Happy February, my friends! Last week I finalized all of the text for our spring issue. The finished product won’t be in your hands until March 23rd, but we’re super excited for you to see what we have in store for 2018. You’re gonna love it!

Once I get done writing one issue and hand it off to the copy editor and then to design, my mind naturally begins thinking about the next issue. Yes, summer is already on my mind even though the calendar says I should be thinking about Valentine’s Day. Such is the life of a magazine editor, and after about 10 years in this industry, I’m pretty used to it.

One of the first things we do to prepare for the next issue is to send out our call for submissions, and as of today, our summer call is OPEN. You can find all of the details HERE.

Each of our calls for submission include a PageMaps sketch created by Becky Fleck and then seasonal themes to fill the Inspiration Gallery of the issue.

Here is what the PageMap for this issue looks like:

12x12 PageMaps Sketch for Summer 2018 issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today

Would you like a little insight into what we’re looking for when it comes to submissions? Lean in, and I’ll give you the scoop:

  • Absolutely everyone is welcome to submit. Yes, that means YOU! And you can submit as many projects as you like.
  • If it’s paper crafted and fits any of the themes for the issue, we’re interested in seeing it.
  • Our readers really, really like to see double page layouts and layouts that feature multiple photos, so challenge yourself to do just that!
  • In addition, we are always looking for projects with:
    • Great design (well-balanced and proportionate)
    • Superb execution (not sloppy)
    • Clever uses of product (think out of the box) and
    • Fresh approaches (to give our readers new ideas)
  • A well-lit photo of your project helps us to get a good look at what you’ve created. No need to stage it for social media with props or extraneous items. We just want to see your project in the clearest possible light.

What’s in it for you?

  • The chance to challenge yourself to create something for publication.
  • The possibility of receiving that thrilling email that lets you know that your project has been chosen for publication.
  • If chosen, your project and name in print in a top-notch magazine read in 120 countries!
  • Compensation for publication is a fabulous box of product from our sponsors plus a copy of the issue!

My challenge to you? Block off some time on your calendar in the next two weeks, and get busy creating something AWESOME to submit. You NEVER know… The summer issue just might include your card or layout!

Can’t wait to see what you create!

Susan Opel signature

Susan R. Opel, Editor-in-Chief