DRAGON(R) Magazine

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR WRITERS

Updated 7/97.

DRAGON(R) Magazine Guidelines for Contributors

Know the ground rules first.

These guidelines do not specifically address one of the most important
subjects any writer should know: the proper way to prepare and submit a
manuscript for possible publication.

If you're a newcomer to the business of writing for pay and you're not sure
what the ground rules are, please take the time to learn them before you
proceed any further. There are many books and magazines on the subject that
should be readily available at a library, bookstore, or newsstand.

Perhaps the single most important rule, which we _will_ tell you about -
and which we can't emphasize too strongly - is the need for you to provide
a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with any written communication
you send us, if you expect a reply. Because of the volume of manuscript
submissions and other communications we receive, we cannot absorb the
expense of replying to anyone who does not supply return postage and an
envelope to contain that response. If you send in a manuscript and you want
it returned if it's not accepted for publication, your SASE must be large
enough to hold the manuscript, with enough postage affixed to carry the
submission back to you. If you don't want the manuscript pages back, you
still need to provide us with a letter-sized SASE into which we can place
our response.

If you send us a manuscript that's not properly prepared, you'll get back a
form-letter response that simply says we can't consider your submission
because of the way it was presented to us. Please keep in mind that what
you write is competing for our attention against the work of many other
authors. Manuscripts that don't make a good first impression because of the
way they were prepared probably won't get a second chance.

DRAGON(R) Magazine is a monthly periodical devoted to role- playing and
adventure games. The role-playing games produced by TSR, Inc., are given
special focus, since our readership has great interest in them. Popular
role-playing games by other companies are covered as well. Most of the
written material and artwork in each issue is provided by freelance
contributors.

Read these guidelines carefully before you send any materials to DRAGON
Magazine. If you have questions that are not answered here, we will respond
to inquiries as long as they are accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped
envelope (SASE). For a sample copy of the most recent issue of the
magazine, send $5.50 to DRAGON Magazine, 1801 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, WA
98055.

CORRESPONDENCE AND EVALUATIONS

A copy of our Standard Disclosure Form is included as the last page of
these guidelines. If at all possible, photocopy the form included here
instead of filling it out and sending it back; you will destroy or forfeit
your copy of the guidelines by doing so. You have our permission to make as
many photocopies of this form as necessary. A COMPLETED FORM MUST ACCOMPANY
EACH MANUSCRIPT YOU SUBMIT. ("Forum," "Letters," and "Sage Advice"
submissions are excluded from this requirement.)

Query us with a short letter before you submit an article manuscript to us;
we receive many duplicated or unacceptable ideas. We recommend you list two
to five possible article ideas you wish to work on. Write a paragraph
describing each idea and give a rough idea of each article's length. We
will comment briefly on each idea, noting which have the most interest for
us. Note that a query is NOT required before sending in a fiction
submission.

Send a cover letter with each full submission. Include a brief description
of the article submitted and any other information you feel is relevant,
particularly concerning payment and rights.

If you wish to be notified of our receipt of your manuscript, you can
either send your article to us by certified mail or enclose a
self-addressed, stamped postcard with your submission; we'll mail the
postcard back to you when your submission arrives. We cannot assume any
responsibility for the transit and safekeeping of articles and other
materials sent to us. Always keep at least one hard (paper) copy of each of
your articles.

We may need as long as twelve weeks to make our evaluation of your
submission. If you have not heard from us after this much time, feel free
to inquire by mail or email about the status of your material. DO NOT
CONTACT US BY PHONE TO FIND OUT THE STATUS OF A SUBMISSION.

Send query letters and completed manuscripts to: Article Submission, DRAGON
Magazine, 1801 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, WA 98055.

WHAT DO WE WANT?

We usually don't assign specific article ideas to freelance writers. It has
proved much easier for us to work with writers on topics that _they_ want
to write about, rather than what _we_ want them to write about. Still,
there are some areas that we would like to see covered in the magazine:
"Ecology" articles describing specific creatures in our fantasy games (see
"Standard columns"); new character races and classes for the AD&D(R) 2nd
Edition game; new monsters, treasures, and spells; articles covering ways
to become a better game master or player, or ways to run better or more
interesting campaigns; and "generic" articles with detailed advice that
applies to several games of a particular genre (fantasy, science fiction,
superhero, etc.). Materials on the AD&D 2nd Edition game are the most often
used and most requested by our readership. We will consider articles on
other games from TSR or from other companies, so long as the material is
well done and the game involved is popular.

