The following guidelines are to help make the publication process easier for everyone. However, we know that many of our members do not have access to computers, typewriters or style guides. So don't fret or use this as an excuse not to participate. We need your comments and insights, so get involved. If the following information helps, then use it. If it gets in the way, then use this page for tinder to light your fire so you can produce the charcoal to write and the light to see.

The Bulletin of Primitive Technology is a special interest journal published bi-annually for the membership of the Society of Primitive Technology (The SPT). The Bulletin is provided as a vehicle to further the mission of the SPT, which is to: promote the practice and teaching of aboriginal skills; foster communication between teachers and practitioners; to set standards of authenticity, ethics, and quality.

The Bulletin of Primitive Technology will consider for publication all articles, manuscripts. news, art, reports, reviews, that reflect the mission of the SPT and meet the needs of the membership (At this time we do not seek fiction, personal reports, columns or biographical sketches). Solicited and contributed feature articles (1500-4000 words) may or may not reflect the featured topic for each issue. Contributions are medium length articles (1000-2000 words) that may compliment the feature or are included for general interest. Articles may be submitted at any time, and need not be saved for the feature publication schedule. The Bulletin is committed to offering a variety of topics and formats in each issue by devoting no more than 50% of the pages to the feature topic, thereby allowing for topics of interest to all readers in each issue.

THE EDITORIAL PROCESS

• Receipt of manuscript, line art and photos.
• Consideration for review is determined by the Editor and/or Editorial Board.
• May be sent to a Board member for review if topic is a specialty.
• May be edited to conform to space and format constraints.
• Manuscripts and photos will not be returned unless requested.
• Reasons for rejection - inappropriate subject matter; repetition of previously published material; topic too narrow or already public knowledge; poor research and documentation; illegible or or low quality submissions.
• Publishing ethics prevent us from considering materials currently appearing in other publications without permission from that publisher. Reprints are subject to their timeliness, lack of availability to the membership and permission from the original publisher.
• SPT accepts submissions to the Bulletin as "professional contributions" and no remuneration can be offered. Authors of feature articles (1500+ words) receive 3 complimentary copies of the issue containing their article (which they may save, sell, or give away) and a one year extension of their membership. Contributions that are not considered features receive complimentary copies of the issue containing the article.
• Upon acceptance for publication, all articles, photos, and/or illustrations become the property of the SPT, the publisher of The Bulletin of Primitive Technology. Authors who wish to retain a copyright should indicate this in advance, and it will be noted in the publication.
• Submissions accepted and published in the Bulletin become the property of the Society and as such are subject to reprinting in additional publications and compilations without additional clearance from the author.
• Requests for publication in other sources or for educational purposes are referred directly to the author.

GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS

STYLE - Many types of manuscripts are suitable - theoretical, practical, technical, historical, philosophical, how-to, creative, controversial, etc., and may address implications for the technician, scientist, replicator, and/or others.

Use simple, clear and direct writing style.

When reporting research results, try to avoid technical or "popular" language and avoid complex tables not directly related to the text. Concentrate on reasons for conducting the research, discussion of the results and application to the field. We publish all types of articles for a variety of readers.

LENGTH - Feature articles that relate to the major topic of an issue may be of any length, but the preferred length is 1500-3000+ words. Contributions should be double spaced and should be directed to a specific topic or technique. Articles that require substantial illustration may be considered as a feature article as well.

COVER PAGE - Please include title, author, short biography for the text box, current address/phone, number of words in manuscript rounded to nearest 50.

TEXT - The text should include an introduction, body, conclusion, and bibliography (if needed). If applicable, parenthesis including the author and date of the source cited should be included in the text and listed in the references.

When addressing useful plants, please include the scientific name in parenthesis following the common name. Common names are regionally specific and must be clarified for a publication with an international readership. "How-to" articles should emphasize the use of natural/traditional materials and hands-on techniques. They should also be well illustrated. Expansion of new ideas from ethnographic and/or prehistoric style is encouraged, but should not dominate our content. Instructions should avoid the use of illegal materials such as certain furs, feathers, and specific animal parts (this issue will vary from state to state in some instances. but should be recognized where possible).

Contributions are welcome in all formats, but electronic versions speed things up. Word documents are preferred. Electronic submissions can be made via e-mail or CD. Please note that we edit and design on a MAC platform. If you use longhand, please write clearly so that text can be accurately transcribed.

Accepted formats in descending order of preference. CD DISK, E-Mail, MICROSOFT WORD DOC, TYPEWRITTEN, or HANDWRITTEN. Format will not affect consideration for publication as long it is legible.

BIBLIOGRAPHY - Keep to a minimum. List only sources cited. Accepted style is author, date of publication, title (if article), title (if book), publisher, city.

PHOTOS - Photographs that compliment the article are strongly encouraged. Black and white or color prints of any size (5X7 prints). Attach legible descriptions with adhesive tags or on a separate sheet of paper. Avoid writing on the photos except to number them.

Digital files are preferred. Save all copies at 300 dpi or better. Original photos are best. Send on a CD or e-mail. Save as jpgs or tiffs and compress into a zip file if e-mailing. Do not send photos pasted into a word document. They cannot be retrieved and edited in this format.

Front cover submissions should be top quality photos. Back cover submissions should be 8 x 10 prints, slides, or digital files. Photos are not returned unless requested.

ILLUSTRATIONS - Black and white line drawings that are camera ready are preferred, but art can be produced with adequate lead time, if it cannot be provided by the author. Any art from other sources must be identified and credited. Art is not returned unless requested. All digital files should be saved at 1200 dpi or better. Do not send illustrations pasted into a word document. They cannot be retrieved and edited in this format.

TABLES, GRAPHS, CHARTS - Use to illustrate text.

DEADLINES - We are soliciting manuscript ideas for feature articles one year in advance (please refer to thc subjects listed in the current issue - also note mention of contributions category) in order for the editor to allot space and time for review and use of an article. However, please submit works anytime. Regular submission deadlines are: SPRING - January 1. FALL- July 1.

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