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OUR
AUDIENCE
MSW
Management - selected in 1999 by the Solid
Waste Association of North America as
its official journal - has grown to become the
preeminent journal focusing on public-sector municipal
solid waste issues. It is well known throughout
the industry and at all levels of government,
looked upon by all as a fair and viable forum
for ideas. Its departments and feature articles
are informative, to the point, and readable, even
when dealing with highly technical subjects.
ABOUT
OUR AUDIENCE
MSW
Management's audience is composed of solid
waste professionals employed by local municipal
governments (city/county/township), regional solid
waste management authorities, and their engineers
(both outside, independent, consulting engineers
and those employed by the municipality). Our readers
are responsible for all aspects of integrated
solid waste management (source reduction, composting,
recycling, incineration, landfilling, etc.). Over
20% of our readers are engineers and since the
audience is made up entirely of working professionals
in the field, you must assume that they have a
high level of expertise and familiarity with your
subject matter.
The
prevailing perspective and the bulk of interviews,
ascriptions, and quotes should belong to MSW managers
and staff, or to private sector affiliates performing
solid waste tasks. If you find yourself writing
about non-municipal activities or people, take
another look at the assignment and see if you're
headed in the right direction
GENERAL
GUIDELINES
Think
like your audience. Put yourself in an MSW
manager's boots. What makes this subject important
enough that you would take time out from your
busy schedule to stop and read the article?
Where's the hook? How best to bait it, cast
it, troll it, and sink it? When you've satisfied
yourself on those scores, you're ready to write.
Engage
your reader. Leave no doubt in anyone's
mind who you are writing to and why it is important.
Rivet your full attention on your readers and
drag them into the middle of your subject, address
them directly and personally.
Don't
shy away from technical aspects of your subject. Make your readers "reach," but never "write
down" to them. Aim high in your expectations
of the reader's knowledge and expertise. Also
assume that your readers appreciate sound use
of language or grammar. If the article is too
simple or basic, we can't use it.
Identify
yourself as a writer on assignment for MSW
Management and conduct yourself and the
interview in an open, friendly manner. Think
about the article's appearance as you conduct
your interviews. How might graphics underscore
an important point? What may entice a browser
to take the plunge? Gather as much graphic material
as possible (photos, charts, illustrations,
etc.). The more options our art director has,
the better.
As far as rules are concerned, follow the
latest Chicago
Manual of Style. We have a set
of conventions of our own, however, we'll apply
them as appropriate leaving you to concentrate
on more important matters.
Address
inquiries and submissions to:
Editor
Forester Communications
PO Box 3100
Santa Barbara, CA 93130
Voice: (805) 682-1300
Fax: (805) 682-0200
E-mail: msweditor@forester.net
Web: www.forester.net |
If
it is your intention to write for Forester
Communications, please sign and date where
indicated, acknowledging that you have read
and understand the contents of this guide.
Name:________________________
Date:_________________________ |
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