Ephemere Journal Guidelines

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Ephemere Journal Guidelines •

Table of Contents

I — Writer Roles & Expectations
II — Writer Benefits
III — Tools

The Online Journal
IV — Categories
V — Writing Guide
VI — Squarespace Guide
VII — Deadlines

The Printed Journal
VIII —
IX —
X —

I — Writer Roles & Expectations

  • 1. Communicate Effectively

    Clear and proactive communication is essential for successful collaboration. Please keep the editors informed of your progress, any challenges you encounter, and any questions or concerns you may have. We are here to support you and ensure a smooth workflow.

  • 2. Contribute Regularly

    We ask that you contribute at least one article per month to the online journal. This helps us maintain a consistent publishing schedule and provide our readers with fresh content. We understand that you are volunteering your time, and we appreciate your commitment to Ephemere.

  • 3. Participate Actively

    We value your unique perspective and encourage you to actively participate in editorial discussions, share your ideas, and contribute to the growth of the Ephemere Journal. We also encourage you to step forward if you're interested in taking on additional responsibilities or exploring new roles within Ephemere, beyond just writing. We believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone can contribute their talents and grow together.

  • Attend Editorial Meetings

    We encourage you to attend our editorial meetings, which take place approximately two times a year, usually in the first and last quarters. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to connect with other writers, discuss ideas, and stay updated on Ephemere's progress and plans.

II — Writer Benefits

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    Description goes here

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III — Tools

  • 1. Google Suite

    Each writer will be provided with a shared Google Drive folder link where they can access all Ephemere-related materials, including ongoing publication projects, photographer images, designer drafts, and publisher documentation.

    We prefer that you use Google Docs for drafting and editing your articles, as this allows for easy collaboration and access within the shared Google Drive folders. If you have concerns about accidental edits, please remember that the editing history is always recorded.

    We primarily use Google Chat for communication. You will be added to different Google Chat groups depending on your involvement in various projects. This allows for seamless collaboration and direct communication with the editors and publishers.

    We use Google Meet for video meetings and interviews.

    The editorial calendar is managed through Google Calendar. It is used for scheduling and keeping track of deadlines. Refer to the calendar to stay updated on your assigned deadlines.

  • 2. Squarespace

    We use Squarespace for building and managing our website, including the online Journal. Writers are expected to familiarize themselves with Squarespace and take responsibility for setting up their articles. It should take approximately 15 minutes to set up an article on Squarespace, as long as you have all the necessary materials ready. Additionally, we encourage you to draft your articles directly on Squarespace to become more familiar with the interface and ensure a seamless process. A detailed guide to using Squarespace is provided later in these guidelines.

The Online Journal

The Ephemere Online Journal is a dynamic platform for sharing a wide range of photography-related content with our global audience. We provide a space for writers to explore diverse themes, showcase photographers and their work, and contribute to the vibrant world of photography.

IV — Categories

  • 1. Features

    Focus: Highlighting artists, projects, events, and reviews through the lens of our regular contributors. This encompasses interviews, reviews, and event coverage.

  • 2. Perspectives

    Offering in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, and unique viewpoints from established or emerging figures in the photography world, showcasing external expertise.

  • 3. Narratives

    Showcasing community-driven visual narratives and photographic stories from a broad range of photographers through an open submission process.

V — Writing Guide

  • 1. Focus

    Within Ephemere: Writers can focus on Ephemere-related content, such as exploring our Publications, Workshops, Open Calls, Exhibitions, and other initiatives.

    Beyond Ephemere: Writers can also pitch photography-related topics beyond our direct scope.

  • 2. Tone & Style

    Conversational and engaging, reflecting your unique voice and perspective.

  • 3. Flow

    The editorial flow involves proactive collaboration between the writer, editor, and publisher.

    All communication and process steps must be checked by the editor and approved by the publisher.

 VI — Squarespace Guide

    1. Writers have "Web Editor" access to Ephemere's Squarespace account.

    2. Access the online Journal backend under Pages > Main Navigation > Journal.

    1. Go to the Journal page and click the "+" button to create a new article.

    2. Fill in the following sections in the text editor:

      • Title: Write a concise and engaging title that reflects the article's content.

      • Subtitle: Include a subheading that provides further context or focus.

      • Excerpt: A brief summary of the article (100 words maximum).

      • Key Image: Upload a horizontal key image immediately after the introduction. This image will also be used in the article settings.

      • Introduction: 100-150 words, setting the context.

      • Body: Develop the narrative, incorporating interview material (if applicable) and supporting images (1-2 images or a gallery). Aim for a 75% text to 25% image ratio.

