MUSE NATURA:Submission Guidelines
Posted with the permission of Publisher/Editor, Alexandra Lloyd
MUSE NATURA, A sensual journey of the Arts
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
These guidelines copyright (c) 1996 by Pleiades Web Press
Uploaded by C. Owen Johnson (76145,1042), Owner & Publisher
Address: c/o Pleiades Web Press
P.O. Box 2210
Livermore, CA 94550
Owner & Publisher: C. Owen Johnson, Pleiades Web Press
Editor: Alexandra Lloyd
Email: 76145.1042@compuserve.com
"Muse Natura, a sensual journey of the arts" is a quarterly
publication of prose, poetry, photography and art celebrating the
sensual experiences that shape our lives and connect us to the
universe -- to Nature -- and to each other. "Muse Natura" because
we celebrate not just the Muse in Nature, but the Muse in her
natural state, without artifice or pretension. A journey because
we wish to foster a sense of exploration; not just of new
sensuous experiences, but of familiar ones rediscovered. But
offering a forum for shared experience is only part of what Muse
Natura is about -- it is also about the creative soul that
interprets that experience and makes it accessible. By uniquely
combining these aspects, we seek to create a sacred space where
literary and visual arts representing all walks of life can be
mutually contemplated and appreciated. We expect to be eclectic;
we hope to be a lot of fun. We invite you share your art with us,
and join us in exploring the sensuous wonders the cognitive
universe provides. All correspondence will be assumed intended
for publication unless otherwise noted. All material appearing in
Muse Natura is copyrighted and may be reprinted only by written
permission of the publisher and author, artist or photographer.
WHAT WE WANT: Well-written and carefully-crafted stories,
poetry, photography, and art dealing with sensuous experiences,
the connections they forge, and the role they play in our lives
and relationships. Non-fiction essays and thought pieces on
topics such as the creative process, or the nature of sensuality.
Reviews of books, poetry and art. All points of view are welcome.
Erotica is welcome, as long as it reflects and affirms the basic
connections within ourselves and with each other, and the
positive role of Eros in our lives. (Erotic material will be
simultaneously considered for our sister publication, Indigo
Visions, unless the author specifies otherwise.) We will
occasionally run profiles of artists, poets, and writers whose
work is featured in Muse Natura; please feel free to nominate
someone, including yourself, for this "honor."
Artwork and photographs are solicited. All art and photography
should be B/W; simple themes preferred, with strong attention to
light and texture. Nude figure studies are welcome; male nudes in
particular are of interest. Photos must be accompanied by a
signed model release. Preference is given to representational art
over abstract, "modern," or "post-modern" art.
WHAT WE DON'T WANT: Angst, diatribes, or mindless confrontation.
Political commentary. Anything that demeans people you don't like
or who happen to disagree with you. Explicit sexual description
for its own sake. "Automatic writing" or meandering "day-in-the-
life" stories. Much "experimental" writing or originality for the
sake of being original -- 5,000 words about peeling an orange may
play well in some markets, but not here. Existential despair,
rage, or violence -- yes, sensuality has a darker side, and you
are free to explore it, but you must place it in a proper context
and give us a good reason to come along. Avoid stories or essays
with "socio/psycho-" or "dysfunctional" themes.
HOW TO SUBMIT: We will consider fiction submissions up to 8,000
words in length; 5,000 words or less preferred. Essays should be
2,500 words or less. Minimum length is about 800 words. Poetry
should, in general, be less than 30 lines - prose-poems may be
longer. Simultaneous and reprint submission are fine as long as
you tell us. We like cover letters but we don't require them.
However, please include a short paragraph about yourself for
inclusion on the contributor's page. Anonymous contributions will
be discarded, but contributors may request publication under a
pseudonym. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions;
galley proofs are not provided except by special arrangement.
Electronic Submissions: Strongly encouraged! Send submissions to
76145.1042@compuserve.com. Include the words "Muse Natura" in the
subject line. State what you are submitting in the body of the
message, along with your bio and an introduction. We prefer that
poetry and short prose (2,000 words or less) be sent in the body
of the message. Longer pieces can be sent as attached files. We
can handle most popular word-processor formats; please state the
file name and format.
via US mail: Submissions should be sent to the Editor at P.O. Box
2210; Livermore, CA 94550. An SASE is required for a reply; all
submissions will be treated as disposable unless sufficient
postage is provided for their return. Only typewritten or
computer-printed submissions will be reviewed. Printing on both
sides of the paper is fine, as long as we can read it easily.
Upon acceptance, we'll ask for a 3.5-inch floppy disk. DOS-format
is preferred but not required -- Macintosh disks *must be* high-
density, 1.44-meg format. Disks will be returned. We can handle
most popular word-processor formats, but please include a
straight (unformatted) text file along with the word processor
file. When sending a disk, include a note stating the file names
and their formats.
SUBMISSIONS OF ARTWORK OR PHOTOGRAPHS: Photos and artwork should
be B/W -- color photos will be considered only if they will print
well in B/W. Send a low-resolution sample of your submission
electronically to 76145.1042@compuserve.com along with an email
describing your work. Files should be GIF or JPEG format under
50K in size. If your work is accepted, we will request a high-
resolution image (you will receive instructions as to resolution
and format) and, for photos, a signed model release by mail or
FAX. In rare instances, we may request a print if necessary to
achieve the best possible scan quality. We reserve the right to
crop photos and to manipulate contrast and exposure to enhance
final print quality.
via US Mail: Mail to the P.O. Box address. Photos should be 4x6
or 5x7 B/W prints (color photos will be considered only if they
will print well in B/W). All photos should be accompanied by a
signed model release. Artwork should be B/W and smaller than
11x17 -- do not send originals! We will contact you as to the
best way reproduce your art once it is accepted.
HINTS: Muse Natura is primarily a magazine of sharing and
communication, not a forum for breast-beating and ideological
rant. Make us care about your subject and your characters, take
your time and dare to go beyond the superficial. Pay attention to
details. Respect the intelligence of your audience. Don't assume
we are impatient, feel free to tease us (as long as you
eventually deliver); don't write as if you writing for a half-
hour TV show (or even an hour show). Keep your art simple yet
interesting; don't strive too hard to be "high impact" -- send
"in-your-face" art to someone who appreciates it. We like cover
letters because we like to feel acquainted with our contributors.
Neatness counts. So does spelling.
RIGHTS: Pleiades Web Press acquires 1st North American serial
rights, plus the right to anthologize. (Art acquired as "filler"
art may be used multiple times in return for a one-time payment.)
PAYMENT: Contributors will be paid 1 cent/word for prose, $5 per
poem, $5 to $10 per art piece or photograph -- up to $15 for a
cover piece. The maximum payment per contributor per issue will
be $50. Payment will be made on publication. Each contributor
will also receive a free copy of the issue in which their work
appears, and they may purchase additional copies at a discount.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: Send a check or money order (US funds) made
out to PLEIADES WEB PRESS to P.O. Box 2210, Livermore, CA 94550.
The magazine is 8.5x11 folio format, printed on high-quality, 80-
lb recycled stock, with a glossy two-color cover. Subscription
rates in US funds are: $20 per year to US addresses; $25 per year
to Canada and Mexico; $35 per year overseas. Single issues are $7
in the US, Canada and Mexico; $11 overseas. All issues are sent
via first class mail.
Muse Natura is a journal, a meeting of like minds, a sacred space
dedicated to the creative soul . We invite to come join us. It
could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship....
Alexandra