Articles must be original and submitted exclusively to Spectrum. Articles will not be considered for publication if they have been published, or submitted for publication, elsewhere.

Preferred length for articles submitted to Spectrum is from 1,000 to 1,500 words, and graphics and sidebars are welcome. SHSMD members especially want to read “how to” articles and case studies that include information on lessons learned and pitfalls to avoid so they can learn from their colleagues' experiences. Articles submitted by consultants or vendors are more likely to find favor with our reviewers if they are bylined by someone from a provider organization to increase their credibility.

Format
Manuscripts should be submitted via-email in Microsoft Word format. Please observe the following guidelines:

• Use Times New Roman, 12-pt. font.
• Use 1.5 line spacing.
• Use subheadings to break up the copy.
• When referring to a published study, provide the complete citation, including author, title, publication, volume and issue numbers (if applicable), date of publication, and page numbers, when available. Avoid referring to “studies” unless you can provide these specifics.
• Include the author's name, title, organization, city, state, phone number, and e-mail address.

Graphics
Photographs and graphics—tables, figures, and illustrations—related to the article are encouraged. Photos must be high res—that is, at least 300 dpi. Graphics that are in applications other than Microsoft Word or PowerPoint should be submitted as jpg, tif, or pdf files.

Each table, figure, or other illustration should be numbered, clearly labeled, and referenced by number in the text (for example, Figure 1, Table 2).

Review and editorial process
Manuscripts may be evaluated by SHSMD's editorial panel. Accepted manuscripts will be edited by Spectrum staff, and the author will have an opportunity to review and approve the revisions. Authors do not receive galley proofs.

In submitting a manuscript, the author understands that s/he gives SHSMD the right of first refusal for publication and confirms that s/he will not submit the article elsewhere until s/he is notified of a decision about publication. Spectrum makes every effort to notify prospective authors promptly about publication decisions.

SHSMD cannot guarantee that an article will appear in a certain issue. The sooner an article is received and accepted, the earlier it can be scheduled for publication.

SHSMD is unable to provide remuneration to Spectrum authors. Authors receive ten complimentary copies of the issue in which their article appears, with a limited number of additional copies available on request. SHSMD does not provide article reprints, but will provide a PDF of the printed article at the author's request.

Questions or Article Queries
Questions about specific editorial content should be directed to Karen Porter, managing editor, at 312.422.3743 or kporter@aha.org.

(updated May 2007)