      • Conclusion: 100-150 words, summarizing key takeaways.

      • Photographer Profile: Include the name of the photographer or collective. Add a short artist bio or statement (provided by the photographer). Provide links to the photographer's website and social media.

      • Ephemere Shop Links: Include relevant shop links using a summary block.

      • References: Cite any sources used.

      • Author Byline: Your byline will automatically appear at the end of the article, including your bio/statement (less than 100 words) and a black-and-white profile photo.

    3. Format the text using the available tools (headings, italics, etc.). When mentioning "Ephemere," capitalize the "E." Italicize photographer names and publication titles. Always check the mobile view to ensure correct formatting, as the majority of our readers access the Journal on their mobile devices.

  • Save your draft regularly and inform the Editor when your article is ready for review. Do not click "Publish."

    1. Click the three dots next to your draft and select "Settings."

    2. Upload a key image (horizontal orientation). This should be the same image used after the introduction text.

    3. Write an excerpt (same as in step C, 100 words max).

    4. Leave the Post URL as is; the Editor will take care of this.

    5. Select your name from the Author dropdown menu.

    6. Add relevant tags (photographer name, writer name, book title, country).

    7. Select relevant categories (events, features, interviews, reviews, spotlights).

    8. Leave the Source URL blank.

    9. Click "Save."

    10. Inform the Editor that your article is ready for checking.

  • Featured Image: The featured image is the key image that represents your article. It should be horizontal and uploaded in the Settings section. The Editor or Publisher can suggest the best image.

    Supporting Images: Include high-resolution images (72 DPI) throughout your article to complement the text. You can include 3 single images spread throughout the body or one gallery containing 5-15 images. Ensure you have the rights to use all images.

  • Once the article is officially published (by the Editor or Publisher), Ephemere will promote it through the following channels:

    Instagram: We will share it on Instagram, mentioning the photographer(s) and writer(s) involved.

    Newsletters: The article will be included in Ephemere's monthly or bi-monthly newsletter and the Publisher's personal newsletter.

    Sharing: We encourage you to share your published articles on social media and tag Ephemere.

VII — Deadlines

  • Writers are expected to publish at least one article per month.

    The Editor oversees the editorial calendar and assigns deadlines.

    Writers are responsible for meeting deadlines and proactively communicating any updates or challenges.

    The Editor and Publisher will support writers in meeting their deadlines, but no one will be chasing them.

The Printed Journal

The Ephemere Printed Journal is a new venture, and we are currently working on our maiden issue. This first issue will serve as the foundation for future volumes, should it be successful. Each issue will have a specific theme, with the maiden issue focusing on "Everything is Ephemeral."

Overview

  • Article Creation

    Format: Articles should be written in Google Docs and follow a narrative style.

    Length: Aim for a 5-minute read (approximately 1,000-1,200 words).

    Images:

    Include high-quality images (300 DPI) to accompany the text.

    When drafting, include around 20 images for consideration. The Editor, Publisher, and Designer will collaborate to select the final images.

    File naming convention: PhotographerName_Number.jpg.

  • Editing Process

    The Editor and Publisher will review articles individually and provide feedback.

    It will be a collaborative back-and-forth editing process to ensure high quality.

    Deadlines will be determined based on the writer's progress and the overall publication timeline.

  • Style and Tone

    Style:

    Narrative Style: Prioritize a narrative style for the main articles.

    Creative Formats: We welcome creative writing formats (e.g., prose, poetry) as additional elements or fillers.

    Tone: We encourage a conversational and engaging writing style that reflects your unique voice and perspective, while maintaining an informative and educational tone.

  • Deadlines

    Deadlines for the printed journal are strict due to design and printing lead times.

    We need writers who are dependable and can meet deadlines.

  • Author Profiles

    A masthead page will be included in the printed journal, featuring author biographies.

    Please submit a short bio (100 words max) and a black and white portrait photo.

  • Copyright and Permissions

    Writers retain copyright to their articles.

    Republishing articles in other journals or publications is generally not permitted, but can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

    Ensure you have the rights to use all images and materials included in your articles.

  • Review and Approval

    The Editor and Publisher will review and approve all articles.

  • Publication Timeline

    The printed journal is expected to launch in Summer 2025.

  • Distribution and Promotion

    Each writer will receive a complimentary copy of the printed journal.

    Writers are encouraged to promote the journal through their own channels and networks.

    We will explore additional opportunities for writers to be involved in the distribution and promotion process.

Last updated:
03/05/2025
Anne Murayama