Recent surveys indicate the following subjects are very popular with our
readers: AD&D game character classes (fighters, wizards, priests, and
thieves); advice for game masters and players; new magical items,
equipment, and weapons; undead; humanoids and demihumans (orcs, elves,
giants, dwarves, etc.); and wilderness, city, castle, and dungeon
adventuring advice. The FORGOTTEN REALMS(R) setting is the most popular of
all AD&D game worlds. We are always looking for material to fill special
theme issues in April (humor), June (dragons), and October (horror).

We already have game and book reviewers, so we do not need product reviews.

STANDARD DEPARTMENTS

DRAGON Magazine has several standard departments that appear at irregular
intervals, to which readers may contribute. "Arcane Lore" features original
spells created by the readership of DRAGON Magazine for spellcasting AD&D
game classes. "Bazaar of the Bizarre" presents original magical or
technological items for use in TSR's role-playing games. "The Dragon's
Bestiary" offers new monsters, beasts, and aliens that characters might
encounter (use standard MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM(R) format for AD&D game
monsters). "The Ecology of . . ." presents highly detailed looks at
standard fantasy-game creatures, making them more entertaining and offering
new adventuring hooks for their use. "Campaign Classics" features material
written for particular AD&D campaign settings that are not currently
produced, such as the AL-QADIM(R), DARK SUN(R), SPELLJAMMER(R), and
MYSTARA(R) settings.

LETTERS, OPINIONS, AND GAME QUESTIONS

Letters to the editor (which appear in "Letters"), short opinion pieces on
gaming ("Forum"), and specific questions about TSR games ("Sage Advice")
should be clearly handwritten or typed. An SASE is not required (SASEs we
receive with these will be returned with these guidelines). We will publish
a writer's full address in "Letters" or "Forum" if specifically requested;
otherwise, we will print city and state only. In all cases, PRINT YOUR NAME
AND ADDRESS CLEARLY ON YOUR LETTER.

STYLE AND CONTENT

If you're familiar with role-playing games, and particularly the products
of TSR, Inc., you've probably realized that there's a consistent style to
the way such products are printed. We strongly prefer that manuscript
submissions adhere to that style as closely as possible.

For instance, in an article about some aspect of the AD&D game, the names
of magical items and spells should be underlined; they will be presented in
italic type in the final printed text. In the AD&D game, numerals are used
to identify character levels (e.g., a 4th-level ranger); the levels of
spells are written out (a fifth-level spell).

Another important example of proper style: A "character" is a fictional
personality created for a role-playing game, like a character in a movie or
stage production. A "player" is a real person who plays a game. DO NOT
CONFUSE THESE TWO TERMS IN YOUR TEXT!

Most role-playing game systems are eventually updated and revised, and
writers should keep pace with all such game changes. This particularly
applies to the AD&D 2nd Edition game, which is continually being
supplemented by new accessories.

A full page of text in DRAGON Magazine contains about 1,000 words. We ask
that submissions not exceed 8,000 words unless the editor specifically
responds to a query that a longer article is desired.

Use proper bibliographic style when listing book and magazine references in
your article. If your article quotes material verbatim from other sources,
identify the sources (including page numbers) and BE SURE THAT EACH QUOTE
IS WRITTEN EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS IN THE ORIGINAL SOURCE. If possible, send
a photocopy of the page on which the quoted material originally appeared.

Consistently poor spelling, grammar, and sentence structure will almost
certainly cause an article to be rejected. Even if you feel that you have a
strong grasp of English and that your article is good, you should have the
manuscript proofread by one other person, preferably an English teacher or
professional editor. We don't insist that manuscripts be perfect, but we
like those that require little editing.

