copy (if on paper) .............Mar 1
Reader contributions................Mar 1
(All Deadlines as space permits
- Earlier is
better!)
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What
do You Get?
There is no financial compensation for
contributions. As a small thank you, anyone whose stamp art is published
in VSN will receive an unmounted "VAMP
STAMP ARTIST" stamp (one per stamper.)
First
time authors/reporters receive an unmounted "VAMP
STAMP REPORTER" stamp (one per stamper.)
Second
time contributors receive a small unmounted stamp of my choice.
Published
stamp artists and writers of full articles also receive a complimentary
copy of the issue with their published work. But the best part is
that your stamp art or writing will be seen by thousands of stampers!
It's fun!
VSN
Article Guidelines
You don't have to read our Article Guidelines
flier to write an article for VSN .
. . but you may find that it makes things easier for you. It explains
what we are looking for and how articles are accepted and edited.
If
you would like a copy of this four-page booklet, send a SASE (Self
Addressed Stamped Envelope) to:
VSN
Article Guidelines
PO Box 386
Hanover MD 21076
Written submissions to VSN
are checked for grammar/spelling and may be edited for length.
I prefer
typed articles either mailed or sent in the body of an email (not
as a separate attachment.) Don't forget to include company addresses
when you mention a company in an article!
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Stamp
Room Challenge!
In the July '00 VSN,
I shared my stamping area with you and showed you how I store all
my stamping related STUFF! We'd love
to see YOUR stamp room. As an on-going
challenge, I would like to periodically highlight readers' stamp
rooms.
If
you have a nifty stamping area that you would like to share, please
send photos. Include descriptions highlighting what is seen in the
photos and/or tell us about the best things about your stamp area.
(Tell us what has NOT worked too!)
You
can even include a floor plan if you like. (It doesn't have to be
fancy or to scale - just something to help us visualize your stamping
space.)
If
your stamp room is chosen, you will be able to pick any ten VSN
back issues to be shipped to you compliments of VSN.
I look forward to seeing your stamping space!
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The
Fine Print:
1) Send photos of your stamp area. (Note:
Photos reproduce better if they are not really dark. Take your photos
on a sunny day - Turn on some lights!)
2)
Include descriptions and optionally a floor plan.
3)
PRINT your full name and address with your submission (printing
helps me spell your name right!)
4)
Deadline: On-going Challenge so no specific deadline. By sending
your photos, etc., you are giving VSN
permission to publish it.
5)
Include a self-addressed stamped post card if you want confirmation
that packet is received or alternatively if/when it will be printed.
6)
VSN is unable to return packets, so
only send what you do not need returned.
