Writer's Guidelines (Books)

THEMES

Technique instruction, philosophy, weapons, history (e.g., Shotokan's Secret), researched biographies of major martial arts figures.

FORMAT

Mac or Mac-compatible (preferably Microsoft Word).

Send a hard copy or a copy of the manuscript on disc, saved as a Word document, or email it.

Foreign words should be italicized when first used in the text, then printed normally. This includes most martial art names, e.g., aikido, kendo, jujutsu, etc.

Images: any kind of jpeg (via PhotoShop, Quark, etc.) will do. If the book is a technique-oriented “how-to” type, we will probably schedule a photo shoot in our studio.

IMAGES

The images should be numbered and kept on a separate disc, preferably in JPEG format. Images need to be high-resolution—at least 300dpi at 3 inches by 3 inches.

Important: Do not insert pics into the document. We’ll do that later. Simply write where to insert the pic within the text, followed by the caption (if there is one).

Caption: If properly executed, techniques emanate from the saiki tanden, and your body will rotate and position itself to give your extremities the most power and the most concentrated ki.

Insert pic 122

Caption: When delivering a strike, it is always important to create maximum momentum.

Insert pic 123

If instructing the reader on a technique, the captions are generally written in the second person. ("Assume the ready position." or "As the attacker swings, block the punch at a 90-degree angle."

For technique-demonstration photos, participants should generally wear different colored uniforms (preferably one black or blue and one white) to provide contrast between the demonstrators.

SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT

If submitting an unsolicited manuscript, include the following:

- Synopsis
- Table of Contents (even if estimated)
- At least one sample chapter
- Proposed list of photography elements, if necessary (models, environments, etc.)

POLICIES

Submissions will not be returned unless specifically requested and a self-addressed stamped envelope is included.

Black Belt Communications LLC cannot be held responsible for any damage to or loss of submissions (including but not limited to hard copies, computer discs, e-mails, photos, binders and folders).

Send submissions to:
Black Belt Communications
ATTN: Jon Thibault, Book Editor
24900 Anza Dr., Unit E
Valencia, CA 91355