Manuscripts should address all facets of the subject at hand. They should
not pose questions that aren't answered in the text, nor should they
contain flat statements that are not explained and not justified with sound
reasoning or deduction. Any article that proposes a new procedure or offers
a new creation for use in a gaming adventure should also provide reasons
why the new procedure is beneficial to use or why the new creation has the
properties it does.

Develop an eye for detail and pay close attention to specifics. Lack of
clarity occurs when an author assumes knowledge or understanding on the
part of the reader that the reader may not have. Someone exposed to an
author's ideas for the first time needs to have all relevant facts
explained in detail and in order of significance.

You must also consider our moral and ethical standards. Many people who buy
and read DRAGON Magazine are of high-school age or younger - still living
with, or under the guidance and influence of, their parents or guardians.
We don't wish either the readers or their parents to perceive our products
as detrimental to young people. Thus, we do not portray profanity, graphic
violence, sexual activity, or any other "adult" topics. If you are not sure
if your idea is acceptable on moral or ethical grounds, assess the idea
again from a conservative, detached point of view. If you're still not sure
if it qualifies, explain to us in your query letter what the potential
problem is.

DO NOT SUBMIT ANY MANUSCRIPT SIMULTANEOUSLY TO _DRAGON_ MAGAZINE AND TO ANY
OTHER MAGAZINE. DO NOT COPY MATERIAL FROM ANOTHER SOURCE AND PASS IT OFF AS
YOUR OWN (I.E. COMMIT PLAGIARISM). Authors will bear full legal
responsibility for such actions.

Drawings and sketches may accompany your article if they are necessary to
illustrate important points. Such pictures need not be for publication as
drawn but should still be clearly and neatly rendered. Sketches and artwork
should be done in ink, not pencil, and if appropriate should include a
scale grid (square or hexagonal pattern) or size scale. Legibility of maps
and drawings is critical. If some of your illustrations are publishable, we
will make separate contract and payment arrangements for that part of the
submission. We can use photographs (for example, in articles on miniature
figures) as long as they are clear, crisply focused, and high in contrast.

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS

If it's possible for you to provide us with a copy of your manuscript on a
computer diskette (assuming the submission is accepted, of course), please
let us know that in your cover letter when you send in the submission. If
we want to publish your manuscript, we'll ask you to send us a diskette,
which we will not return. Always send your article in printed form (hard
copy) initially.

We are able to receive article queries via email. The address is
dragon@tsr.com. A copy of the Disclosure Form text need not be uploaded
with a short article query or a submission for "Forum," "Letters," or "Sage
Advice," the latter of which can go directly to thesage@tsr.com. If we
request a full manuscript, DO NOT send it by e-mail. Send the complete
printed submission, Disclosure Form, SASE, and all related artwork or other
materials (if any) by regular mail for our evaluation.

RIGHTS

If your manuscript is suitable for publication, we'll ask to purchase the
right to print it. Our request will be either for all rights (the usual
case) or for first worldwide serial rights in English, depending on the
nature and the topic of the submission. We must purchase all rights to any
submission that focuses on and uses TSR's copyrighted materials, or makes
changes or additions to TSR's products. You must agree to sell us all
rights to such a manuscript before we can make plans to print it. TSR,
Inc., owns the trademarks and copyrights associated with the games and
other products that it produces. We cannot allow illegal or unintentional
misappropriation or misuse of any publisher's trademarks or copyrighted
materials.

However, we can purchase first publication rights to other sorts of
manuscripts, including fiction (as long as it does not contain copyrighted
materials from TSR's or another publisher's products), articles on games
and products that do not use copyrighted materials of TSR, Inc., or any
other publisher without permission, and generic gaming articles that
discuss general aspects of play or relevant historical background without
extensive references to TSR products.

We will send three copies of a contract to you if we want to purchase the
right to use your manuscript. Sign all three and return them; one
countersigned copy will be returned to you for your records. If you are
under 18, a parent or guardian must sign or co-sign your contracts.

PAYMENTS

Payments for most articles are made within 60 days after acceptance (the
date on which your contract is countersigned), usually at a rate of about 4
cents per word (2-1/2p in the United Kingdom). We pay a flat fee for the
use of an article, and we do not offer royalties. If two or more persons
collaborate on an article, we must have a signed statement from all authors
concerning the division of payments.

