CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS


Carbusters #36

Topics for the next issue include Bike-Sharing and the World Carfree Day. Deadline for submissions is October 15.

Reply to

As usual, we are always looking for good stories, graphics, photos, and links which encourage the carfree lifestyle as well as reports from the front lines of carfree activism. We always welcome cool stickers, stencils and other agitprop for reproduction in the magazine and to offer in the resources section of our website.

Regular deadlines for articles, news items/links, letters, and announcements are: January 15, April 15, July 15, October 15

Graphics specifications:

Minimum resolution: 300dpi
CMYK or grayscale
Cover page: 209x299mm

Sadly we don't have budget to pay for submissions, but if you are looking to put your name in print and gain international fame, we always welcome your submissions.

In addition, we are always looking for:

  • eye-catching graphics and artwork
  • news items of international interest
  • studies and reports
  • industry watch reportage
  • reviews of relevant books and movies
  • letters to the editor
  • story ideas
  • announcements of upcoming events.

Submissions are best sent via e-mail to . Please indicate the type of submission in the subject field. Submissions may also be sent to: World Carfree Network, Krátká 26, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic.

Submissions selected for use in the magazine may be edited by Carbusters staff, in which case this will be done where possible in consultation with the author, to provide feedback and negotiate edits. The author will normally receive an electronic copy of the page before the magazine is printed, and every author contributing to the magazine can expect to receive a copy of the issue in which their work appears.

Graphics and photos

Can be submitted to accompany a specific article, or on their own. These should be at 300 dpi resolution—it is not normally acceptable to change a 72-dpi file into a 300-dpi file, the original image must be of high resolution. We especially like to get high-quality, colour front and back cover images. Back covers are often spoof advertisements. Graphics can be e-mailed to editors@carbusters.org.

Please check with us first if you wish to send a large file. You may want to send us a smaller, low-resolution version first, to get our feedback before sending a full-size, high-resolution version. Original images may be posted to us for scanning.

Letters

Letters to the editors should be under 300 words, and be followed by the writer's full name, city, state/region, and country. If you are seeking reader response to your letter, we will need a full address or at least an e-mail.

Car Cult Review

This humour section looks at various oddities and bizarre happenings in the world of car culture. Usually the items are written in journalistic style. Some pieces are often accompanied by graphics. Word counts range from 100 to 400 words.

Industry Watch

Here we prefer investigative pieces exposing dirty deeds of the automobile, oil and related industries. Positive and "mixed-bag" developments are also covered. Usually the items are written in journalistic style. Word counts range from 300 to 1,200 words.

Action!

This section includes reports of direct action around the world. Usually they are written by organisers and participants, but press reports are sometimes used as a last resort. We prefer to hear about fresh, new, creative tactics rather than yet another Critical Mass or Reclaim the Streets event. We like readers to be able to learn from action reports, getting inspiration and ideas to apply to their local situation. The writing style can be more personal than journalistic, and where appropriate can convey a sense of energy and excitement.

Skill Sharing

This section follows a "how-to" format, and the subject matter can be anything from how to "bounce" cars off the pavement (sidewalk, footpath) to how to design a bicycle-powered sound system. Photos, diagrams and clear instructions are helpful. The tone can be humourous where appropriate. Word counts range from 300 to 800 words.

World News

Here we include timely news items on everything related to transport(ation) and the human and natural environment. We especially appreciate news from outside Europe and North America. Usually the items are written in journalistic form. Word counts range from 100 to 600 words. We also accept humourous, spoof news submissions for a "News of the Unreal" sidebar which may appear in future issues of Carbusters.

Studies & Reports

We try to stay on top of transport(ation) research developments, and this is where we do it. The items are written in journalistic style. A summary of a study's conclusions is the minimum; this can be complemented with quotations from the researcher(s), etc. Word counts range from 100 to 600 words.

Announcements

Here we include upcoming events (conferences, days of action, etc.) that are internationally relevant, job openings, calls for assistance, new publications and websites, etc. Word counts range from 50 to 300 words.

Features

Usually we have a theme for each magazine issue, meaning that most of the feature articles should fit with that theme. The What's New section of our website describes the theme of our upcoming magazine(s) to serve as guidance for submissions. However, features on any theme relevant to Carbusters can be submitted at any time, and may be published in a magazine issue with a differing theme. It is advisable to contact us first to discuss suitability, and allow us to offer advice for an article. Word counts range from 1,000 to 5,000 words.

Fiction

Occasionally we publish short fiction pieces, usually about 1,200 words (one page) in length. Sometimes longer pieces are edited down with the author's permission. And in rare cases, a longer fiction piece might be accepted as a feature article.

Book Reviews

We seek thoughtful, balanced deep critiques of new books on issues of transport(ation) and urbanism. Often we have a book in mind that we wish to be reviewed, so writers can contact us for our current interests. Usually we publish two book reviews on one page in each magazine issue. Word counts range from 500 to 600 words.