Journal of Natural Science Illustration – Author Guidelines

The Journal Editorial Team is profoundly grateful for your contribution to these pages. Without your generosity, there would be no Journal! We respect your busy schedule; so, here are a few general guidelines to make the process of suggesting, editing, and submitting your content easier and faster for us all.

SUBMITTING YOUR IDEA:

Please send your abstract of approximately 100-200 words, along with one or two low-res images, if available, that support your topic to the Journal Team member who contacted you; or you can reach us here: [email protected] Once your topic is accepted, you will be assigned an editor who will work with you throughout the process.

TOPICS:

  • We accept nearly anything related to scientific illustration: techniques, business practices, studio tips, equipment or materials, unique experiences you may have had while working on a project, etc. We welcome brief “hints and tips” for artists (consisting of a short paragraph or two and one or more supporting images), as well as samples from your sketchbooks (include very brief descriptions of the media used and location, events, etc.). Sketchbook and “hints and tips” submissions are very welcome as fillers, and will be used at our discretion and as space is available.
  • Our production schedule is fluid; therefore we do not accept articles that contain time-dated material, such as those that promote a workshop/class, exhibit or specific event.
  • We look for topics that inform or support our members, and reserve the right (obligation!) to reject topics that are well outside of that restriction. We do not accept material that is political. Your topic may be better suited to the GNSI website, GNSI Facebook Member page, or listserv than the Journal.
  • Depending on the topic and the size of the article and the size of the current issue layout, your article may not be used immediately. We will advise you what we think will be the schedule, and keep you informed of schedule changes.
  • We invite you to include a brief biographical paragraph — our readers want to know who you are!

ARTICLE SIZE:

Figure approximately 500 words per page with 1-3 images per page. Our articles vary considerably in length. Feature articles normally run 3-5 pages, smaller pieces (like book reviews) may run one page or less.

IMAGES:

We require high-res images (minimum 300 dpi at print size, on an 8.5x11” page), preferably tif files, but high-res jpgs or pdfs may work; if your image has a lower resolution, your editor will advise if it is acceptable.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to fit images into a layout, we often have to resize or reposition elements of that image, which could render the built-in labels unreadable. If you have an image with labels, please send us a low-res copy with labels, and a native high-res file without labels; we will reconstruct the labels (and accompanying arrows, lines or other added graphics) to suit the layout.

ARTICLE SUBMISSION:

Once your article is ready to submit, please prepare the text in a Word or similar document so that we can copy and paste. Place your images and your text document in a folder and compress the folder. If your files are large, we can provide a URL for upload.

EDITING:

Your editor will work with you to refine the wording for clarity if needed, edit for length, and look for any discrepancies or omissions. Your editor will also check with you on the images you select for quality, copyright issues, suitability for the topic, etc. You will be asked to sign a permission form to publish your article.

PERMISSIONS:

The journal requires authors to get get signed permission forms for any content that is to appear in the Journal. In most cases this is not a problem, as the author is the owner of the text and images. If you include other's work, permission from them will bee needed as well. If a very few instances where material may qualify as "Fair Use" without permission required, please work with your editor to confirm the use. Link to the Permissions Form.

PEER REVIEW:

GNSI Journal of Natural Science Illustration articles are accepted from our GNSI professional membership or recognized experts in fields directly related to the practice of natural science illustration, and are vetted by the Journal staff, all GNSI professionals themselves. Highly technical articles are generally reviewed by GNSI members accepted as experts in the subject, or by outside experts, for accuracy and clarity.

AUTHOR PROOFS:

Your editor will contact you from time to time during the issue layout process as needed. Once the entire layout is complete, you will receive a pdf proof of your article pages. Please look these over carefully, and alert us to any mistakes, omissions, etc.; corrections will be made and, if needed, a second proof will be sent to you. The issue will go to press with what you approve at this stage. Please reply promptly!

PORTFOLIO COPIES:

As an author, you will receive one copy of the issue for your files (in addition to the regular copy if you receive the print edition). Extra print copies may be available, please ask! PDF copies are available from the website.