All authors must give us their current addresses and keep us up to date on
any address changes. American writers (only) must also provide us with
their Social Security numbers (for tax purposes). If you have not received
a check and a complimentary copy of the magazine 60 days after your
article's publication, contact the editors by mail.

FICTION GUIDELINES

We seek original fantasy fiction with intriguing plots and interesting,
identifiable characters. Possible themes include problem solving, survival
tales, quests, magical battles, and challenging missions. We are not
specifically looking for fiction based on fantasy role-

playing game campaigns, because such fiction is generally of interest only
to the original game's participants.

We do not want fiction that deals primarily with philosophical,
metaphysical, or religious premises. Nor are we interested in rehashes of
other writers' works or ideas. We publish short stories only, no poems or
plays.

Submitted fiction should be written for an older adolescent and adult
audience. Use of obscene language is frowned upon, and sexually explicit
details or themes are unacceptable. A QUERY IS NOT NECESSARY FOR FICTION;
SEND THE COMPLETE MANUSCRIPT ONLY.

Fiction should not exceed 8,000 words in length. Payment rates are 5 to 8
cents per word, made upon acceptance for first worldwide publication rights
in the English language. Notice of acceptance or rejection is made within
60 days. All submissions must include an SASE and a Disclosure Form. In no
instance can DRAGON Magazine assume responsibility for manuscripts and
illustrations not specifically solicited.

Address all fiction submissions to: Fiction Editor, DRAGON Magazine, 1801
Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, WA 98005.

ART GUIDELINES

Familiarity with DRAGON Magazine is essential to understand the editorial
themes and artistic styles appropriate to our magazine. Being a player of
role-playing games provides the added advantage of having a feel for the
basic nature of these games and our editorial direction, but this is not
necessary. Most of the artwork we use must conform to or be justified by
the rules of the AD&D game. Our artistic thematic preference is not that of
current fantasy styles. Mighty barbarians and bikini-clad slave girls are
stereotypical; such portrayals are unlikely to interest us. On the
contrary, we prefer characters that are outfitted sensibly and in
accordance with the styles and fashions dictated by the AD&D game rules.

In general, overly stylized or abstract approaches to art are
inappropriate. Serious consideration is given to portfolios that
demonstrate an artist's ability to create realistic illustrations. Accurate
depiction of anatomy (human and animal) and the use of proper perspective
are essential skills. STATIC, SINGLE-PORTRAIT DRAWINGS ARE USELESS. Send
illustrations that have a strong composition and mood, and show figures in
action. The ability to portray authentic historical weapons, armor,
costumes, and architecture from the ancient, medieval, and Renaissance eras
is very desirable, and it weighs heavily in our evaluation of your artistic
skills.

An SASE must accompany all submissions of portfolios and samples if a
response is desired. Do not send samples larger than 9" x 12" unless you
are sending original art. A good-quality photocopy is fine for
black-and-white drawings. Color slides, photographs, transparencies, or
tear sheets are preferred. Do not send laser copies of color artwork, since
it is impossible for us to judge the accuracy of the copier, and the
process tends to obliterate subtle details of the painting.

The use of professional-grade art supplies and materials is essential. Art
submissions rendered with ball-point pens, markers, or crayons will be
rejected. We prefer color work done in oils, acrylics, watercolors, or
gouache.

We are not prejudiced against artists who are just starting to make careers
for themselves. However, we must consider the skills of every artist
relative to the skills of all the other artists who have made themselves
available to us. It is an unavoidable fact that we receive enough
solicitations from experienced professionals to fill our illustration
needs. If you feel that your artwork is at least as good as what you have
seen in recent issues of DRAGON Magazine, send us samples of your work.
Each submission will receive a response, as long as an SASE is enclosed. We
try to provide a brief but personal critique of all proper art submissions.

