Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine 2014 Editorial Board Meeting

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine Go-to-Gals

at the 2014 Editorial Board Meeting

This past weekend I returned home after spending an amazing week in Utah at the annual editorial board meeting of Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine. What is Ed Board? Its a chance for all of the editors and contributing editors (us) to talk about the past year of issues and to plan for the upcoming year. In the publishing world, we always work far ahead. The final issues of 2014 are planned, so it was time to look towards 2015! The talented brainpower involved in these meetings is unreal. I am so crazy excited for all the wonderful ideas we came up with! And how we are going to continue to make the monthly digital issues amazing and along with the print special issues!!

Top left to right, Laura Williams, Heather Campbell, Kim Kesti, Laina Lamb, Besty Veldman, Teri Anderson

Being in a room with people who are as deeply passionate about the same things as you, is uplifting and encouraging and just plain wow. Each Go-To-Gal brings a different perspective and ideas, all creating a very special team. Each of these women floor me. And I am so privileged to call each of them my friend!

Creativity is messy. We cleaned it up, eventually.

The first part of our week together, we created. We sat at a table and shared ideas and product and taught each other. Just look at those talented ladies. I got to sit and make cards with them!!! We also went sightseeing in Park City, where we stayed. A couple of field trips were taken. One to Hazel & Ruby and the other to Fancy Pants Designs. Fun, fun, fun! 

Make and take at Hazel & Ruby. Those reuseable stencils are amazing. Post coming soon!

Make and take at Fancy Pants Design. They have some uber cute lines coming out soon!

One other big part of our meeting is the chance for us to be involved in the editorial submissions judging process. We helped choose the projects that will be in the November 2014 digital issue. It is a verrrrry interesting process to be a part of. I wanted to share some of the things that I have learned from the process with you, an inside look at how to help get your work noticed. 

What I learned in submissions judging:

1. Every single project submitted is fantastic. 

    Every.single.one.

2. Not every gorgeous project fits the call. 

    There are very specific parameters in the call, sometimes the project just doesn't fit.

3. Submit. Submit. Submit. 

4. Take your photos on blank backgrounds (read white or cream). 

    Colors and patterns distract. And can possibly ruin your card's chance.

5. List only the basic supplies, stamps, patterned paper, inks. 

     Only be specific if it explains the cool technique you used to create your card. Too much info causes         problems for the system. 

6. Make sure to use product creatively. 

     Many people use the same images the same way. That goes for patterned papers, dies, and      embellishments too. Especially the popular and trendy ones.

7. Submit. Submit. Submit. 

    I said that already, but seriously, submit. Share your creativity with the world! Here is the link to find the calls Submit To Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine.

The process is all done anonymously, so I cannot wait to find out who created what in the issue! We chose some amazing projects that I know will inspire you!

There ya have it, a brief look at one fantastic adventure! thanks for stopping by!

~kimberly

P.S.You know me pretty well by now, so you can imagine the photo overload on this little trip. If you are curious about all the fun and beautiful scenery, head to Instagram and search #edboard2014. It will link you up to all the mischief work. :)

a cover girl!

I am a cover girl!!!!! Its so unreal to see a project that you created on a cover!!! Mine is the top card, with the happy birthday and many more sentiment.

This special issue from Paper Crafts Magazine is always a favorite!                   Card Creations Vol. 11 is packed with the most amazing cards. It’s a keeper. One worth thumbing through now and in the future!

And if you would like a chance to win this issue…better pop back in tomorrow and see what is happening! :)

thanks for stopping by!

~kimberly

publication tips

One of the things that I hope I do on this blog, is encourage my readers. Encourage you to create and try something new. And now, I want to encourage you in your attempt to get published. If its not your goal, that is a-okay. But if its something that you are striving to achieve, maybe these tips can help you. Having some success in the publishing world, these are things that I personally keep in mind when creating for a call.

1. Do your bestest work. (word from the little man :)) Make sure your edges are even. Your score is even, clean, and the edges of your score are not torn or bumpy. Stamp evenly, if one of your letters or part of an image is lighter, or even darker, in places, re-stamp it. Don’t let your adhesive show through.

2. Submit. Submit. Submit.

3. Take clear photos. Make sure your image is in focus. The best lighting you can give yourself is in front of a window. Make sure your image is the correct size requested. Don’t clog up the editor’s email with your too-large photos.

4. Follow directions. Does your card really match the call? Does your project clearly illustrate the theme? Did you submit to the proper place? Did you submit on time?

5. Is your project hip? You don’t have to use the latest and greatest product to get published. But you do have to use product in a unique and inventive way.

6. Submit. Submit. Submit.

7. Don’t take rejection personally. Everyone gets rejected. It seems very often my favorite cards don’t get picked up. Its ok. Sometimes you didn’t use the colors the editors envisioned for the article, or even the whole issue. (I have SO had that happen.) Sometimes your card just doesn’t “fit in” with the others that will be on the page.

8. Refer to 2 and 6.

9. Find a publication that matches your style. Head over to your local bookseller and check out all the magazines where you can submit your work. Find a publication that speaks to you and would love to have your work grace their pages.

10. Be yourself. Find your own style and stick with it. Use what you love. Because if it doesn’t get picked up, you still have a project that makes you happy. And something to share on your blog. :)

When you do get picked up, after the happy dance, of course:

1. Be gracious and be on time! Send a quick thank you response to the editor who chose your project. And send the project in on time. Also, follow whatever directions are given to you, like labeling your projects and typing the correct information that the editors will need.

2. Do not share your project online, until you are given permission. (Each magazine has its own policy, which will be disclosed once your project is picked up.) But once you can, shout your excitement from the rooftops! Promote the issue and the magazine in general. Its appreciated!

If you want to get published, I hope you find these tips helpful. And I am encouraging you to give it a try! Once upon a time, I never, ever, ever, ever dreamed that my cards could be in a magazine. Yes, there have been rejections and bumps in the road, but for me, it was worth it!!

cheering you on!! thanks for stopping by!