Request Information
From Advertisers
|
Home | S&C Magazine | Working Money | Traders' Resource | Message-Boards | Store
AUTHOR GUIDELINES
This is to acquaint you, as an author or prospective author for our
publications, with our needs and requirements. There are few hard and fast
rules, and acceptance of a manuscript or program is not necessarily contingent
on strict compliance with the guidelines set forth herein.
STYLE AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
We are not hypercritical of writing style, but accuracy is the keyword.
Grammatical corrections will be made by the editorial staff. However, the
completeness and accuracy of submitted material is extremely important.
We particularly expect documented features of trading systems to be
positively confirmed. Computer programs must be thoroughly debugged and
tested. Technical Analysis, Inc., attempts to verify each program submitted,
but there are many times when this is prevented by system configurations.
Problems arising after publication will be directed to the author.
Articles, like computer programs, should be modular in form. Each paragraph
should cover a single, well-defined topic. The flow of logic should be
easy to follow. If it is not easy for a novice to understand, then rewrite
your article/paragraph/sentence so that it will be. This does not preclude
articles on complicated topics but keep in mind that many of our readers
are new to the field and need detailed explanation.
All material - text and graphics - should be submitted by e-mail. If
submitting your article electronically is not possible, then the article
should be typewritten and double-spaced on disk. Articles should be 2,000
words or less. Graphics should be captured as BMP or TIF files and sent
as attachments to our e-mail. DO NOT embed them in a word-processing document.
Word and WordPerfect files are easiest to use.
You must include graphs or other illustrative graphics to clarify articles.
(A list of acceptable computer file types is available. We recommend 16-color
.bmp, .pcx or .TIF file formats for graphics. For article text, we prefer
.DOC files.) If not submitted electronically, send two copies of all graphs:
one clean original and one copy marked with appropriate notes and labels.
The graphs should be large enough to be read clearly when reduced to half
their original size. All charts, graphs, tables, illustrations, and computer
listings should have complete and descriptive captions. Do not send originals,
if at all possible. If you are sending originals, keep copies for yourself.
Please include biographical data for publication. One paragraph explaining
your background is adequate. If requested, Technical Analysis, Inc., will
not publish an author's address or phone number.
COPYRIGHTS
Every author must complete and return a Technical Analysis, Inc., copyright
form included with this guideline with the following information: Author's
name, address, telephone number and Social Security Number filled out (SSN).
This copyright form, signed and filled out, must be returned with the required
hard copy. Your material must be an original work that has not been previously
published and is not currently under consideration by any other publication.
Upon acceptance, Technical Analysis, Inc., acquires full copyright to
the material, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Certain rights to
reuse the material are given to the author, so long as proper copyright
notice in the name of Technical Analysis, Inc., is given.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND PUBLICATION
We try to acknowledge all material received within two to three weeks of
receipt. Acceptance is determined later by the editorial staff of the publication
to which you submit your material.
If the article is declined, we will notify you. Acceptance for possible
future publication is not a firm guarantee to publish and should be interpreted
to mean that the material will be given additional review. All material
that meets minimum acceptance requirements falls into this category. The
author will be notified later as to the disposition of this material and
whether additional work will be required by the author.
When an author has been advised that material will be published in a
specific issue of a Technical Analysis, Inc., publication, this is still
not the final word. The intricacies of publishing often require that material
be pulled from or added to a given issue at any time up to press time.
This is dictated by such things as last-minute changes in advertising or
new feature material that must be included because of its timely nature.
To the best of our ability we will keep an author advised, which, on occasion,
means an author may receive several subsequent notices of publication.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS/PRODUCTS
Computer programs, demos, simple study utilities, and other programs may
be included in our series of software products for investors. No cash payments
are made for these, since they are considered as subscriber contributions
for the benefit of all.
IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED. . .
Don’t get rejectionitis. If your story or program is rejected, it may be
for any number of different reasons.
If your material has publishing potential but we feel it needs more
work, or if the programming can be improved, we will let you know. Bear
in mind that not all Technical Analysis, Inc., authors are professional
writers who are accustomed to rejection slips, so we ask that you not be
discouraged if your material is rejected, but to consider us again in the
future.
CONTENT AND TOPIC
For all of our publications, we are looking for items with wide audience
appeal.
First consideration for publication will be given to material, regardless
of topic, that presents the subject in terms that are easily understood
by the novice trader. One of our prime considerations is to instruct, and
we must do so in a manner that the lay person can comprehend. This by no
means bars material of a complex nature, but the author must first establish
the groundwork.
Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities, The Traders'
Magazine(TM)
Computer trading utilities, charting methods, and how-to tutorials are
in highest demand, but anything of interest to most investors is also appropriate
for submission.
An article or trading example that takes the time to develop the whys
as well as the hows will carry more weight in the selection process. For
instance, an article that explains how the reader can use a moving average
might merit publication, but an article that first explained the purpose
and function of a moving average would be given preference.
THEME BLOCKS
We have an editorial calendar with general areas that we attempt to cover
in each issue. These include, but are not limited to:
Classic Techniques: Definitive explanations of technical
charting techniques or numerical methods.
Trading Techniques: Here, we are looking for information that
isn't normally covered in introductory articles and generally is only picked
up through experience. Market quirks, floor smarts, and rules of thumb
are especially handy. Sometimes this is integrated with new technical analysis
techniques, but usually these "tricks of the trade" aren’t quantifiable.
They are everyday ways of surviving in order to prosper.
New Techniques: Here, we are looking for new ways to look at
the markets or modifications to traditional techniques. Although many techniques
tend to be computerized, this is not a necessity. Articles away from the
beaten path are attention-getters. Spreading and hedging are particular
favorites. Charting or computer programs to help the trader study or interpret
market movements do enhance the value of the article.
Basic Techniques: There's always a need to explain the basics,
and a learn-by-example approach is best. Describe the use of a trading
system or computer program to augment user application and analysis.
Reviews: New software, hardware, or online products on the market
that can make the trader's life easier; comparative reviews of books, articles,
etc. We can supply the raw material if you let us know your availability
and interests. If you are a proven author and want to review software,
let us know what computer setup you have.
Statistics: How should traders use statistics productively? The
best articles here are those describing quick-but-not-too-dirty ways of
employing statistics when trading. Articles describing when and/or how
to use statistical techniques are also welcome.
Artificial Intelligence: Includes neural networks, expert system,
and hybrids and their applications to trading and technical analysis.
Real World: Describe how to use chart work and technical analysis
in day-to-day trading of stocks or commodities. A blow-by-blow account
of how a trade was made, including the trader's thought processes, is always
well-received by our subscribers. Surveys, statistics, or information accumulated
from actual data also go under this theme block, the idea being to describe
the trading arena as accurately as possible.
Trading Psychology: Trading is a mental and emotional exercise,
and articles in this theme block describe how traders can put themselves
in the best frame of mind for trading, point out how to avoid common emotional
traps, or describe the intuitive, personal aspects of being a trader who
must deal with failures as well as successes.
Technical vs. Fundamental: This theme block is where we explore
techniques, strategies, concepts, and systems beyond the traditional technical
approach. Is technical analysis bunk? Here's the place to describe why.
Can you explain a wholly different, yet profitable approach to trading
that encompasses anything from astrology to econometrics? This is the theme
block where you can show how to mix trading methods or describe new trading
approaches that show promise or are paying off already.
Working Money, The Investors’ Magazine(TM)
Readers of Working Money are looking for articles that give them
solid, how-to information about investing their hard-earned money. Financial
planning strategies, how to choose mutual funds and other investment instruments,
and how-to tutorials are in highest demand, but anything of interest to
most investors is also appropriate for submission. Charts are especially
useful for conveying information succinctly and explaining, when necessary,
the movement of the markets, the growth of investments, and comparisons,
and are strongly encouraged.
An article or investing example that takes the time to develop the
whys as well as the hows will carry more weight in the selection process.
For instance, an article that demonstrates dollar-average investing might
merit publication, but an article that first explained the purpose and
function of dollar-average investing would be given preference.
THEME BLOCKS
We have an editorial calendar with general areas that we attempt to cover
in each issue. These include, but are not limited to:
Cover Story: This should be significant, high-priority,
and compelling. It will highlight the most important investment-related
issue of the month.
Mutual Funds: Few investment opportunities provide the average
investor with the chance to grow with the economy like mutual funds. All
aspects of mutual funds - how to acquire them, how to read a prospectus,
how to compare fees, how to select the fund that's right for an individual,
different types of funds - are perfect for Working Money.
Financial Planning: Working Money readers have begun to
earn money, but they haven’t necessarily learned how to plan what to do
with it. They need your expertise and clear explanations of what they need
to do to chart their financial course. Articles to help them assess their
current financial position, determine their goals, and develop a coordinated
plan of action should include recommendations, illustrations, and specific
items.
