THE FUTURIST
is constantly looking for articles to publish, both by established authorities and new
authors. Articles must pass the following tests:
1. SUBJECT MATTER: The article should have something new and
significant to say about the future, not merely repeat what has already been said before.
For example, an article noting that increasing air pollution may damage human health is
something everyone has already heard. Writers for THE FUTURIST should
remember that the publication focuses on the future, especially the period five to 50
years ahead.
THE FUTURIST does not publish fiction or poetry. An exception
is occasionally made for scenarios presenting fictionalized people in future situations.
These scenarios are kept brief.
THE FUTURIST covers a wide range of subject areas--virtually
everything that will affect our future or will be affected by the changes the future will
bring. Past articles have focused on topics ranging from technology, planning, resources,
and economics, to religion, the arts, values, and health. Articles we avoid include: (A)
overly technical articles that would be of little interest to the general reader; (B)
opinion pieces on current government issues; (C) articles by authors with only a casual
knowledge of the subject being discussed.
2. AUTHOR'S KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT: Authors should provide some
biographical material, which should indicate their qualifications to write about a
particular subject.
3. QUALITY OF WRITING: Make points clearly and in a way that holds the
reader's interest. A reader should not have to struggle to guess an author's meaning or
wade through lots of unnecessary words in the process. Use concrete examples and anecdotes
to illustrate the points made; nothing is duller than a page of generalities unrelieved by
specific examples. Keep sentences short, mostly under 25 words. Avoid the jargon of a
particular trade or profession; when technical terms are necessary, be sure to explain
them.
THE FUTURIST's copyeditors use the University of Chicago
Press's A Manual of Style and Merriam Webster's unabridged
dictionary as guidelines on spelling and style.
Authors can get a feel for THE FUTURIST's style by reviewing
recent issues, available in many large libraries, bookstores, and newsstands. Sample
copies may be purchased from the Society. THE FUTURIST
Manuscripts submitted must be typed, DOUBLE-SPACED, and accompanied by a
self-addressed, stamped envelope to be considered or returned. A brief "about the
author" note is recommended. E-mailed submissions are acceptable; Word or rich text
preferred. Do NOT submit manuscripts by fax. Simultaneous queries or submissions are
acceptable; please make note of this in your cover letter.
LENGTH OF ARTICLES: Articles in THE FUTURIST
generally run 1,000 to 4,000 words, but both longer and shorter articles are acceptable.
Opinion pieces about the future may be submitted to "Future View," THE
FUTURIST's guest editorial column; these normally should be no longer than
800 words.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND DRAWINGS: THE FUTURIST is
very interested in photographs, drawings, or other materials that might be used to
illustrate articles. Color slides or glossy prints (either color or black and white) are
acceptable, as are digital images. THE FUTURIST is NOT
responsible for damage to materials during the mailing process. All such materials must be
accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope or mailing tube with sufficient postage
to be returned.
RESPONSE TIME: The editors will make every attempt to respond to all
queries and manuscript submissions as soon as possible, but please allow at least three
weeks for queries and three months for manuscripts.
In certain cases, the editors of THE FUTURIST may show
manuscripts to the editors of other World Future Society publications, including FUTURES
RESEARCH QUARTERLY, FUTURE TIMES, and the Forums on the Society's Web site. This may
further delay response, but will increase the author's opportunities for publication.
WITHDRAWAL OF MANUSCRIPT FROM PLANNED PUBLICATION: Authors may
withdraw a manuscript from the publication process provided written notice is given at
least seven weeks before the date of publication. At the same time, the editors reserve
the right to withdraw from publication any previously accepted material.
COMPENSATION: Authors of articles are provided 10 free copies of the
issue in which their work appears and the right to purchase additional copies at the
lowest multiple rate. THE FUTURIST does not offer financial compensation for
articles printed in THE FUTURIST or for reprints of these articles, whether in print or
digital format.
RIGHTS:
It is a condition of
publication that copyright is transferred to the World Future Society (WFS).
WFS will handle all
reprint requests with the primary goal being wide dissemination of the
ideas. Most of these requests are small and generate little or no
revenue (e.g., a professor wanting to make 30 copies for a class). Any
royalties received are used to manage reprint requests and advance the
goals of the World Future Society. Authors would be consulted about any
major reprint opportunity. And, of course, authors may handle directly
any requests they receive for consulting, speaking, and other projects.
Authors may
distribute copies of the article as published (photocopies, PDFs, or
similar) without limitation, but they may not license others to do. Upon
request, WFS will provide a PDF copy of the final article without charge
as soon as practical after publication.
Authors may use
their articles in their own speeches, books, videos, or other works, but
they may not license others to do so. Requests for such use should be
forwarded to the permissions manager, Jeff Cornish, jcornish "at" wfs
"dot" org.
Send all submissions to:
Managing Editor
THE FUTURIST
World Future Society
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 450
Bethesda, MD 20814, U.S.A
E-mail: cwagner@wfs.org
