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Writers' Guidelines
Law Office Computing (LOC) is geared toward the technological needs of the legal professional, with an emphasis on legal software reviews, profiles of prominent figures in legal technology and "how-to" articles for attorneys looking to increase their computing knowledge.
This is a general guide for LOC writers, and may be modified on a case-by-case basis. In addition to these general guidelines, we commission the following three types of software reviews:
- Short Reviews: 400 to 500 words per reviewed product.
- Software Shootouts: 1,200 to 1,500 words for a two-product (or more), head-to-head comparison.
- Round-Ups/Buyer's Guides: Eight to 15 products, 300 to 400 words per product.
Each type of software review article has its own specific guidelines.
Authors
We seek authors who have an understanding of the legal technology field, who often (although not always) are attorneys working with technology and who have the expertise necessary to write authoritatively on this niche subject. News stories and features may be contracted to professional freelancers with a legal or technology background.
Process
While we do consider unsolicited manuscripts for publication, it is recommended that authors first submit a query (article idea) via fax or e-mail. An editor will respond to your query within 30 to 60 days, and if LOC is interested in your idea, will assist you in crafting the completed manuscript.
Copyright
Manuscripts are considered for publication with the understanding that they are original material and are offered exclusively to James Publishing Inc. James Publishing buys First North American Serial rights on an exclusive basis; the non-exclusive right to use the article in electronic media and the right to use the article, your name, image and biographical data in reprints, advertising and promotions. We also reserve the right to return the article to the author for the addition of material, editing or rewriting under the original agreement. The editorial staff may reject any story deemed, in our sole discretion, unacceptable for publication. We reserve the right to edit any article.
Editorial Policy
We do not accept vendor-generated articles. Any work authored or commissioned by a vendor or vendor's agent (e.g., PR rep.) will be rejected. Authors, especially review authors, may not have any financial or other ties to the software they cover.
Tips
- Feature articles should run from 2,500 to 3,500 words in length.
- E-mail text as a Microsoft Word or WordPerfect attachment.
- Text should be broken down with subheads as needed.
- Use active voice and keep sentences brief and to the point.
- We encourage the inclusion of sidebars, charts and other article supplements.
- We may require screen shots of products reviewed or photographs of interview subjects. Please do not imbed these images in the text. Images should be separate attachments.
- Do not use footnotes — incorporate the information into the text.
- We prefer a casual style — feel free to use "I" and "you." Please use contractions (e.g., "don't" instead of "do not.")
- Submit a brief (50 words) biographical sketch for inclusion with your published article.
- Names and phone numbers for all sources quoted in your article MUST be provided to the editorial staff for fact-checking. ALL submitted materials are fact checked for accuracy.
Accuracy
Authors are responsible for checking and verifying the accuracy of the information included in their articles. Product versions, prices and contact information MUST be verified with the company for any software discussed or reviewed.
Payment
Payments for all articles are decided on a case-by-case basis determined by the article's newsworthiness, content, author's track record and a variety of other factors. Agreed upon payments include the article and all attachments (charts, sidebars, etc.) unless otherwise specified upon negotiation, and address all issues listed in these and other referenced guidelines. These fees also include any rewriting or additional materials the editorial staff may ask the author to include in order to round out the story or clarify existing ambiguities as determined by the editor.
Thank you for your interest in Law Office Computing. Please contact Managing Editor Jamie Ann Tyo with any additional questions.
Jamie Ann Tyo
Managing Editor
Law Office Computing
(714) 918-1603
(714) 751-5508 fax
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