Money Management: Articles about money management should incorporate
concepts that are basic to successful investing. Working Money readers
want to better understand what money can do. Your article will show them
how to quantify its value, understand the risks involved in various investments,
and ultimately, understand the implications of every financial move. Articles
may be about a single aspect of money management (such as 401K investments,
IRAs, or compound interest) or take a macro view (by discussing general
money management strategies).
Investing: Working Money readers need to know about the
nuts and bolts of putting their money to work. How does an investor work
with a stockbroker? What market behaviors are important to know? How does
one choose a particular investment? Here is where your knowledge of the
day-to-day properties of investing will serve Working Money readers
well.
Market Commentary: Anyone who has money is especially interested
in what makes markets move. Your expert opinion… or your take on other
experts… will help Working Money readers make good investment decisions.
Rewards: One of the best things about acquiring money is using
it. Articles about how wise investors have chosen to reward themselves
provide both human interest and incentive for the reader.
Traders.com Advantage(TM)
Charting methods and interpretation in a how-to tutorial environment
are in highest demand, but anything of interest to most traders and technical
analysts is also appropriate for submission. In addition, the timely nature
of the World Wide Web permits us to accept articles that would otherwise
quickly stale on the printed page.
An article that explains how the user can use a moving average might
merit publication, but an article that first explained the purpose and
function of a moving average would be given preference.
HOT TOPICS
We have found that certain topics are of greatest interest to subscribers
to Traders.com Advantage(TM). These include:
-
RSI and relative strength
-
ADXR
-
Fibonacci ratios and charts
-
MACD and moving averages
-
Volume trends and analysis
-
Gann charting
-
Retracement
-
Futures
-
Trading systems
-
Wedge formations
-
Rate of change
-
Stochastics
-
Triangles
-
Double tops
-
Flags and pennants.
The keys to a successful article for Traders.com Advantage are timeliness,
brevity, and educational value.
PAYMENT
Payment is made upon publication. Payment for articles is based on a flat
rate per published page exclusive of advertising space, but including supplied
art, tables, programs, etc. Art payment is assumed to be based on our normal
reduced publication size. Whether it is actually reduced depends on final
magazine layout.
We do not pay for letters published in the "Letters to Stocks &
Commodities" or "Letters to Working Money" columns, nor for tips published
in our Traders’ Tips column in S&C.
Payment is mailed along with a tearsheet or copy of the Technical
Analysis of Stocks & Commodities or Working Money issue
in which the article appears. Authors wishing additional copies of the
issue in which their material appears may order them from the main office
(currently $3.50 per copy). Large quantity orders should be arranged prior
to publication. Reprint rates are available for quantities of 100 or more.
Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities: The rate
paid is $3.00 per column inch (2-column format) or $2.00 per column inch
(3-column format), with a $50 minimum. Cartoons, short programs, and special
material running less than two-thirds of one page will be paid at a flat
rate of $25 upon publication.
A premium page rate, calculated at 120% of the base rate, is payable
as follows:
-
For articles designated as the "lead" article in each issue. Premium rates
are not compoundable, that is, if a Staff Writer happens to author the
lead article that month, payment will be made at base rate plus the 20%
premium.
-
To "Staff Writers" who are designated by the editor and shall contribute
a minimum of one story every two issues. A Staff Writer shall, in addition,
have his or her name listed on the staff page. Technical Analysis, Inc.,
shall have first right of refusal of any material written for publication
by an outside Staff Writer.
Working Money: The rate paid is $3.00 per column inch (2-column
format) or $2.00 per column inch (3-column format), with a $50 minimum.
Cartoons, short programs, and special material running less than two-thirds
of one page will be paid at a flat rate of $25 upon publication.
A premium page rate, calculated at 120% of the base rate, is payable
as follows:
-
For articles designated as the "lead" article in each issue. Premium rates
are not compoundable, that is, if a Staff Writer happens to author the
lead article that month, payment will be made at base rate plus the 20%
premium.
-
To "Staff Writers" who are designated by the editor and shall contribute
a minimum of one story every two issues. A Staff Writer shall, in addition,
have his or her name listed on the staff page. Technical Analysis, Inc.,
shall have first right of refusal of any material written for publication
by an outside Staff Writer.
Traders.com Advantage: The rate is a $50.00 flat fee per
article upon publication. Traders.com Advantage articles are expected to
be three paragraphs long, with one accompanying graph, chart, figure, or
illustration.
|