We normally acquire first worldwide publication rights for artwork, though
in some circumstances we may wish to acquire all rights to a work. We pay a
standard rate of $250 per page for black-and-white internal artwork and
$450 per page for color artwork; these amounts are reduced proportionately
for smaller sizes of art (e.g., the rate for a half-page B&W illo is $125).
Cover paintings earn considerably more. We pay a flat rate of $40 per
photograph used, up to a maximum of $200 for five or more photos.

Send all artwork samples to: Artwork Submission, DRAGON Magazine, 1801 Lind
Avenue S.W., Renton, WA 98055.

CARTOON GUIDELINES

Several points must be kept in mind if you wish to submit cartoons for
publication in DRAGON Magazine:

-Submit only appropriate subject-related cartoons.

-Provide an SASE of appropriate size and with sufficient postage, or you
will receive back neither a response nor your cartoons.

-Label the back of each cartoon with your name and address.

-Understand that we reserve the right to purchase all rights to any
cartoon, and in such a case if you are not willing or able to sell all
rights to your work, we won't be able to publish it.

If one or more cartoons are accepted, they are kept in an active cartoon
file. The rest of the cartoons you submitted will be returned to you. We
usually publish accepted cartoons within a year, though longer delays are
possible. Payment follows 60 days after the publication date. You will
receive your original cartoon back (if we did not purchase all rights) as
well as a complimentary copy of the magazine in which your cartoon appears.
Payment for cartoons ranges from $40 to $80.

Send all cartoon submissions to: Cartoon Submission, DRAGON Magazine, 1801
Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, WA 98055.

AD&D, DRAGON, AL-QADIM, DARK SUN, DRAGONLANCE, FORGOTTEN REALMS, MONSTROUS
COMPENDIUM, RAVENLOFT, SPELLJAMMER, and WORLD OF GREYHAWK are registered
trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. TSR, Inc. is a subsidiary of Wizards of the
Coast, Inc.

Guidelines Copyright 1997 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Revised July 1997

TSR, Inc. STANDARD DISCLOSURE FORM

I wish to submit the following materials for consideration for publication
by TSR, Inc., subject to all of the conditions below.

Working title of submission and brief description:

I submit my materials voluntarily and on a nonconfidential basis. I
understand that this submission by me and its review by TSR, Inc. ("TSR"),
does not, in whole or in part, establish or create by implication or
otherwise any relationship between TSR and me that is not expressed herein.
I further understand and agree that TSR, in its own judgment, may accept or
reject the materials that are submitted with this Disclosure Form and shall
not be obligated to me in any way with respect to my submission until TSR
shall, at its own election, enter into a properly executed written
agreement with me, and only then according to the terms of such an
agreement.

I agree that TSR may have a reasonable period in which to review this
submission. TSR will return my submission to me provided that it is
received by TSR with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. TSR shall not be
held responsible, however, for items or materials that are accidentally
damaged or lost. I hereby agree to retain a copy of the submitted
materials.

I understand and agree that the review by TSR of the materials that
accompany this Disclosure Form does not imply or create (1) any financial
or other obligation of any kind on the part of TSR, (2) any confidential
relationship or guarantee of secrecy, or (3) any recognition or
acknowledgment of either novelty or originality.

I also understand and agree that if the submission utilizes or is based on
characters, settings, or other materials that are owned by TSR or if the
submission contains trademarks and/or other proprietary materials that are
owned by TSR, then I shall not be free to submit the submission for
publication to any person or firm other than TSR.

I warrant that the submission (check one, and provide information if
necessary):

___ has never been published

___ has been published by __________________________ in
______________________________________________________________

I further warrant that the submission is original, and that its publication
will not violate the rights of any third party, and that the person
identified herein as the submitter is the sole owner of the submission.
Furthermore, I am of legal age and am free to make agreements relative to
this submission, or I am the authorized representative of the submitter
(circle one: Parent, Legal Guardian, Agent, Other: ___________).

Signature: _____________________________________ (for paper copy)

Date: ________________________

Please type or print the following:

Submitter's name: ______________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________

Mailing address:

_________________________________________________________________

(street address, rural route, or P. O. Box)

_________________________________________________________________

(city, state or province, ZIP Code or postal code, and country if other
than U.S.)

        TSR trademarks and copyrights TSR, Inc. All rights reserved.

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