Writing for POB

"I know that you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I am not sure you realize that what you read is not what I meant."

We are pleased to hear of your interest in writing for POB. It is a boon to the profession that you are willing to share your ideas, knowledge and experiences with your fellow practitioners. Since 1974, POB has been serving the surveying and mapping industries as an informative national publication. As our mission states, we are dedicated to helping these industries succeed through our coverage of new applications and evolving technologies, practical solutions to surveying and mapping problems, and business, legal and educational issues. Your idea is expected to be of great interest to our readers.

A story can be told chronologically or by focusing on one element of a project (e.g. an in-depth look at the use of RTK GPS). These are traditional categories our stories fall into: field experiences, practical application articles, business management, profiles, how-to, new surveying technology, and technical discussions.

An idea list follows of some elements to include in a project/application article. These are simply guidelines and should be tailored to your individual writing style.

Describe the theme of the story.

Think of its appeal to surveying and mapping professionals worldwide. Ask yourself, "Why would I want to read this?" Be creative and use details, but keep it simple. Don't lose your readers with complex sentences like the one above. Try to make the piece as narrative as possible.

Walk the reader through your experience.

Basically, just tell a story. Describe the benefits of the process over other processes, if applicable (e.g. GPS or laser scanning over conventional surveying).

Name any instruments used and how.

Include company and manufacturer names, models and versions. Explain any problems that arose during the project and how those were overcome. Problems are nearly inevitable and happen to everyone. Explaining the ways they were overcome lends credibility to you and your company/group.

Explain how the process is beneficial.

Include quotes from those involved in the project.
Please include credentials (PLS, RLS, PE, etc.) and job titles. Quotes are very important to a story; they lend the personal touch and weight that our readers want by proving a real person completed the job.

Include time elements and budgets if they apply. 

Accuracy
As in surveying, accuracy counts in writing. Make sure you are aware of these important elements.

  • When finished, read your piece aloud. Step back, and think of yourself as the reader, not the author. Does it make sense? Is it easy to read? Is it interesting?
  • Check the accuracy of all information.
    • Confirm that all sources have been cited and cited appropriately.
  • Assure the accuracy of all quotes.
  • Assure the correct spelling of names of individuals and companies, titles, company affiliations, company locations and addresses, instruments, etc.
  • Assure the accuracy of caption notes.

We usually include a minimum of two pictures with each standard length article. Choose ones that depict the essence of the process, including "action" shots and any containing instruments. Included is a copy of our graphic requirements for reference.

*Note: magazine quality graphics have stringent standards. Please be sure to read our requirements.

A standard length article ranges between 1,700-2,200 words with two graphics. Articles and queries should be submitted to Editor Emell Derra Adolphus at adolphuse@bnpmedia.com. Please ensure the document is saved in MS-Word or text-only format.

Please also include an author byline and biography. Authors of articles must be different than those quoted in the body of the piece. The person in the byline is viewed as the "interviewer" of those quoted in the article.

We require receipt of articles at least three months before issue date. For example, the deadline for an article submitted for the April issue would be mid- to late January. This allows us time for edits, questions, confirmations, layout and production.

Upon receipt of your article, POB will review and edit your article for content (organization, flow, etc.) and style (grammar, punctuation and spelling), during which you may be contacted with questions. All final decisions on style and content are at the discretion of the editing staff.

Remember

You don't have to be an experienced writer. That's why we're here. Simply concentrate on the technical and practical details of the article, and we'll help with the other details.

Of course, we welcome any questions you have along the way. We look forward to your submission and working with you.

Editorial Rights

BNP Media shall have U.S. and international rights to any submission accepted for publication (including text, photographs, artwork, charts, graphs, etc.) in its edited, redesigned or otherwise altered state. BNP Media shall have the right to publish, reproduce, distribute, display and sell copies of submissions provided. BNP Media may exercise the foregoing rights in branded or custom media, including, but not limited to, BNP's magazines, e-newsletters, digital editions, and journals, as well as on any Internet or Intranet site over which BNP exercises effective control or with which BNP has a vendor agreement for the placement of content for sale, in reprints or microforms created by BNP. Each submission is or will be the original creation of the Contributor or entity.

Please download this PDF outlining the graphic requirements.