Submission Guidelines
FEATURE-LENGTH ARTICLES
Trains & Railroads of the Past features classic railroading from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. We welcome articles on all aspects of railroading in North America that highlight creative photography. We do not accept any works of fiction or satire.
We always welcome detailed articles describing a particular area, line or railroad, including a map. Feature stories must be accompanied by photography (color slide, black and white print, or digital file) with complete captions. The more you include, the better selection we have! Short, humorous anecdotes about railfanning are needed (these may also be illustrated with a single photo related to your story).
Not sure where to begin? Your submitted article should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Some background information on your subject is always a welcome introduction. Never assume the reader is familiar with your subject, but resist the urge to over-explain. What makes your subject interesting to you? What will make it interesting to an outsider? Not sure if your topic is a good fit? Check out some of our recent issues to get a better idea of what Trains & Railroads of the Past is all about. If in doubt about a particular subject you have in mind, write and we will discuss it — we are always open for fresh ideas!
Please contact editor Jaime Serentsis before submitting your story.
SUBMITTING MANUSCRIPTS
We cannot accept any material that is handwritten or otherwise not provided in an electronic format. We prefer that article text is transmitted to us as a Microsoft Word document via email. Your text should total somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 words. Photography must accompany your article for consideration. See below for details about submitting photography.
Additional material, such as maps and other artwork should be sent by regular mail. Finished map artwork will be created by the art department, we can work with rough sketches and diagrams. Please include a self-addressed envelope so we can return your materials if desired.
Trains & Railroads of the Past and White River Productions assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited photographs or articles. You can mail your materials to:
TRAINS & RAILROADS OF THE PAST
Attn: Jaime Serentsis, Editor
PO Box 444W
Hanover, PA 17331-0444
SUBMITTING PHOTOGRAPHS
Trains & Railroads of the Past is produced electronically, and as a result, we prefer to work with digital images for photography. All digital images should be at minimum 300dpi and 3000 pixels across (roughly equivalent to a 10×8 image); and saved as either high-quality JPG or TIFF file. Please contact us for FTP information.
In order to eliminate the risk of losing valuable originals in the mail or other forms of damage, we prefer that you provide us with high-quality scans saved to a CD or DVD instead of original slides or negatives. We cannot use images made from home consumer scanners, nor can we work with duplicate slides. There are a number of professional photo labs around the country that can create high-quality scans of your work inexpensively.
We can work with 35mm color slides and black-and-white prints provided that they are 8×10 or larger. We cannot accept negatives or color prints. Each submitted image must have the photographer’s name and address on the back of all originals.
Submitted material should be sharply focused, well-exposed, and feature eye-catching content! We are always looking for photos to help illustrate specific sections of the magazine, including:
People – Photos that include people as part of the composition, including railroad workers
Sign Language – Unusual or prominent signage as part of a railroad scene
Time Machine – Legacy paint scheme sightings and preserved equipment
Antiques RailRoadshow – Surviving diesels, rolling stock, structures, etc., that have escaped the scrapper’s torch and paint booth
Scenic Route – Beautiful scenes from around the railroad world
Odds & Endcabs — These are not your typical cookie-cutter locomotives and rolling stock
Close, But No Cigar – A photo that comes close to hitting the mark, but falls short
Links to the Past — Modern photos related to historical railroading
Car Corner – Roster shots of unusual cars or paint schemes
E.O.T. – Humorous and funny images related to the hobby of railfanning
Trains & Railroads of the Past and White River Productions assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited photographs or articles. You can mail your materials to:
TRAINS & RAILROADS OF THE PAST
Attn: Jaime Serentsis, Editor
PO Box 444W
Hanover, PA 17331-0444
TRP PHOTO LINE
Photo Line is a monthly gallery of creative railroad photography featured on the TRP web site. We’re looking for a themed topic (and “theme” can be interpreted fairly broadly) based on anywhere from eight to ten photos. Each photo should be no smaller than 14 inches (or 1024 pixels) across at 72 dpi (no verticals, please). Brief caption information must accompany each photo. To have your idea considered for the online version of Photo Line, please send and inquiry to the Webmaster.
TRP EXTRA BOARD
Extra Board is a monthly exploration of the passion for trains from many perspectives featured on the TRP web site. We’re looking for about 1,500 words accompanied by two or three photos that illustrate your essay. Each photo should be no smaller than 14 inches (or 1024 pixels) across at 72 dpi (no verticals, please). Brief caption information must accompany each photo. To have your idea considered for Extra Board, please send and inquiry to the Webmaster.
RIGHTS AND COMPENSATION
Trains & Railroads of the Past pays for submissions featured in the print edition after publication. Payment will be processed upon publication of the printed edition. Rates of pay are determined by White River Publications. Submissions to the TRP web site are contributed gratis.
QUESTIONS?
You can contact the staff of Trains & Railroads of the Past if you have any questions about the submission process.