Learning Circuits is an official publication of ASTD, a not-for-profit association of professionals in the field of human resource development, workplace learning, and performance improvement.

Updated weekly, Learning Circuits's primary focus is workplace e-learning. Articles about learning technologies, how they're being applied in learning environments, and how they're reshaping the training and development profession are the online magazine's core editorial beat. The business side of learning technology development (technology standards, mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and contract awards) is a secondary focus.

Departments
Learning Circuits also accepts submissions and story ideas for departments. As is the case with feature submissions, feel free to contact the editor to discuss topics in advance.

• Calendar: A look at the conference year ahead, including dates, locations, and links. Editor, Ryann Ellis, 703.683.8147; rellis@astd.org.
• News: News, trends, and business deals in the digital learning arena.
  Editor, Ryann Ellis, 703.683.8147; rellis@astd.org.
• Demos and FREE Trials: Your link to free training aids, software demos, and other workplace tools. Editor, Eva Kaplan-Leiserson, 703.838.5855; email ekaplan@astd.org.
• Links: "Must bookmark" Websites for training pros, from e-learning to IT to presentation resources. Editor, Ryann Ellis, 703.683.8147; rellis@astd.org.

Feature Article Specifications

Format: The best length is 1,500 to 2,500 words. Prepare your article in a word processing format (Word 6.0 for PCs preferred) and email as an attached file. You may also mail a disk and hard copy of the article to the address above. Please scan disks and attachments for viruses before sending.

Please follow these manuscript guidelines:

• Do not indent text except to begin a new paragraph.
• Do not capitalize text for emphasis or use quotes except around a direct quotation.
• Do not use footnotes. Instead, attribute quotes and citations directly in the text.
• Include a proposed article title, an abstract of up to 50 words, authors' names, and brief biographies of all authors including current positions, complete addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
• Tables, charts, and graphs are desirable. Please submit graphics as JPG or GIF files (maximum 490 pixels wide).

Style and tone. Learning Circuits's style is journalistic rather than academic. That means authors should favor the active voice over the passive, and a conversational rather than academic or technical tone. Avoid jargon and technical terms; if you must use them, define them. Spell out abbreviations on the first use. Use gender-inclusive language ("he or she" rather than just "he.")

Writing should be crisp, clear, and plain-speaking. Note that we do not accept submissions that promote a specific product or service.

References. Use references only when exact words have been lifted from a source or when an idea originated with the source named and isn't widely known. No references are needed for paraphrased ideas or widely known information.

Editing. We edit all manuscripts for style, format, space, and readability.

Editorial Criteria

Our review process is based on the following points:

• Information and analysis. Does the article deliver the promised facts? Are they supported, examined, and brought together into a cohesive body of work?
• Balance. Does the author present all sides of an issue?
• Originality. Is the topic presented with a fresh, new perspective?
• Audience appeal. Will the article capture and retain readers' interest? Does it address our audience? Is it current, relevant, and useful? Does it tell readers how to be more successful at work?
• Veracity. Is the article accurate and truthful?

Review Process

After reviewing a submitted manuscript, our editors may choose to submit the manuscript to one or more members of our editorial review board. If so, we remove the authors' names to ensure objectivity. We will notify you to confirm receipt of your manuscript, and within four to eight weeks, we will notify you of our decision to accept or decline your submission.

Conditions of Acceptance

All published material is copyrighted by ASTD. Time constraints do not allow us to send galleys or other edited forms of manuscripts to authors. Manuscript submission implies that authors agree with our policies. Learning Circuits cannot pay for manuscripts. Published articles from professionals are considered contributions to the field.

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