PITCH

To provide clear instructions on the required quality and technical specifications for image and content submissions. This ensures all materials are publication-ready and meet DominAsian Magazine’s standards for both digital and print formats.

General Guidelines for All Submissions

Content Relevance:

• • All submissions must align with the theme of the upcoming issue.
  • Ensure your work is original, thoughtful, and engaging, contributing to the thematic focus of the publication.
  • All text (including articles, essays, and other written submissions) must be well-written, clear, and free of grammatical errors. Please use proper spelling, punctuation, and formatting.

Format and File Types:

• • • Visual Submissions: JPG, PNG, or GIF formats are accepted (no TIFF or PDF).
    • Written Submissions: DOC, DOCX, or PDF formats are accepted.
    • Submissions that do not meet the file type requirements will not be considered.

File Naming Convention:

• • For easy identification, all files should be named using the following format:
    [LastName]_[FirstName]_[SubmissionTitle]_[SubmissionType]
    Example: Green_Sophia_MyArtPiece_Painting

Image Submissions Quality Guidelines

Resolution and Size:

• • Print Quality: Images intended for print must have a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) and should be at least 2100 x 1500 pixels for a full-page layout.
  • Images should not exceed 1GB in file size for ease of upload and sharing. Large files over 1GB should be shared via Dropbox or similar file-sharing services.

Colour Mode:

• • For print submissions, images must be in CMYK colour mode to ensure colour accuracy in print.
  • Ensure your image is colour-corrected to maintain quality when printed or displayed on screen.

Cropping and Composition:

• • Ensure your image is properly cropped to focus on the most important elements.
  • For full-page images, leave sufficient margin space to accommodate trimming.
  • The composition should be balanced, with attention to framing, lighting, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the work. Avoid distractions in the background unless they are intentionally part of the theme.

Aspect Ratio (Where Applicable):

• • Full Page (1 page): Aspect ratio of 3:2
  • Full Page Spread (2 pages): Aspect ratio of 6:3
  • Half Page: Aspect ratio of 2:1
  • Landscape Images: Ensure your image has the correct aspect ratio for landscape layout (16:9).
  • Portrait Images: Ensure your image has the correct aspect ratio for portrait layout (4:5).

Image Clarity and Focus:

• • Submissions should be sharp and in focus. Avoid blurry or pixelated images.
  • Ensure the primary subject of your image is clear and visible. For photos of people, ensure the face is well-lit and detailed.
  • Images should be edited to enhance clarity, colour contrast, and saturation while avoiding excessive filters or over-editing.

Written Content Quality Guidelines

Length and Formatting:

• • Written submissions should follow the specified word count provided in the submission guidelines.
  • Articles, essays, and short stories should be formatted with clear headings, subheadings, and paragraphs for readability.
  • Avoid excessive use of bold or italicised text unless it’s for emphasis. Use bullet points or numbered lists where necessary.

Language and Style:

• • Submissions should be written in clear, concise language appropriate for a general audience.
  • Tone and voice should align with the overall magazine ethos – inclusive, creative, and engaging.
  • For style and language, please refer to our Style Guide to ensure your work matches the publication’s voice and aesthetic.
  • Proofreading is essential: ensure there are no grammatical, spelling, or typographical errors. Submissions with multiple errors may be rejected or returned for revision.

Formatting Requirements for Written Submissions:

• • Font: Use Times New Roman or Arial, size 12pt for the body text, and 14pt for titles or headers.
  • Spacing: Submit written content with 1.5 line spacing and a 1-inch margin all around.
  • Citation: If your submission references external sources or data, cite them using the Harvard referencing style. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Final Checklist Before Submission

For Visual Submissions:

• • Image resolution is at least 300 DPI (for print).
  • Image is correctly cropped and formatted with the appropriate aspect ratio.
  • File size does not exceed 1GB.
  • The image is colour-corrected and properly lit.
  • The image follows the content guidelines and complements the theme.

For Written Submissions:

• • The word count aligns with the submission guidelines.
  • Content is clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors.
  • The tone and style match the theme and ethos of the magazine.
  • The formatting follows the provided guidelines.
  • Citations are included where necessary (in Harvard referencing style).

Following these guidelines ensures that your submission is in line with DominAsian Magazine’s standards for quality, aesthetics, and thematic relevance. We want to showcase your work in the best possible way, whether it’s in print, on our website, or social media. By adhering to these standards, you help us ensure the best experience for both you and our readers.