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Guidelines for prospective Quantum authors

Level of difficulty

Always keep in mind that Quantum is aimed primarily at students (although it is read by teachers and professionals). Use all the equations and formulas you want—just don’t leave any steps out. You can assume a solid knowledge of basic algebra, trigonometry, and geometry, though it’s best not to assume too much else—analysis, calculus, and so on. Feel free to explore out-of-the-way nooks and crannies of science and math, but provide enough background for the reader to feel comfortable crossing the threshold into what is probably a new place.

Topics

Although Quantum is a magazine of math and science , the members of its advisory board are, at present, all mathematicians and physicists. This is because Quantum is based on Kvant, a magazine of physics and mathematics. We plan to expand Quantum to include other sciences; for the present, however, your manuscript will have smoother sailing if it deals with math or physics only. One way around this obstacle is to explore the physics or mathematics found in other disciplines (as, for instance, in the articles on the physics of breathing and the mathematics of population genetics in the May 1990 issue).

Departments

Acquaint yourself with Quantum and its numerous departments. Most of them are self-explanatory. A word about the Innovators department: We would prefer to see profiles of living scientists and mathematicians. They don’t have to be famous. Younger persons, or persons whose career wasn't a beeline from precocity to a university chair, would be welcome subjects. And because of persistent misperceptions about the abilities of women in math and science, profiles of women in these fields would be particularly well received.

Illustrations

If your manuscript is accepted for publication, we will arrange to have it illustrated. Clearly sketch out any ideas you may have for illustrations in sufficient detail for a professional artist to render them. (Don’t worry if you have no particular illustrations in mind.) While the hallmark of Quantum is its artwork, we will consider photographs. Label photos with a slip of paper attached to the back, giving the photographer’s name and the subject. If there are persons in the picture, they should sign a model release (that is, a form granting permission to publish their image). Number slides, mark the photographer's name on them, and draw up a list of brief descriptions.

Copyright

All material appearing in Quantum is copyrighted by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). You will be asked to sign a copyright transfer agreement (although you retain certain rights). We can’t consider your manuscript for publication if it has been published or is under consideration elsewhere.

Payment

As a nonprofit organization, NSTA doesn’t pay commercial rates for material published in Quantum. Authors receive honoraria: $200 for a feature article, $100 for a shorter, departmental piece. We do not pay for Math and Physics Challenges or Brainteasers. Contributors receive complimentary copies of the issue in which their article or problem appears.

Submittal

If possible, send a copy on diskette for IBM-compatible computers. Use the metric system of weights and measures (SI) except where unnecessarily distracting in passing references (e.g., to air or body temperature). Identify all symbols, such as Greek letters, in the margin if your printer can’t handle them. In your cover letter, briefly describe your professional affiliation or current position. Provide this information for any coauthors as well.

Review procedure

When we receive your manuscript, we will send you an acknowledgment and a copyright transfer form. The editors will then assign your article to reviewers who will assess its technical accuracy and appropriateness for our predominantly student readership. If the manuscript is rejected, or if the field editor suggests a revision, you will be informed in writing. If it is accepted, it will enter a "pending" file. Because of considerations of balance in each issue and the time needed to illustrate the article, your manuscript will probably remain in cold storage for several months. If the wait becomes too long, you may withdraw it at any time.

Manuscript preparation

When your article has been scheduled for publication, the staff will edit it to conform to Quantum’s style and space requirements. We will send you a copy of the edited manuscript for review. The article’s title, captions, display quotes, and other elements that draw the reader’s attention and set the overall tone of the magazine are the editor’s prerogative. If the language in your article is considered too formal, we may colloquialize it or add references that would appeal to our readership. You will have an opportunity to veto suggested changes, all but matters of copyediting (e.g., “let’s” versus “let us”) are within the editor’s purview.

Thank you for expressing an interest in writing for Quantum magazine. We look forward to working with you. Send your manuscript to the address below.

Managing editor—Quantum
National Science Teachers Association
1840 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington VA 22201-3000

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